Wildcats runners limited as o-line still learning

TUCSON The holes will eventually come. Somewhere, somehow Arizona's running backs will find those gaps and go. So far, it's been like fitting a marble into a coin slot. Arizona's ground game has been, well, grounded. Yet, Keola Antolin and Ka'Deem Carey feel it coming. At least there's always hope. In fact, the running game has been toothless and lifeless through three games this season for Arizona. But, they also stress "patience" to the fans and perhaps to themselves. Eventually, Arizona will have a running game to go with its passing game. It's more of a "when" and not so much an "if", they say in so many words. They are seeing slivers of success. "We're being patient," said Antolin, UA's senior runner who through three games has 132 yards on 28 carries. "We have a young offensive line. But I've seen (improvements) from the first game to the third game. They will come around eventually." And move to the front page from the puzzle page. As Arizona gets ready for No. 13 Oregon (2-1) now would be a good time to show something. If there's one thing the offense needs, it's a boost from the backfield. Or, at least a mood-lifting jolt. Through three games, Arizona has gained just 167 rushing yards on 64 carries. It's a disappointing 2.6 yards per carry. For the past two week, Arizona coach Mike Stoops has said he needs to make it an emphasis. Clearly, it hasn't been a priority. Now, something's got to give. "That's something we need to look at and something we need to continue to do," Foles said of going to the ground more. "You've got to run the ball and give our backs room to run. "Week by week we've shown some improvements. But this week we have to show a lot of improvement. You can see what the guys can do when they get free. I think our offensive line is starting to understand that. The big guys will be ready." It's easier said than done. Otherwise, Arizona would have done it already. What gives Arizona hope are the little breakout victories. Antolin had a couple of double-digit runs, one for 31 yards on Saturday against Stanford. Carey had one for 12 yards. Small victories to be sure, but Arizona needs those right now. Anything to wake up the running game. "As long as we get a push up front," said Carey, who has 103 yards rushing on 21 carries. "We need to work together." As in the offensive line needs to open the holes and the backs need to get through them. Of course, the opponent has something to do with it. Top 10 teams aren't the best to go against and the last two weeks, Arizona has done poorly against them Oklahoma State (41 yards) and Stanford (51 yards), which, of course, brings cause for pause. "We know they are working hard up front," Antolin said. "We have to have patience." And have some optimism. That's exactly what running backs coach Garret Chachere has entering Saturday's game. As a coach at any level you can never live without hope. "I think the guys themselves have played at the same level every week, which is really at a high level," said Chachere. "When they have gotten their chance to run the ball, and gotten a little space to do something with it, the thing I've been the most proud of is that they will make the first person miss - actually making that person miss or breaking that tackle. "When they get going, they get churning pretty good. I have been pleased with their attention to detail, and their pass protection for the past three weeks has been fantastic." It's an area Carey feels he's improving in every day. After all, it was his biggest weakness coming into Arizona, despite being lauded as the next great running back with local ties. He's a Canyon Del Oro graduate. "I've found it to be fun," Carey said of blocking "I like making the big block. It's a great feeling." A breakaway for a touchdown or two would feel great, too. If that happens Saturday, it would be his first. And Antolin's second. That's how desert-dry Arizona's running game has been. "Those moments will come eventually," Antolin said.