Arizona Desert Swarm: All Posts by Kevin ZimmermanYour No. 1 free source for all things Arizona Wildcatshttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/46873/ds-fave.png2014-12-13T09:54:55-08:00https://www.azdesertswarm.com/authors/kevin-zimmerman/rss2014-12-13T09:54:55-08:002014-12-13T09:54:55-08:00How Arizona can beat Michigan
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<figcaption>Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Michigan has lost to NJIT and Eastern Michigan heading into the game against the Wildcats, but that doesn't mean it'll be an easy time for Sean Miller's team.</p> <p>Sean Miller has not only recruited as well as anyone not named John Calipari in recent years. He's recruited with balance.</p>
<p>Few programs have been able to sell themselves as Point Guard U and Point Forward U quite as well as the <a href="https://www.azdesertswarm.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Arizona Wildcats</a>. With <span>Sidiki Johnson</span>, <span>Kaleb Tarczewski</span> and now <span>Dusan Ristic</span>, Miller has even gone out of his way literally -- to New York, New England and overseas -- to recruit true big men.</p>
<p>That brings us to the Wildcats' opponent on Saturday, the <a href="https://www.maizenbrew.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Michigan Wolverines</a>. While John Beilein has brought an uptick to a program that for a while fell on hard times, his recruiting efforts have left this year's team without many capable bigs. At least, not right now.</p>
<p>The 2012 class included only <span>Mitch McGary</span>, who is now riding the bench in Oklahoma City with former Arizona forward Grant Jerrett. The next year's class included power forward <span>Mark Donnal</span>, who redshirted and is now seeing limited minutes, albeit as an undersized, 6'7, 245 pound starting center. In 2014, Beilein pulled freshman big <span>Ricky Doyle</span> and forward <span>D.J. Wilson</span>. Wilson has not seen much time this year while the 6'9 Doyle has been fairly productive off the bench.</p>
<p>Long story short, the Wolverines shy away from playing with much size. It's a transitional period for the bigs they do have.</p>
<p>Part of it is that Beilein's best players, far and away, happen to be on the perimeter. But there's no doubt Michigan would like the luxury to be able to match up with teams like Arizona, or for that matter Eastern Michigan, which outrebounded the Wolverines by nine in an upset win last week, leading to the second of two major upsets against Beilein's squad.</p>
<h4>Breaking down the losses</h4>
<p><b>NJIT: </b>Last Saturday, now-4-6 NJIT dropped a then-No.17 Michigan squad 72-70 by shooting 59 percent from the floor and hitting 11-of-17 threes. A freeflowing game allowed the Wolverines, who shot 43 percent, to hang despite not outrebounding another undersized squad and despite Irvin going 2-for-11. Still, it was as painful as they come. NJIT followed up the victory in Ann Arbor with a two-point win against St. Francis New York before a 10-point loss to Holy Cross.</p>
<p><b>Eastern Michigan: </b>It was a different feel than the NJIT loss. LeVert, and Irvin struggled to score 10 points each (that still led the team) while the Wolverines held their opponents to 33 percent shooting while forcing 17 turnovers. The rebounding was <i>that </i>atrocious. Resume-wise, this wasn't as bad as the NJIT loss. Eastern Michigan is 8-1 and had its only loss, a nine-point defeat, against Archie Miller's Dayton squad.</p>
<h4>Who to watch</h4>
<p><b><span>Caris LeVert</span>: </b>The newest character at the swingman factory at Michigan, Levert is averaging 17.7 points per game and knocking down 49 percent from three-point range. He had a standout performance behind <span>Glenn Robinson III</span> last year when Arizona visited, scoring 15 points. <span>Rondae Hollis-Jefferson</span> and <span>Stanley Johnson</span> will have to stick to the 6'6 swingman.</p>
<p><b><span>Zak Irvin</span>: </b>Irvin is to LeVert as to LeVert was to Robinson a year ago. Averaging 15.4 points, the sophomore gets to the rim as frequently as LeVert (as in, not all that frequently) and is more of a spot-up shooter than an off-the-dribble type in this offense. He does shoot more three than LeVert in that role, taking nearly eight per game.</p>
<h4>So how do the Wildcats win?</h4>
<p>For all Michigan's issues, this is still a dangerous game for Arizona. The Wolverines still have the ability to space the floor with LeVert, Irvin, Derrick Walton Jr. and backup point guard <span>Spike Albrecht</span>, all very capable shooters.</p>
<p>The Wildcats haven't done anything but enforce their own sets of rules during games by slowing the pace and making teams work for their shots, and the Wolverines haven't proved they are patient enough to shake free of a defense's grasp on offense. But the Wildcats have to understand that Beilein has coached up very, very good offenses before, and Arizona can only hope the ball isn't swinging like it was last year. After detailing all of that, it will be on Miller's bigs to make the difference.</p>
<p>Johnson and Hollis-Jefferson haven't lacked effort in defending, but Kaleb Tarczewski and <span>Brandon Ashley</span> have to be ready to make an impact against a young group of big men. If Michigan can roll with a perimeter-oriented lineup and Arizona can't use its size to make that a bad idea, this could end up being a game.</p>
<h4>Something we'd like to see</h4>
<p><span>T.J. McConnell</span> has been the pride of Sean Miller, and his role is not going to change. Still, it's a wonder why, for a few games now, he's struggled to initiate an effective offense for long stretches. <span>Parker Jackson-Cartwright</span> has stepped in to produce a more free-flowing game, and he should see more time. That, or McConnell finds a way to get things humming.</p>
<h4>Time</h4>
<p>3:15 p.m. MST</p>
<h3>TV</h3>
<p>ESPN</p>
https://www.azdesertswarm.com/basketball/2014/12/13/7387309/michigan-vs-arizona-time-tv-previewKevin Zimmerman2014-12-09T12:02:29-08:002014-12-09T12:02:29-08:00Arizona hosts Utah Valley for a tuneup
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<figcaption>Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Arizona should use Tuesday night as a tuneup for a Saturday showdown against Michigan.</p> <p>For the second week in a row, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.azdesertswarm.com/">Arizona Wildcats</a> can include their mid-week game as a means of preparation for a big Saturday showdown. The Wildcats finally got hot in the second half to roll Gardner-Webb last week before edging past No. 9 Gonzaga, and Tuesday they hope a matchup against Utah Valley likewise produces some learning lessons to take on Michigan over the weekend.</p>
<p>Utah Valley visits McKale Center on a three-game losing streak. The Wolverines have lost to UC-Davis, Sacramento State and Montana State, and they also have a loss to Eastern Washington.</p>
<p>Arizona will have a significant advantage in the size department. <span>Kaleb Tarczewski</span> will face a unique challenge of chasing around <span>Zach Nelson</span>, a 6'7 big man listed as a center. Nelson leads the team in rebounding (6.6 rebounds per game) but also leads the team as a three-point shooter who hits 39 percent of his treys. The Wildcats won't have to worry about much else on the perimeter considering no other rotation player for the Wolverines shoots better than 33 percent from deep (though the same could've been said about Gardner-Webb before point guard <span>Tyler Strange</span> drilled five triples against the Wildcats).</p>
<p>Utah Valley runs out several wings alongside Nelson. 6'5 swingman <span>Mitch Bruneel</span> leads UVU with 12.6 points per game, and guard <span>Marcel Davis</span> and Nelson average just less than 10 points per game each.</p>
