by Ryan Finley - Sept. 18, 2012 08:07 PM
Arizona Daily Star
TUCSON - The University of Arizona is a heavy underdog entering Saturday's Pac-12 opener at No. 3 Oregon.
Don't expect Rich Rodriguez to necessarily argue. Arizona's first-year coach knows more than most about the Ducks' strengths. And though the 22nd-ranked Wildcats' 3-0 start has opened eyes, the Ducks are on a different level.
Rodriguez has emphasized relevance over the first three weeks of the season.
"But we're realistic, too," Rodriguez said Monday. "We've won two games against teams most people thought we'd (beat), and one game most people thought we wouldn't win.
"Our guys aren't going to BS anybody: We have to play pretty well and hope they play poor at times and give us a chance. We're not conceding anything. I'm just saying, that's the way it is."
Things don't get much tougher than Saturday's game.
The Ducks -- who are listed as a 231/2-point favorite over the Wildcats -- blew through their first three opponents by a total score of 162-73.
Oregon's starters have played roughly half the time, in part because none of the games has been particularly close.
"This is a process that's been fun for three weeks, but our guys know we've got a lot of work to do," Rodriguez said. "And this is a big test."
Rodriguez: Thomas NFL-ready
The UA defense must stop Oregon's speedy backs and receivers to have any chance at an upset.
None is faster than De'Anthony Thomas: In three games, Thomas has rushed 13 times for 228 yards and caught 11 passes for 154 yards. Seven of his 24 touches this season have resulted in touchdowns.
Thomas, a sophomore from Los Angeles, amassed 222 total yards of offense in the Ducks' win over Tennessee Tech last weekend.
"They'll hand him the ball, they'll throw it to him, he returns kicks, he returns punts," Rodriguez said.
UA safety Jared Tevis called Thomas "really explosive" and a guy who "has multiple big plays every game."
Rodriguez said the Ducks' do-everything player is NFL-ready.
"Can he come out early?" Rodriguez said. "De'Anthony, you've proven enough. It's time to go to the NFL. Maybe he can go before Saturday."
Getting deeper
Defensive end Dan Pettinato and linebacker Hank Hobson received good reviews for their performances Saturday in UA's 56-0 victory over South Carolina State. Pettinato (knee) and Hobson (shoulder) missed Weeks 1 and 2 because of injuries.
Arizona will need both players healthy and productive to hang with Oregon and other Pac-12 opponents. They play arguably the Wildcats' two thinnest positions.
"They're healthier, and there shouldn't be any restrictions," Rodriguez said. "It looks like both of those guys are 100 percent going forward, and that helps, particularly with our lack of depth defensively. We need a couple more guys who can play."
Fresh starts
Through three games, nine of the Wildcats' 22 true freshmen on scholarship have made their college debuts, essentially eliminating them from redshirt consideration.
Linebackers Dakota Conwell,C.J. Dozier,Keoni Bush-Loo and Anthony Lopez; safeties Will Parks,Wayne Capers Jr. and Jamar Allah; running back J.T. Washington; and offensive lineman Cayman Bundage all figure to play more as the season progresses.
Rodriguez said he won't hesitate to change redshirt plans if there's a need.
19 Sep, 2012
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Source: http://www.azcentral.com/sports/articles/2012/09/18/20120918arizona-wildcats-face-stern-test-pac-opener.html
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