Wildcats send seniors off on high note

TUCSON There's a lot to like for 2012 and the Arizona Wildcat football team. It'll go into next season with a two-game winning streak and a lot of hope for the future under new coach Rich Rodriguez. "Like I told the kids (on Saturday), I think there is a bright and sturdy foundation," said Tim Kish, who finished up his duties as interim coach in Arizona's 45-37 win over Louisiana-Lafayette. "With Matt Scott coming here at quarterback and taking over the reins is a positive thing. I'm excited about him and the offensive line is going to get better and better. I think the future here is very, very bright." Arizona finished 4-8 overall. It's the depth chart that will tell all. There are 19 juniors or younger on the depth chart, with more soon-to-be-healthy players ready to find or earn their spots (junior safety Adam Hall, sophomore cornerback Jonathan McKnight, linebacker Jacke Fischer). Some of Arizona's potential showed on Saturday afternoon at Arizona Stadium with sophomore Daniel Jenkins rushing for 48 yards (and a touchdown) and catching four passes for 26 yards. Junior wide receiver Terrence Miller caught four passes for 54 yards. Freshman Tra'Mayne Bondurant had six tackles and many more underclassmen filled in and found their spots. But it was a day of senior moments, or at least provided the main highlights as they made the most of their final opportunities. Senior Juron Criner became the school's all-time leader in touchdown catches, catching two in the season finale. He finished with 32 for his career. Criner said he was unaware the record stood for more than 35 years. He's just happy to have it. "I feel like I finished like I should have," said Criner, who had 75 catches for his career, including nine on Saturday. "There was a lot I wasn't able to do or that I didn't leave on the field due to injuries. But I feel I played my heart out every game." It's not debatable whether senior quarterback Nick Foles didn't ever show up and compete. He always did. On Saturday, he played through the pain of bruised ribs, throwing three touchdown passes to tie the school record for a career with 67. Kish called Foles "a warrior" in his effort. Foles finished with 352 passing yards, hitting 33 of 43 attempts. "Not many people know of the situation he is in right now with his rib," said Kish. "But I'm very sure he shouldn't have played as much as he did. Nick was definitely not following through with his passes. He couldn't. And at halftime, when I asked him if he wanted to sit out, it wasn't even a question. He was going back out." Foles wanted to finish what he didn't start. But that, too, was his call. In a show of friendship and loyalty, he askedtold Kish if senior quarterback Bryson Beirne could start the game because of his commitment to the team. Beirne had the game-winning touchdown pass against Arizona State. "He deserved it," Foles said. "He's gone through so much throughout out his career. He's a heck of person. He's worked his butt off for five years." And the seniors will go out winners, something Criner feels will continue under Rodriguez. "We had a lot of potential this year but a lot of things didn't go our way," said Criner. "But with the fresh start and if they come clicking on all cylinders, they will have a nice year." From what he was able to see Rodriguez said he liked what he saw, adding that most of his evaluations will come in spring practice. He also understands the transition from former coach Mike Stoops to him won't be easy. "But the sooner they buy in and understand the change is here, and everybody embraces it, the better off we will be," Rodriguez said, during halftime of Saturday's game in a short meeting with the media. Rodriguez, who was introduced to the team shortly after being introduced as the school's head coach earlier this week, said the meeting "was good." "This staff has done a remarkable job, and the staff and Mike Stoops should be commended," said Rodriguez. "It's a good group of kids. What (will help with) the transition is for the upperclassmen to band together and say, it's going to be tough, but everything will be OK.' I think once they give me a chance and our staff a chance they will be OK." Rodriguez said it'll be at least another week or so before he starts to put his coaching staff together, adding he'll look at current UA coaches. "Some have to be the right fit," Rodriguez said. For a day in Arizona Stadium, the fit was perfect as Arizona finished the season. NOTES UA freshman Ka'Deem Carey did not play on Saturday after suffering a concussion on Tuesday. The injury wasn't disclosed until Saturday. Criner had a team-leading 75 catches but started off the season with plenty of question marks after having "personal and family issues to begin camp. "With the ups and downs you have to let bygones be bygones," said Criner. "You are always going to have ups and downs but when the downs come, you have to have more ups to get up with."