<h4>Into the numbers</h4>
<p>The Wolverines could be in a bind considering they don't score well from the perimeter or at the rim. They shoot just 56.6 percent at the rim, 34 percent on two-point jumpers and 30 percent from three, <a href="http://hoop-math.com/UtahValley2015.php" target="_blank">according to Hoop-Math.com.</a></p>
<p>Nelson is by far the most efficient player on the team, while Bruneel comes in a close second. Bruneel excels in the midrange, where he shoots 56 percent on two-point jumpers. Expect heavy doses of Stanley Johnson and <span>Rondae Hollis-Jefferson</span> on him, but after that, it could be quite tough for the Wolverines to score.</p>
<h4>Matchup to watch</h4>
<p>Tarczewski may not be comfortable hanging with Nelson, and <span>Brandon Ashley</span> might see extended minutes on the floor-spacing big man. How Sean Miller decides to use his rotation will be interesting because of how small the Wolverines are: does Arizona attempt to outmuscle them with size or do they match up and go small?</p>
<h4>What Arizona can learn</h4>
<p>The halfcourt offense for Arizona has been up and down. The Wildcats haven't gotten into transition often this year, but from a pure athleticism standpoint could do so against Utah Valley.</p>
<p>That said, Miller would probably like to see how his team runs its halfcourt offense. <span>T.J. McConnell</span> had a rocky game against the Zags before hitting big shots late, and he needs to be more aggressive to set up himself or teammates. Arguably, the Wildcats looked just as or more functional when <span>Gabe York</span> or Parker Jackson-Cartwright were running the offense in brief spurts against Gonzaga.</p>
<h3>Time</h3>
<p>7 p.m. MST</p>
<h3>TV</h3>
<p>Pac-12 Networks</p>
https://www.azdesertswarm.com/2014/12/9/7361487/utah-valley-vs-arizona-basketball-time-tv-scouting-reportKevin Zimmerman2014-12-07T11:57:08-08:002014-12-07T11:57:08-08:00Arizona gets to Fiesta after all
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<p>The Arizona Wildcats finished No. 10 in the nation and will face the champions of the Mountain West Conference.</p> <p>The <a href="https://www.azdesertswarm.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Arizona Wildcats</a> are going bowling 100-sum miles up the road. Arizona will face No. 20 Boise State in the 2014 Fiesta Bowl on New Year's Eve in Glendale, Ariz.</p>
<p>Arizona looked like a lock for the Fiesta Bowl heading into the Pac-12 Championship game, but a 51-13 loss to the <a href="https://www.addictedtoquack.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Oregon Ducks</a> put a cloud over whether how far the Wildcats would fall in the national perspective. It turns out the Wildcats fell to No. 11 in the Coaches Poll and No. 12 in the USA Today, but they remained in the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.azdesertswarm.com/2014/12/7/7348403/college-football-rankings-2014-arizona-finishes-polls">top-10 in the eyes of the College Football Playoff committee</a>.</p>
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<p>The Wildcats finished the season 10-3 with a 17-7 loss to UCLA, a <a target="_blank" href="http://www.azdesertswarm.com/football/2014/10/11/6963759/usc-vs-arizona-final-score-wildcats-comeback-not-enough">28-26 defeat via missed field goal against USC</a> and the defeat at the hands of Oregon. Their win against the Ducks earlier in the season, plus wins over ranked Utah and Arizona State to end the season, held plenty of weight in the eyes of the football playoff committee.</p>
<p>From an economic perspective, the Fiesta Bowl already has proof Boise State can sell tickets in the Phoenix metro area from the 2007 Fiesta Bowl win over Oklahoma and the 2010 Fiesta Bowl win against TCU.</p>
<p>There was indeed worry the Fiesta Bowl would want to select a team outside of Arizona to maximize the economical impact. Nonetheless, the large Arizona fan base already in the Valley of the Sun carries its own weight.</p>
<p>And of course, the news couldn't come without mentioning this:</p>
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https://www.azdesertswarm.com/2014/12/7/7348943/2014-fiesta-bowl-selects-arizona-to-face-boise-stateKevin Zimmerman2014-12-07T11:36:32-08:002014-12-07T11:36:32-08:00The final rankings: Coaches vote Arizona 11th
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<figcaption>Brian Bahr/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The Arizona Wildcats' loss to the Oregon Ducks in the Pac-12 Championship dropped them down the rankings.</p> <p>The <a href="https://www.azdesertswarm.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Arizona Wildcats</a> finish their 2014 season with a 10-3 record and after a 51-13 loss to the <a href="https://www.addictedtoquack.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Oregon Ducks</a> in the Pac-12 Championship game close the year 10th in the College Football Playoff.</p>
<p>Rich Rodriguez's team finished 11th in the AP Poll and 12th in the Coaches Poll, but the CFP committee keeping UA in the top-10 certainly is good news for the upcoming bowl announcements. The College Football Playoff committee ranked the football playoff group of four and has yet to announce the remaining teams in the top-25.</p>
<p>Arizona earned votes as high as seventh in the coaches poll and as low as 17 (Les Miles, Steve Spurrier and Bret Bielema, thethree coaches who voted the Wildcats 17th, <a style="background-color: #ffffff;" target="_blank" href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.usatoday.com%2Fsports%2Fncaaf%2Fballots%2Fschools%2F2014%2F&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.azdesertswarm.com%2F2014%2F12%2F7%2F7348403%2Fcollege-football-rankings-2014-arizona-finishes-polls" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener">were from the SEC</a>).</p>
<p>The bowl selections will begin rolling out Sunday afternoon with Arizona hoping it can garner interest from the Fiesta Bowl.</p>
<p>If the Wildcats aren't selected to attend the Fiesta Bowl in Glendale, Ariz., then it's possible they could end up in the Cotton Bowl or Alamo Bowl. Greg Byrne said he didn't have an idea where Arizona would land but he wasn't pushing for any one over the other, via Twitter.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck">
<p>All <a href="https://twitter.com/AZATHLETICS">@AZATHLETICS</a> fans. At this point I don't know where we will end up for our bowl game but I think we have a shot w/ the <a href="https://twitter.com/FiestaBowl">@FiestaBowl</a>.</p>
— Greg Byrne (@Greg_Byrne) <a href="https://twitter.com/Greg_Byrne/status/541612240743325698">December 7, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck">
<p>If we end up in <a href="https://twitter.com/valeroalamobowl">@valeroalamobowl</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/HolidayBowlGame">@HolidayBowlGame</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/FosterFarmsBowl">@FosterFarmsBowl</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/HyundaiSunBowl">@HyundaiSunBowl</a> we need you there too. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BearDown?src=hash">#BearDown</a></p>
— Greg Byrne (@Greg_Byrne) <a href="https://twitter.com/Greg_Byrne/status/541612404983865344">December 7, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<h4>College football rankings</h4>
<table border="1" dir="ltr" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">
