FACTS & STATS: Site: Arizona Stadium (57,400) -- Tucson, Arizona. Television: None. Home Record: Toledo 0-0, Arizona 1-0. Away Record: Toledo 0-0, Arizona 0-0. Neutral Record: Toledo 0-0, Arizona 0-0. Conference Record: Toledo 0-0, Arizona 0-0. Series Record: Arizona leads, 1-0.
GAME NOTES: Coming off an offensive outburst in their opener, the Arizona Wildcats turn their attention to the Toledo Rockets for a non-conference clash in Tucson.
Toledo was idle in week one, so this will be the Rockets' first test of the season. And they can't wait to get started, after coming off the program's second losing campaign since 1993. However, a return to prominence would seem likely with 15 returning starters, including four All-MAC performers.
Arizona rolled to a 70-0 win over Idaho last weekend. The 70 points were the most the Wildcats have scored in 87 years. Last season, they finished under .500 for the seventh time in the last eight years, so another big week could ease some tension in Tucson.
Arizona won the only previous meeting with Toledo back in 1985.
The strength of the Toledo offense would appear to be a passing game that's highlighted by all-conference receivers Stephen Williams (73 rec., 1,169 yards, seven TDs) and Nick Moore (60 rec., 731 yards, eight TDs). While the talent certainly is there, keep in mind Toledo had quite a bit of success on the ground last year, averaging 200 ypg. However, after a 5-7 season, coach Tom Amstutz knows he has to re-evaluate pretty much everything. And thats especially true when taking into account the graduation of leading returning rusher Jalen Parmele. Assuming the reins in the backfield is junior DeJuan Collins, who rushed for 636 yards and seven TDs in backup duty last year. Aaron Opelt is back at quarterback after a subpar season. Opelt completed just 57.8 percent of his passes and averaged 195 ypg, while tallying 12 TDs and seven INTs.
Its tough to gauge where the Rockets stand on defense, especially after so many key injuries last season. There are quite a few veterans on this years team, including All-MAC safety Barry Church. Free Safety Tyrrell Herbert and defensive tackle Sean Williamson, who both started in 2006, return after missing all of last year. Even with those two back, the Rockets defense still has a ways to go. After all, they did give up 39.3 ppg and were gashed for 215 ypg on the ground last year.
In all, nine starters are back, which gives coach Amstutz reason to believe his defense will play as a more cohesive unit. Archie Donald, who made six starts as a freshman, returns to bolster the linebacking corps after missing all of last season due to academic troubles. He'll join Lester Richmond (team- high 97 tackles in '07) to form what should be an improved unit, while all four starters return in the secondary.
The Wildcats demonstrated the ability to score points quickly against Idaho. In all, they racked up 521 total yards and 27 first downs. Willie Tuitama was very efficient, completing 17-of-21 passes for 179 yards and three touchdowns. It was a great sign for Wildcats fans, in that Tuitama is working in his second year in Sonny Dykes offensive scheme. Tuitama picked up the system rather quickly last year, completing 62.4 percent of his passes for 3,683 yards and 28 TDs, and even more will be expected of him this year.
Nic Grigsby ran with purpose against Idaho, carrying 19 times for 169 yards and two scores. Mike Thomas (83 catches, 1,038 yards, 11 TDs in '07) caught a five-yard touchdown pass in the first quarter, showing that he is also ready for big things this fall.
The Arizona defense was dominant throughout last week's rout. The Wildcats allowed the Vandals only 112 total yards and seven first downs. And they repeatedly set the table for the offense by coming away with four interceptions, which led to four touchdowns. Granted, they had their way with a lesser Idaho team. But for an Arizona defense that allowed 26.8 ppg last year and returns only three starters, the key will be sustaining the effort this weekend. The Idaho passing attack managed just 48 yards.
While Opelt is no Chase Daniel, he is all but certain to put up better numbers, especially with a solid wideout tandem at his disposal.
Matchup-wise, this is a good litmus test for both teams. Arizona has the nations highest scoring offense after one week, but that isn't likely to persist. Meanwhile, Toledo has had all offseason to prepare for this bout, although the Rockets probably didn't spot too many weaknesses in film after the Idaho game. Wildcats coach Mike Stoops knows Opelt can't match Tuitama in a shootout, so he'll likely have no qualms about airing it out.
Sports Network Predicted Outcome: Arizona 45, Toledo 20
Game Date and Time
Saturday, September 6th, 10:00 p.m. (et).
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