2013 Pac-12 schedule: Arizona Wildcats football finally catches a break

The Pac-12 released the 2013 football schedule on Thursday, and the Arizona Wildcats have a favorable one when considering and comparing the slate to the last three or so seasons.

This past year, Rich Rodriguez somehow avoided the wheels coming off the wagon despite the Wildcats' schedule that had consecutive games of No. 3 Oregon, No. 18 Oregon State, No. 18 Stanford; the latter two ended up being ranked much better by the end of the season.

In 2011 the Wildcats played No. 9 Oklahoma State, No. 6 Stanford, No. 10 Oregon, USC and Oregon State in five consecutive weeks. That's a top-10 program followed by arguably the four best teams in the Pac-12 when recent history is concerned.

Even in 2010, Arizona started 7-1 but hit No. 13 Stanford, USC, No. 1 Oregon and Arizona State to finish the regular season.

Next season, the nonconference games include three cupcakes, and though road games are twice consecutive, there aren't any powerhouses that the Wildcats will play in consecutive weeks. And most importantly, the Wildcats get a break from playing both Stanford and Oregon in the same season -- it's the first time in the revamped Pac-12 that's happened. Arizona also misses Oregon State.