<colgroup> <col width="30"> <col width="100"> <col width="100"> <col width="100"> <col width="100"> </colgroup>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Playoff"]'><b>Playoff</b></td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"AP"]'><b>AP</b></td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Coaches"]'><b>Coaches</b></td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Massey composite"]'><b><a href="http://www.masseyratings.com/cf/compare.htm" target="_new">Massey computer composite</a></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1]">1</td>
<td>Alabama</td>
<td>Alabama</td>
<td>Alabama</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,2,">Alabama</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,2]">2</td>
<td>Oregon</td>
<td>Florida State</td>
<td>Florida State</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,2,">Oregon</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,3]">3</td>
<td>Florida State</td>
<td>Oregon</td>
<td>Oregon</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,2,">TCU</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,4]">4</td>
<td>Ohio State</td>
<td>Baylor</td>
<td>Ohio State</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,2,">Ohio State</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,5]">5</td>
<td>Baylor</td>
<td>Ohio State</td>
<td>Baylor</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,2,">Florida State</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,6]">6</td>
<td>TCU</td>
<td>TCU</td>
<td>TCU</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,2,">Baylor</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,7]">7</td>
<td>Mississippi State</td>
<td>Michigan State</td>
<td>Michigan State</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,2,">Ole Miss</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,8]">8</td>
<td>Michigan State</td>
<td>Mississippi State</td>
<td>Mississippi State</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,2,">Mississippi State</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,9]">9</td>
<td>Ole Miss</td>
<td>Ole Miss</td>
<td>Georgia Tech</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,2,">Michigan State</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,10]">10</td>
<td>Arizona</td>
<td>Georgia Tech</td>
<td>Kansas State</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,2,">Georgia</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,11]">11</td>
<td>Kansas State</td>
<td>Kansas State</td>
<td>Arizona</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,2,">Auburn</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,12]">12</td>
<td>Georgia Tech</td>
<td>Arizona</td>
<td>Ole Miss</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,2,">Kansas State</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,13]">13</td>
<td>Georgia</td>
<td>Georgia</td>
<td>Georgia</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,2,">Georgia Tech</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,14]">14</td>
<td>UCLA</td>
<td>UCLA</td>
<td>Missouri</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,2,">UCLA</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,15]">15</td>
<td>Arizona State</td>
<td>Arizona State</td>
<td>UCLA</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,2,">Wisconsin</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,16]">16</td>
<td>Missouri</td>
<td>Missouri</td>
<td>Arizona State</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,2,">Missouri</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,17]">17</td>
<td>Clemson</td>
<td>Wisconsin</td>
<td>Wisconsin</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,2,">Arizona</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,18]">18</td>
<td>Wisconsin</td>
<td>Clemson</td>
<td>Clemson</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,2,">LSU</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,19]">19</td>
<td>Auburn</td>
<td>Auburn</td>
<td>Auburn</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,2,">Oklahoma</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,20]">20</td>
<td>Boise State</td>
<td>Louisville</td>
<td>Louisville</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,2,">Clemson</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,21]">21</td>
<td>Louisville</td>
<td>Boise State</td>
<td>Boise State</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,2,">Arizona State</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,22]">22</td>
<td>Utah</td>
<td>LSU</td>
<td>Nebraska</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,2,">Boise State</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,23]">23</td>
<td>LSU</td>
<td>Utah</td>
<td>LSU</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,2,">USC</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,24]">24</td>
<td>USC</td>
<td>USC</td>
<td>Oklahoma</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,2,">Louisville</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,25]">25</td>
<td>Minnesota</td>
<td>Nebraska</td>
<td>Utah</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,2,">Nebraska</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h5><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2014/12/7/7347525/college-football-rankings-top-25-playoff-ap-coaches" target="_new"><em>For more on the rankings, visit SBNation.com</em></a></h5>
https://www.azdesertswarm.com/2014/12/7/7348403/college-football-rankings-2014-arizona-finishes-pollsKevin Zimmerman2014-12-06T17:03:59-08:002014-12-06T17:03:59-08:00Arizona 66, Gonzaga 63: Ashley, UA grind out win
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<figcaption>Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Brandon Ashley scored 14 points and the No.3 Arizona basketball team turned to defense to edge out the No. 9 Gonzaga Bulldogs.</p> <p>It's obvious enough at this point the <a href="https://www.azdesertswarm.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Arizona Wildcats</a> aren't offensive juggernauts. A roster constructed to be a dominant defensive group is certainly that, but the other side of the coin is that there are limits to the Arizona offense. The <a href="https://www.azdesertswarm.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Wildcats</a> probably understand that, so as many negative takeaways as there were in a 66-63 overtime win against No. 9 <a href="https://www.slipperstillfits.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Gonzaga Bulldogs</a>, there's also this.</p>
<p>Sean Miller's team knows how to win, and it has done so in close games.</p>
<p>Arizona led by three points with seconds remaining in overtime, but <span>Byron Wesley</span> caught a tipped offensive rebound atop the three-point arc with seconds left. <span>Elliott Pitts</span>, who appeared to go straight up, was called for a questionable foul with Wesley leaning into him, but Wesley missed all three of the ensuing free throws as the Wildcats extended their home winning streak to 26 games.</p>
<p>Arizona allowed just one field goal in the final 9:05 of the game, and that was a desperate, contested three by guard Kevin Pangos over Rondae Hollis-Jefferson.</p>
<p>Gonzaga led 33-29 four minutes into the second half when the game reached the point of testiness. Domantas Sabonis, the son of former NBA center Arvydas Sabonis, grabbed a rebound behind Ashley's back and pulled down the Arizona forward on what was called a jump ball.</p>
<p>It woke Arizona up. Point guard <span>T.J. McConnell</span>, who struggled in many facets, ripped Pangos on the ensuing inbound pass after the timeout and scored on a layup. That was the turning point for Arizona's point guard, who remained assist-less well into the second half.</p>
<p>When McConnell sat in the middle of the second half, Arizona's offense even picked up with Parker Jackson-Cartwright pushing the ball off misses or makes. But McConnell would have his impact later on. He scored two Arizona buckets in overtime and did his part for a defense that held the Bulldogs to 39.7 percent shooting on the afternoon. Of course, Arizona wouldn't have been in position to be forced into a second overtime late had McConnell not gone 2-for-4 from the foul stripe in the overtime.</p>
<p>Still, the Wildcats survived.</p>
<p>Arizona trailed by as many as six and never led from the eight-minute mark in the first half through 32 seconds into overtime. The Wildcats made a push with eight minutes left, when freshman Stanley Johnson stole the ball from <span>Przemek Karnowski</span> and hit an open three out of a post pass from Tarczewski that made it a 52-50 Zags lead.</p>
<p>Gonzaga extended the lead back out to six points soon after, but <span>Brandon Ashley</span> scored once on a secondary break and twice on mid-range jumpers, and Arizona's defense clamped down to tie it at 60 with 1:14 left.</p>
<p>Then it was on to overtime, where the Wildcats looked plenty comfortable grinding out their eighth win of the year.</p>
<p><b>Still no transition offense: </b>A few times, Arizona got into transition. That's what saw UA beat Gonzaga in the NCAA Tournament this past March, but as it's been all year against power conference teams, it was rare for Arizona -- McConnell's group especially -- to get easy buckets off out early offense. The Wildcats may continue to struggle getting into transition offense, but the good news is they're learning how to play in tight games. If the former comes around as the season progresses, it'll mean good things.</p>
<p><b>The call of the game: </b>Sean Miller found Gonzaga attacking Arizona in the pick-and-roll, using <span>Kyle Wiltjer</span> to pop for open jumper as Arizona failed to recover. The Wildcats made a key change, switching screens when they could and accepting they might get a power forward posting up Hollis-Jefferson or Johnson. That helped keep <span>Kevin Pangos</span> and Gary Bell Jr. in front of them. Pangos went 3-for-10 and finished with eight points, six dimes and four turnovers. Hollis-Jefferson might have even seen more time on Pangos than McConnell, who was moved onto Bell Jr. to keep the slashing guard out of the paint.</p>
<p><b>Pitts steps up: </b>His box score didn't do his performance justice. While Gabe York was caught sleeping on defense multiple times -- he was yanked early in both halves -- Pitts earned crunchtime minutes because of his defense. On the final play of regulation with seconds remaining, Pitts guarded the inbound pass but alertly closed out on Wiltjer, who caught the inbound in the corner and launched a three that would have won it.</p>
<p><b>Box score hero: </b>Ashley led Arizona with 14 points and hit both of his threes, plus two huge midrange jumpers late in the second half as the Wildcats closed a small deficit.</p>
https://www.azdesertswarm.com/2014/12/6/7346101/gonzaga-vs-arizona-final-score-brandon-ashleyKevin Zimmerman2014-12-05T22:24:20-08:002014-12-05T22:24:20-08:00Oregon uses Arizona to make a statement
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/5P3641p1qLhHB9bphq9T_CA_t2w=/0x120:3454x2423/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/44285712/usa-today-8251717.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Oregon Ducks drubbed the Arizona Wildcats 51-13 in the Pac-12 Championship game.</p> <p>Arizona lost to Oregon 51-13 in the Pac-12 Championship game, and even though it could be expressed as a disappointing ending for the <a style="background-color: #ffffff;" class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.azdesertswarm.com/">Wildcats</a> before the bowl season, it's hard to make this game about them. Their magical season ran out of luck, because as it is in college football, lightening doesn't strike twice, not to good football teams with something to prove.</p>
<p>This is a story about the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.addictedtoquack.com/">Oregon Ducks</a>, who used the past matchups against Arizona as easy motivation. That threat of mortality was enough reason to avoid a letdown. That part was easy.</p>
<p>But making a statement with Rich Rodriguez's team at their mercy? That looked that easy, too.</p>
<p>The Ducks didn't screw around by giving the College Football Playoff committee any apprehension moving forward. They did them a favor, keeping the Wildcats from leaping into the fray. Oregon also did itself a major favor, and now it's a question of whether such a pronounced victory will propel the Pac-12 champs into a more favorable position when the playoff starts.</p>
<p>For Arizona, the loss was ultimately over the first time the Wildcats touched the ball.</p>
<p><span>Tyrell Johnson</span> fumbled UA's first kickoff return, and while the Ducks struggled initially by settling for two field goals too many miscues made it inevitable the game would get out of hand. Oregon pitched a 23-0 shutout by halftime, and things didn't get better for the Wildcats in the second half.</p>
<p>Now it's on to wondering if the Wildcats will drop out of the conversation for the Fiesta Bowl, where many projected them to land even if they lost.</p>
<p>As the Ducks proved they were riding a Heisman favorite at quarterback, they also flexed a defensive muscle that had everything to do with recent wins against the physical teams that, before Arizona, were called Oregon's kryptonite. The Ducks overpower Stanford and Michigan State this season, using speed and physicality to stop balanced attacks. On Friday night in Levi's Stadium, they did the same.</p>
<p>Arizona running back <span>Nick Wilson</span> took 13 carries for just 26 yards, and UA's offense mustered 199 yards -- 86 on the ground and just 113 through the air. Quarterback Anu Solomon, forced into three-and-outs as the Wildcats went pass-happy once they were behind, completed just 6-of-12 passes for 36 yards. He had six runs for negative-23 yards, and he was pulled for the second half, when <span>Jesse Scroggins</span> passed for 79 yards; 69 came on a touchdown off a broken play as Oregon lost <span>Cayleb Jones</span> going deep.</p>
<p>Third-string quarterback <span>Jerrard Randall</span> would run the ball into the end zone as the clock ticked down with Oregon throwing for 326 yards and rushing for another 301 in total.</p>
<p>Yes, Arizona got more than tripled-up in yardage.</p>
<p>It's hard to imagine the Wildcats would have had any chance on Friday night, even if the offense was clicking and the defense didn't lose all of its tread on its tires by the end of the first half.</p>
<p>Mariota frustrated Arizona, dragging out plays. Instead of burning the Wildcats with his legs, he was keeping his passing options open. Only when he was close to the end zone was he aggressive with the zone reads. Arizona's secondary just couldn't run track meets with the Ducks.</p>
<p>That leaves RichRod and Co. wondering what went wrong. It's unfortunate the Wildcats were roasted on national television, but it's hard to imagine the game going differently. The Ducks had their marching orders all season long. They had to stay the course, even after a loss to Arizona. They had no choice but to prove they could wear on a rugged Spartans squad in the nonconference schedule. Then they had to prove Arizona didn't have their number.</p>
<p>Oregon used the Wildcats. That's just how it is.</p>
<p>The Wildcats probably got lucky with Mariota's injury last season and a broken offensive line earlier in 2014. It was lucky, just as lucky as when UCLA got drubbed by Stanford in the final week of the regular season, making the Duel in the Desert the play-in game for the championship match.</p>
<p>But hey, Arizona will take that luck. They might need to use whatever luck is left to get a favorable bowl bid.</p>
https://www.azdesertswarm.com/2014/12/5/7343695/arizona-vs-oregon-score-pac-12-championshipKevin Zimmerman2014-12-04T22:10:08-08:002014-12-04T22:10:08-08:00How to watch the Pac-12 Championship
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/4wU4n8XP48GMStXvbA32ycuBSxw=/62x0:4103x2694/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/44279972/usa-today-8121197.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Arizona football goes for a third win over the Oregon Ducks in three tries.</p> <p>Rich Rodriguez came to Arizona three years ago admitting he didn't know the city of Tucson well. Nobody blamed him. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.azdesertswarm.com/">Arizona Wildcats</a> fans were happy for a fresh, exciting start. Rodriguez's Michigan tenure went very differently -- he arrived with the fanbase questioning his Michigan-manness, if you don't remember.</p>
<p>And Rodriguez always wished he'd been able to bake the cake and eat it too. That was the analogy he used during his opening presser in Tucson: He gathered the ingredients in Ann Arbor, even put the cake in the oven.</p>
<p>He didn't ever get to eat.</p>
<p>At Arizona, he's about to get a taste of his first attempt. All along, he said the Wildcats could contend. After all, basketball, swimming, softball, baseball and other sports have succeeded in the Old Pueblo.</p>
<p>Why not football?</p>
<p>"My reaction is really like, at least we're known for something," Rodriguez said this week on the Pac-12 teleconference call. "The truth is we're good at a lot of sports. It's almost like, hey, if we're good at that ... I felt confident it could happen (in football), I just didn't know when."</p>
<p>Friday, the Wildcats head to Santa Clara, Calif., to face an Oregon team they have beaten twice in a row. Many believe <a href="http://www.azdesertswarm.com/2014/12/2/7324315/college-football-rankings-arizona-playoff-pac-12-championship" target="_blank">it's a straight play-in to the college football playoff,</a> even though Arizona stands No. 7 in the College football playoff rankings. The Wildcats could use help from a team like Wisconsin over Ohio State, but nonetheless, a win over the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.addictedtoquack.com/">Ducks</a> is obviously necessary for this conversation to continue.</p>
<p>The Wildcats will once again have to key on getting pressure on Oregon quarterback <span>Marcus Mariota</span>, who has struggled the last two times against UA -- an injury two games ago and offensive line injuries the last time out make it difficult to understand how it will go this time around. Oregon has a relatively healthy line at present, though center <span>Hroniss Grasu</span> is still questionable to play.</p>
<p>Rodriguez said Arizona must avoid over-scouting itself as it tries to remain a step ahead of the Ducks.</p>
<p>"You don't want to trick yourself, so-to-speak, you don't want to do things you can't execute," Rodriguez said. "You got to be careful, especially with a championship game, that you don't confuse your players too much. We've got to find that balance during the week."</p>
<p>Win or loss, the Wildcats have already reach heights unimagined at the beginning of the Rodriguez era, at the beginning of this year, and even heading into the final game of the year against Arizona State. Or maybe it wasn't that surprising to Rodriguez.</p>
<p>He's already getting to eat.</p>
<h3>Time</h3>
<p>7 p.m. MST</p>
<h3>TV</h3>
<p>FOX</p>
<h3>Reading material</h3>
<ul>
<li><span><a href="http://www.azdesertswarm.com/football/2014/12/4/7327131/arizona-vs-oregon-pac-12-championship-game-three-keys" target="_blank">Jason Bartels' final three keys for the Wildcats</a> -- Mat Kearney-themed for another round of good luck.</span></li>
<li><span><a href="http://www.azdesertswarm.com/football/2014/12/3/7329427/walter-camp-player-of-the-year-finalists-scooby-wright" target="_blank">Scooby Wright was named a Walter Camp POY finalist</a>. Obviously.</span></li>
<li><span><a href="http://www.azdesertswarm.com/2014/12/2/7324315/college-football-rankings-arizona-playoff-pac-12-championship" target="_blank">Is Arizona really playing for a spot in the College Football Playoff</a>? It appears so.</span></li>
<li><span>Health is on Arizona's side at the right time. <a href="http://www.azdesertswarm.com/football/2014/12/3/7327949/arizona-wildcats-football-injury-report-pac-12-championship-game" target="_blank">Here's the brief injury report</a>.</span></li>
<li><span>Again, for good luck, the <a href="http://www.azdesertswarm.com/2014/12/4/7338153/arizona-wearing-same-uniform-combo-vs-oregon-as-first-meeting" target="_blank">Wildcats are wearing the same uniform combination</a> they did against Oregon during the first go-around.</span></li>
<li><span>If you need off of work or school, <a href="http://www.azdesertswarm.com/2014/12/3/7330949/richrod-has-a-permission-slip-for-you-to-miss-work-school-friday" target="_blank">here's a permission slip for ya</a>.</span></li>
<li><span><a href="http://www.azdesertswarm.com/football/2014/12/3/7324487/arizona-wildcats-football-sani-fuimaono-q-and-a" target="_blank">Q&A with Sani Fuimaono</a>.</span></li>
<li><span>The <a href="http://www.azdesertswarm.com/football/2014/12/2/7321939/arizona-wildcats-football-offensive-line-gurrola-alsadek-baucus" target="_blank">offensive line is going out on top</a>.</span></li>
<li><span>This week's <a href="http://www.azdesertswarm.com/football/2014/12/2/7319265/pac-12-championship-game-podcast" target="_blank">Wildcat Radio podcast</a>, covering everything about the Pac-12 Championship game.</span></li>
<li><span>Some <a href="http://www.azdesertswarm.com/football/2014/12/1/7316123/arizona-wildcats-football-davonte-neal-tyrell-johnson" target="_blank">notes on the Wildcats' return game</a> led by DaVonte' Neal and <span>Tyrell Johnson</span>.</span></li>
</ul>
<h3><span>College football TV schedule</span></h3>
<ul>
<table class="schedule-table">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td class="day_break" colspan="5">Fri, Dec 5, 2014</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>7:00 PM ET<br><img src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/assets/3304171/espn-2-hd.png" class="tv_logo"><font class="tv-font">ESPN2</font>
</td>
<td><a target="_blank" href="http://www.hustlebelt.com"><img src="http://cdn2.vox-cdn.com/uploads/blog/sbnu_logo_minimal/318/large_hustlebelt.com.minimal.png" class="teamlogo">Northern Illinois</a></td>
<td>vs.<br><font class="neutral">(MAC Championship)</font>
</td>
<td><a target="_blank" href="http://www.hustlebelt.com"><img src="http://cdn2.vox-cdn.com/uploads/blog/sbnu_logo_minimal/318/large_hustlebelt.com.minimal.png" class="teamlogo">Bowling Green</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>9:00 PM ET<br><img src="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/3304347/Fox_hd.png" class="tv_logo"><font class="tv-font">FOX</font>
</td>
<td><a target="_blank" href="http://www.azdesertswarm.com/"><img src="http://cdn3.vox-cdn.com/uploads/blog/sbnu_logo_minimal/196/large_azdesertswarm.com.minimal.png" class="teamlogo"><b>(7)</b> Arizona</a></td>
<td>vs.<br><font class="neutral">(Pac-12 Championship)</font>
</td>
<td><a target="_blank" href="http://www.addictedtoquack.com/"><img src="http://cdn0.vox-cdn.com/uploads/blog/sbnu_logo_minimal/145/large_addictedtoquack.com.minimal.png" class="teamlogo"><b>(2)</b> Oregon</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="day_break" colspan="5">Sat, Dec 6, 2014</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>12:00 PM ET<br><img src="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/3304283/abc-hd.png" class="tv_logo"><font class="tv-font">ABC</font>
</td>
<td><a target="_blank" href="http://www.widerightnattylite.com/"><img src="http://cdn0.vox-cdn.com/uploads/blog/sbnu_logo_minimal/377/large_widerightnattylite.com.minimal.png" class="teamlogo">Iowa State</a></td>
<td>at</td>
<td><a target="_blank" href="http://www.frogsowar.com/"><img src="http://cdn1.vox-cdn.com/uploads/blog/sbnu_logo_minimal/366/large_frogsowar.com.minimal.png" class="teamlogo"><b>(3)</b> TCU</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>12:00 PM ET<br><img src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/assets/3304171/espn-2-hd.png" class="tv_logo"><font class="tv-font">ESPN2</font>
</td>
<td><a target="_blank" href="http://www.underdogdynasty.com"><img src="http://cdn3.vox-cdn.com/uploads/blog/sbnu_logo_minimal/448/large_underdog_lockup.0.png" class="teamlogo">Louisiana Tech</a></td>
<td>vs.<br><font class="neutral">(Conference USA Championship)</font>
</td>
<td><a target="_blank" href="http://www.underdogdynasty.com"><img src="http://cdn3.vox-cdn.com/uploads/blog/sbnu_logo_minimal/448/large_underdog_lockup.0.png" class="teamlogo">Marshall</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>12:00 PM ET<br><img src="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/3304155/espn_in_hd.png" class="tv_logo"><font class="tv-font">ESPN</font>
</td>
<td><a target="_blank" href="http://www.underdogdynasty.com"><img src="http://cdn3.vox-cdn.com/uploads/blog/sbnu_logo_minimal/448/large_underdog_lockup.0.png" class="teamlogo">Houston</a></td>
<td>at</td>
<td><a target="_blank" href="http://www.downthedrive.com/"><img src="http://cdn2.vox-cdn.com/uploads/blog/sbnu_logo_minimal/327/large_downthedrive.com.minimal.png" class="teamlogo">Cincinnati</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>12:00 PM ET<br><img src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/assets/3339593/CBS_Sports_Network_Logo.png" class="tv_logo"><font class="tv-font">CBSS</font>
</td>
<td><a target="_blank" href="http://www.underdogdynasty.com"><img src="http://cdn3.vox-cdn.com/uploads/blog/sbnu_logo_minimal/448/large_underdog_lockup.0.png" class="teamlogo">SMU</a></td>
<td>at</td>
<td><a target="_blank" href="http://www.theuconnblog.com/"><img src="http://cdn0.vox-cdn.com/uploads/blog/sbnu_logo_minimal/270/large_theuconnblog.com.minimal.png" class="teamlogo">Connecticut</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3:30 PM ET<br><img src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/assets/3304211/fs1.png" class="tv_logo"><font class="tv-font">FS1</font>
</td>
<td><a target="_blank" href="http://www.cowboysrideforfree.com/"><img src="http://cdn1.vox-cdn.com/uploads/blog/sbnu_logo_minimal/315/large_cowboysrideforfree.com.minimal.png" class="teamlogo">Oklahoma State</a></td>
<td>at</td>
<td><a target="_blank" href="http://www.crimsonandcreammachine.com/"><img src="http://cdn0.vox-cdn.com/uploads/blog/sbnu_logo_minimal/140/large_crimsonandcreammachine.com.minimal.png" class="teamlogo"><b>(20)</b> Oklahoma</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>4:00 PM ET<br><img src="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/3304323/cbs_hd.png" class="tv_logo"><font class="tv-font">CBS</font>
</td>
<td><a target="_blank" href="http://www.rollbamaroll.com/"><img src="http://cdn0.vox-cdn.com/uploads/blog/sbnu_logo_minimal/107/large_rollbamaroll.com.minimal.png" class="teamlogo"><b>(1)</b> Alabama</a></td>
<td>vs.<br><font class="neutral">(SEC Championship)</font>
</td>
<td><a target="_blank" href="http://www.rockmnation.com/"><img src="http://cdn2.vox-cdn.com/uploads/blog/sbnu_logo_minimal/137/large_rockmnation.com.minimal.png" class="teamlogo"><b>(16)</b> Missouri</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>7:30 PM ET<br><img src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/assets/3304171/espn-2-hd.png" class="tv_logo"><font class="tv-font">ESPN2</font>
</td>
<td><a target="_blank" href="http://www.underdogdynasty.com"><img src="http://cdn3.vox-cdn.com/uploads/blog/sbnu_logo_minimal/448/large_underdog_lockup.0.png" class="teamlogo">Temple</a></td>
<td>at</td>
<td><a target="_blank" href="http://www.underdogdynasty.com"><img src="http://cdn3.vox-cdn.com/uploads/blog/sbnu_logo_minimal/448/large_underdog_lockup.0.png" class="teamlogo">Tulane</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>7:45 PM ET<br><img src="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/3304155/espn_in_hd.png" class="tv_logo"><font class="tv-font">ESPN</font>
</td>
<td><a target="_blank" href="http://www.bringonthecats.com/"><img src="http://cdn2.vox-cdn.com/uploads/blog/sbnu_logo_minimal/127/large_bringonthecats.com.minimal.png" class="teamlogo"><b>(9)</b> Kansas State</a></td>
<td>at</td>
<td><a target="_blank" href="http://www.ourdailybears.com/"><img src="http://cdn0.vox-cdn.com/uploads/blog/sbnu_logo_minimal/383/large_ourdailybears.com.minimal.png" class="teamlogo"><b>(6)</b> Baylor</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>8:00 PM ET<br><img src="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/3304347/Fox_hd.png" class="tv_logo"><font class="tv-font">FOX</font>
</td>
<td><a target="_blank" href="http://www.buckys5thquarter.com/"><img src="http://cdn1.vox-cdn.com/uploads/blog/sbnu_logo_minimal/207/large_buckys5thquarter.com.minimal.png" class="teamlogo"><b>(13)</b> Wisconsin</a></td>
<td>vs.<br><font class="neutral">(Big Ten Championship)</font>
</td>
<td><a target="_blank" href="http://www.landgrantholyland.com/"><img src="http://cdn2.vox-cdn.com/uploads/blog/sbnu_logo_minimal/400/large_landgrantholyland.com.minimal.16013.png" class="teamlogo"><b>(5)</b> Ohio State</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>8:00 PM ET<br><img src="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/3304283/abc-hd.png" class="tv_logo"><font class="tv-font">ABC</font>
</td>
<td><a target="_blank" href="http://www.tomahawknation.com/"><img src="http://cdn3.vox-cdn.com/uploads/blog/sbnu_logo_minimal/99/large_tomahawknation.com.minimal.png" class="teamlogo"><b>(4)</b> Florida State</a></td>
<td>vs.<br><font class="neutral">(ACC Championship)</font>
</td>
<td><a target="_blank" href="http://www.fromtherumbleseat.com/"><img src="http://cdn0.vox-cdn.com/uploads/blog/sbnu_logo_minimal/234/large_fromtherumbleseat.com.minimal.png" class="teamlogo"><b>(11)</b> Georgia Tech</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>10:00 PM ET<br><img src="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/3304323/cbs_hd.png" class="tv_logo"><font class="tv-font">CBS</font>
</td>
<td><a target="_blank" href="http://www.mwcconnection.com"><img src="http://cdn1.vox-cdn.com/uploads/blog/sbnu_logo_minimal/237/large_mwcconnection.com.minimal.png" class="teamlogo">Fresno State</a></td>
<td>vs.<br><font class="neutral">(Mountain West Championship)</font>
</td>
<td><a target="_blank" href="http://www.obnug.com/"><img src="http://cdn3.vox-cdn.com/uploads/blog/sbnu_logo_minimal/229/large_obnug.com.minimal.png" class="teamlogo"><b>(22)</b> Boise State</a></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</ul>
<p>
<link href="http://cdn2.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/2408780/schedule_stylesheet.0.css" rel="stylesheet">
</p>
https://www.azdesertswarm.com/2014/12/4/7338473/pac-12-championship-arizona-vs-oregon-time-tv-scheduleKevin Zimmerman2014-12-04T22:04:50-08:002014-12-04T22:04:50-08:00Arizona faces Oregon in the Pac-12 Championship
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Lqo3sznEnqssmuFqfWd3HSQL5xk=/0x18:3713x2493/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/44281254/usa-today-8249353.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Arizona comes into the Pac-12 Championship game ranked No. 7 and in position to potentially make the College Football Playoff with a win over Oregon. The game kicks off at 7 p.m. MST on FOX.</p>
https://www.azdesertswarm.com/2014/12/4/7338499/arizona-football-vs-oregon-pac-12-championship-time-tvKevin ZimmermanJason BartelWildcatRadioAZ2014-12-02T17:03:01-08:002014-12-02T17:03:01-08:00Is Arizona playing for a playoff spot?
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/wR1Mw-CAi6GoSIdYlECmklNs2OU=/67x0:800x489/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/44265588/playoff.0.0.jpg" />
</figure>
<p>Arizona comes into the Pac-12 Championship game ranked No. 7 and in position to potentially make the College Football Playoff with a win over Oregon.</p> <p>Since Friday, it's already been perhaps the most historic week in the Arizona football program's history. A Pac-12 division title, a win over ASU, a 10-win season and the fact that the Wildcats are peaking at the right time. They now find themselves heading into the final week of the college football season with a No. 7 ranking by the College Football Playoff committee, a chance to upset the No. 2 team for the second time in a year and a shot at testing the committee more than it has to this point.</p>
<p>Does a two-loss team from a conference like the Pac-12 -- currently with six ranked teams -- survive?</p>
<p>For the second time this year, we turn to a quote from Stanford coach <span>David Shaw</span> back in September.</p>
<p id="paragraph5">"It all hinges, as we all know, on the (college football playoff) committee," <a target="_blank" href="http://pac-12.com/article/2014/09/23/football-coaches-teleconference-arizona-rich-rodriguez-california-sonny-dykes-hail-mary">Shaw said during his weekly teleconference on Sept. 23</a>. "Imagine a two-loss Pac-12 champion that's played a hellacious schedule. Do they get bumped for a one-loss or an undefeated team that did not play the same type of schedule? That, to me, is going to determine where this playoff goes -- and scheduling in the future. If (getting bumped) happens, I can guarantee there are going to be 12 coaches going to the commissioner."</p>
<p>To recap: the Pac-12 arguably has the most difficult conference schedule with two nine conference games, a title game and such depth.</p>
<p>There's a lot to talk about this week, and a lot could change next, when it really matters. This week, Alabama and Oregon rightfully find themselves in first and second. TCU, at 10-1, is hard to keep out since it lost to No. 6 Baylor and plays 2-9 Iowa State this week. Florida State deserves a little gripe that it's No. 4 despite being underwhelmingly undefeated. Then there's Baylor, which by the way plays No. 9 Kansas State this week, right behind No. 5 Ohio State, which could help Arizona by losing to a dangerous Wisconsin team in the Big Ten title game.</p>
<p>Then we come to the Wildcats. Things will have to go their way to move up the rankings. Or will they?</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>So, yeah, Pac-12 will be centerstage on Friday night. No. 2 vs. No. 7 looks to be straight-up for a playoff spot.</p>
— Ted Miller (@TedMillerRK) <a href="https://twitter.com/TedMillerRK/status/539938682577235969">December 3, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</p>
<p>Ted Miller <a target="_blank" href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.azcentral.com%2Fstory%2Fsports%2Fcollege%2F2014%2F12%2F02%2Farizona-wildcats-number-7-penultimate-college-football-playoff-rankings%2F19803767%2F%3FhootPostID%3D1df73dfe3329b3f6c436edcae415f5d5&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.azdesertswarm.com%2F2014%2F12%2F2%2F7324315%2Fcollege-football-rankings-arizona-playoff-pac-12-championship" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener">isn't </a>the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2014/12/2/7323855/college-football-playoff-rankings-alabama-oregon-fsu">only</a><a target="_blank" href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.azcentral.com%2Fstory%2Fsports%2Fcollege%2F2014%2F12%2F02%2Farizona-wildcats-number-7-penultimate-college-football-playoff-rankings%2F19803767%2F%3FhootPostID%3D1df73dfe3329b3f6c436edcae415f5d5&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.azdesertswarm.com%2F2014%2F12%2F2%2F7324315%2Fcollege-football-rankings-arizona-playoff-pac-12-championship" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener"> one</a> with <a href="http://www.si.com/college-football/2014/11/28/arizona-wildcats-pac-12-south-champion" target="_blank">a rosy outlook</a>. Still, it'd be welcoming for the Wildcats to receive some help in the chance, however slim it seems, that they beat the Ducks for the third time in the last three tries.</p>
<p>Otherwise, Larry Scott just might have 12 football coaches ready to knock down his door.</p>
<h4>College Football Playoff</h4>
<h5><em><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2014/12/2/7323855/college-football-playoff-rankings-alabama-oregon-fsu" target="_new">For more on the playoff, visit SBNation.com</a></em></h5>
<table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" border="1" dir="ltr">
<colgroup> <col width="41"> <col width="143"> <col width="56"> <col width="76"> <col width="156"> <col width="100"> </colgroup>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Rank"]'><b>Rank</b></td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Team"]'><b>Team</b></td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Last week"]'><b>Last week</b></td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Week 14 result"]'><b>Week 14 result</b></td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Final opponent"]'><b>Final opponent</b></td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"If the season ended today ..."]'><b>If the season ended today ...</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1]">1</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Alabama (11-1)"]'>Alabama (11-1)</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1]">1</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Won 55-44 vs. No. 15 Auburn"]'>Won 55-44 vs. No. 15 Auburn</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Missouri"]'>Missouri</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Sugar Bowl vs. "]'>Sugar Bowl vs. Florida State</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,2]">2</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Oregon (11-1)"]'>Oregon (11-1)</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,2]">2</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Won 47-19 at Oregon State"]'>Won 47-19 at Oregon State</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Arizona"]'>Arizona</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Rose Bowl vs."]'>Rose Bowl vs. TCU</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,3]">3</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"TCU (10-1)"]'>TCU (10-1)</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,5]">5</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Won 48-10 at Texas"]'>Won 48-10 at Texas</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Iowa State"]'>Iowa State</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Rose Bowl vs."]'>Rose Bowl vs. Oregon</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,4]">4</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Florida State (12-0)"]'>Florida State (12-0)</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,3]">3</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Won 24-19 vs. Florida"]'>Won 24-19 vs. Florida</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Georgia Tech"]'>Georgia Tech</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Sugar Bowl vs."]'>Sugar Bowl vs. Alabama</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,5]">5</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Ohio State (11-1)"]'>Ohio State (11-1)</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,6]">6</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Won 42-28 vs. Michigan"]'>Won 42-28 vs. Michigan</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Wisconsin"]'>Wisconsin</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,2," data-sheets-numberformat='[null,5,"m\"-\"d",1]'>New Year's bowl</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,6]">6</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Baylor (10-1)"]'>Baylor (10-1)</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,7]">7</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Won 48-46 vs. Texas Tech"]'>Won 48-46 vs. Texas Tech</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Kansas State"]'>Kansas State</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,2," data-sheets-numberformat='[null,5,"m\"-\"d",1]'>New Year's bowl</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,7]">7</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Arizona (10-2)"]'>Arizona (10-2)</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,11]">11</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Won 42-35 vs. No. 13 Arizona State"]'>Won 42-35 vs. No. 13 Arizona State</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Oregon"]'>Oregon</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,2," data-sheets-numberformat='[null,5,"m\"-\"d",1]'>New Year's bowl</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,8]">8</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Michigan State (10-2)"]'>Michigan State (10-2)</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,10]">10</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Won 34-10 at Penn State"]'>Won 34-10 at Penn State</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"None"]'>None</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Orange Bowl vs. Georgia Tech*"]'>Orange Bowl vs. Georgia Tech*</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,9]">9</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Kansas State (9-2)"]'>Kansas State (9-2)</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,12]">12</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Won 51-13 vs. Kansas"]'>Won 51-13 vs. Kansas</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Baylor"]'>Baylor</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,2,">New Year's bowl</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,10]">10</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Mississippi State (10-2)"]'>Mississippi State (10-2)</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,4]">4</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Lost 31-17 at No. 19 Ole Miss"]'>Lost 31-17 at No. 19 Ole Miss</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"None"]'>None</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,2," data-sheets-numberformat='[null,5,"m\"-\"d",1]'>New Year's bowl</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,11]">11</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Georgia Tech (10-2)"]'>Georgia Tech (10-2)</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,16]">16</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Won 30-24 (OT) at No. 9 Georgia"]'>Won 30-24 (OT) at No. 9 Georgia</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Florida State"]'>Florida State</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Orange Bowl vs. Michigan State"]'>Orange Bowl vs. Michigan State</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,12]">12</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Ole Miss (9-3)"]'>Ole Miss (9-3)</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,19]">19</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Won 31-17 vs. No. 4 Mississippi State"]'>Won 31-17 vs. No. 4 Mississippi State</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"None"]'>None</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,13]">13</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Wisconsin (10-2)"]'>Wisconsin (10-2)</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,14]">14</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Won 34-24 vs. No. 18 Minnesota"]'>Won 34-24 vs. No. 18 Minnesota</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Ohio State"]'>Ohio State</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,5,"m\"-\"d",1]'></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,14]">14</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Georgia (9-3)"]'>Georgia (9-3)</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,9]">9</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Lost 30-24 (OT) vs. No. 16 Georgia Tech"]'>Lost 30-24 (OT) vs. No. 16 Georgia Tech</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"None"]'>None</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,5,"m\"-\"d",1]'></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,15]">15</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"UCLA (9-3)"]'>UCLA (9-3)</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,8]">8</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Lost 31-10 vs. Stanford"]'>Lost 31-10 vs. Stanford</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"None"]'>None</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,5,"m\"-\"d",1]'></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,16]">16</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Missouri (10-2)"]'>Missouri (10-2)</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,17]">17</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Won 21-14 vs. Arkansas"]'>Won 21-14 vs. Arkansas</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Alabama"]'>Alabama</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,5,"m\"-\"d",1]'></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,17]">17</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Arizona State (10-2)"]'>Arizona State (10-2)</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,13]">13</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Lost 42-35 at No. 11 Arizona"]'>Lost 42-35 at No. 11 Arizona</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"None"]'>None</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,5,"m\"-\"d",1]'></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,18]">18</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Clemson (9-3)"]'>Clemson (9-3)</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,21]">21</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Won 35-17 vs. South Carolina"]'>Won 35-17 vs. South Carolina</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"None"]'>None</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,5,"m\"-\"d",1]'></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,19]">19</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Auburn (8-4)"]'>Auburn (8-4)</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,15]">15</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Lost 55-44 at No. 1 Alabama"]'>Lost 55-44 at No. 1 Alabama</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"None"]'>None</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,5,"m\"-\"d",1]'></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,20]">20</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Oklahoma (8-3)"]'>Oklahoma (8-3)</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,20]">20</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Idle"]'>Idle</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Oklahoma State"]'>Oklahoma State</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,5,"m\"-\"d",1]'></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,21]">21</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Louisville (9-3)"]'>Louisville (9-3)</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,22]">22</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Won 44-40 vs. Kentucky"]'>Won 44-40 vs. Kentucky</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"None"]'>None</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,22]">22</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Boise State (10-2)"]'>Boise State (10-2)</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,23]">23</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Won 50-19 vs. Utah State"]'>Won 50-19 vs. Utah State</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Fresno State"]'>Fresno State</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,2," data-sheets-numberformat='[null,5,"m\"-\"d",1]'>New Year's bowl</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,23]">23</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Utah (8-4)"]'>Utah (8-4)</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,25]">25</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Won 38-34 vs. Colorado"]'>Won 38-34 vs. Colorado</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"None"]'>None</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,24]">24</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"LSU (8-4)"]'>LSU (8-4)</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"NR"]'>NR</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Won 23-17 at Texas A&M"]'>Won 23-17 at Texas A&M</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"None"]'>None</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,5,"m\"-\"d",1]'></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,25]">25</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"USC (8-4)"]'>USC (8-4)</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"NR"]'>NR</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Won 49-14 vs. Notre Dame"]'>Won 49-14 vs. Notre Dame</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"None"]'>None</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,5,"m\"-\"d",1]'></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
https://www.azdesertswarm.com/2014/12/2/7324315/college-football-rankings-arizona-playoff-pac-12-championshipKevin Zimmerman2014-12-02T11:12:34-08:002014-12-02T11:12:34-08:00Scooby, RichRod bring in Pac-12 yearly honors
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/RrNH9GdP5Mx7TYJiODmKItCQl2w=/127x0:4118x2661/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/44262666/usa-today-8233925.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Wildcats' Pac-12 South Division title has led to some post-regular-season accolades.</p> <p>Arizona sophomore Scooby Wright won a third of the available conference player of the week honors, so it comes as no surprised the league named him the Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year award for 2014, it was announced on Tuesday.</p>
<p>The conference also named Rich Rodriguez as the 2014 Coach of the Year after leading the Wildcats to a 10-2 record and Pac-12 South Division title.</p>
<p>Wright finished the year with six forced fumbles, 14 sacks and a nation-leading 27 tackles for loss. He is a finalist for the Chuck Bednarik Award, Bronko Naguraski Trophy, and Rotary Lombardi Award -- though not for the Dick Butkus Award given to the nation's best linebacker. Wright also finished with 139 tackles on the year.</p>
<p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.addictedtoquack.com/">Oregon Ducks</a> quarterback <span>Marcus Mariota</span> earned the Offensive Player of the Year honors just days before he and Mark Helfrich's team face Arizona in the Pac-12 Championship game. Ducks freshman running back <span>Royce Freeman</span> earned the Pac-12 Offensive Freshman of the Year nod, while USC receiver and defensive back Adoree' Jackson took home the Defensive Freshman of the Year award.</p>
https://www.azdesertswarm.com/football/2014/12/2/7321233/scooby-wright-2014-pac-12-defensive-player-rich-rodriguezKevin Zimmerman