Analyzing Arizona’s defense at Colorado with Pro Football Focus

The Arizona Wildcats went to Boulder hoping to end their losing streak, however, they ended up getting shut out by Colorado after the offense struggled.

Let’s take a look through the Pro Football Focus lens, in conjunction with my analysis, to see how Arizona’s defense performed against the Buffs.

As a reminder, see the grading scale below:

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Defensive line

After having a rough game against UCLA, the d-line bounced back nicely against Colorado.

Trevon Mason and Kyon Barrs continue to be absolute studs along the front seven. Both did fantastic against the run and in tackling the ball carrier. Mason had a better pass rush grade and it makes sense due to him being a problem in the backfield.

Jalen Harris also had a strong game. He did a lot better job tackling than he did against the Bruins and picked up his third TFL on the season.

A backup lineman who had a great game was Fresno State transfer Leevel Tatum III. There were multiple times I saw Tatum making a b-line for Brandon Lewis and causing him to rush throws. He also blew up a running play for a four-yard loss.

Mo Diallo is now firmly in the starting role as the ANCHOR. He had a MUCH better game in the tackling department. He was lacking in pass rush and run defense though.

Paris Shand, Nahe Sulunga, and Dion Wilson Jr. also had run against the Buffs. Of note, Sulunga had a good game rushing the passer.

STAT LINES

• Trevon Mason: 6 tackles, 2 TFL, 1 sack
• Kyon Barrs: 4 tackles
• Jalen Harris: 2 tackles, 1 TFL
• Paris Shand: 2 tackles
• Mo Diallo: 2 tackles, 1 TFL
• Leevel Tatum III: 1 tackle, 1 TFL
• Dion Wilson Jr.: 1 tackle
• Nahe Sulunga: N/A

SNAP COUNTS

• Trevon Mason: 51
• Jalen Harris: 50
• Kyon Barrs: 40
• Mo Diallo: 33
• Paris Shand: 20
• Leevel Tatum III: 18
• Nahe Sulunga: 10
• Dion Wilson Jr.: 5

OVERALL

• Highest: Leevel Tatum III (88.1)
• Lowest: Mo Diallo (47.7)

TACKLING

• Highest: Trevon Mason (76.6)
• Lowest: Leevel Tatum III (69.7)

PASS RUSH

• Highest: Leevel Tatum III (71.4)
• Lowest: Jalen Harris (52.7)

RUN DEFENSE

• Highest: Kyon Barrs (83.5)
• Lowest: Nahe Sulunga (55.4)

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Linebackers

Overall the backers did not have that great of a game.

Christian Young is the exception to that statement, however. He flew all over the field and was easily the best tackling linebacker on the day. He was solid in run defense but was uncharacteristically so-so in coverage.

Meanwhile, Anthony Pandy and Kenny Hebert had a surprisingly not good game. Pandy missed two tackles, which isn’t a common occurrence this season. Hebert was not good all game. He was banged up early and it is possible that effected him the rest of the game.

Jerry Roberts saw his first extended look of the season and it seems he still has some rust to knock off. I’m interested to see how he does with more time, which should be coming against Washington.

Rashie Hodge Jr. and Issaiah Johnson also saw action against Colorado.

STAT LINES

• Christian Young: 7 tackles, 1 PBU
• Anthony Pandy: 2 tackles, 1 PBU
• Kenny Hebert: 1 tackle
• Jerry Roberts: 1 tackle
• Rashie Hodge Jr.: N/A
• Issaiah Johnson: N/A

SNAP COUNTS

• Christian Young: 62
• Anthony Pandy: 60
• Jerry Roberts: 60
• Kenny Hebert: 27
• Rashie Hodge Jr.: 5
• Issaiah Johnson: 2

OVERALL

• Highest: Christian Young (55.7)
• Lowest: Rashie Hodge Jr. (39.7)

TACKLING

• Highest: Christian Young (84.0)
• Lowest: Kenny Hebert (19.3)

PASS RUSH

• Highest: Anthony Pandy (60.9)
• Lowest: Jerry Roberts (45.6)

RUN DEFENSE

• Highest: Christian Young (67.0)
• Lowest: Kenny Hebert & Jerry Roberts (39.3)

COVERAGE

• Highest: Jerry Roberts (63.5)
• Lowest: Rashie Hodge Jr. (42.1)

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Cornerbacks

The corners had an interesting game.

For instance, Christian Roland-Wallace had another great game. He did allow a 31-yard catch, however, he was in perfect position and did a very good job on the coverage. It just so happens that the receiver reacted a split second sooner to close his hands and secure the catch as CRW was working to rip the ball away. But overall, CRW had another very strong outing.

Isaiah Rutherford had an uncharacteristic day. He was very good against the run and had two TFLs, but he wasn’t as good as he usually is in coverage. He allowed a 62-yard touchdown catch in the third quarter after getting out ran and beat. It was weird to see since he has been very good in coverage along with CRW. It was his first game back after sitting out the UCLA game due to illness, so it’ll be interesting to see him bounce back against the Huskies.

Treydan Stukes did not have a good day. He started the season off strong, but he hasn’t played as strong in his last three games. It isn’t something to worry about as he is still a good corner and he is still very yonug.

STAT LINES

• Christian Roland-Wallace: 6 tackles
• Isaiah Rutherford: 5 tackles, 2 TFL
• Treydan Stukes: 1 tackle

SNAP COUNTS

• Christian Roland-Wallace: 64
• Isaiah Rutherford: 49
• Treydan Stukes: 20

OVERALL

• Highest: Christian Roland-Wallace (68.5)
• Lowest: Isaiah Rutherford (48.1)

TACKLING

• Highest: Christian Roland-Wallace (83.6)
• Lowest: Treydan Stukes (27.9)

PASS RUSH

• Highest: Christian Roland-Wallace (59.4)
• Lowest: N/A

RUN DEFENSE

• Highest: Isaiah Rutherford (79.7)
• Lowest: Treydan Stukes (61.6)

COVERAGE

• Highest: Christian Roland-Wallace (67.5)
• Lowest: Isaiah Rutherford (37.8)

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Safeties

Flat out, the group did not have a good game.

Gunner Maldonado played probably his worst game as a Wildcat. He missed five tackles and did not play the run very well. He also allowed a touchdown in coverage. He is a young player so hopefully he’ll be able to shore up these issues as his career continues.

Jaxen Turner didn’t have much better of a game. He did tackle better and was better in coverage. But he wasn’t effective against the run.

STAT LINES

• Gunner Maldonado: 5 tackles
• Jaxen Turner: 5 tackles, 1 PBU

SNAP COUNTS

• Gunner Maldonado: 64
• Jaxen Turner: 64

OVERALL

• Highest: Jaxen Turner (50.9)
• Lowest: Gunner Maldonado (31.7)

TACKLING

• Highest: Jaxen Turner (59.6)
• Lowest: Gunner Maldonado (20.0)

RUN DEFENSE

• Highest: Jaxen Turner (45.2)
• Lowest: Gunner Maldonado (28.6)

COVERAGE

• Highest: Jaxen Turner (55.7)
• Lowest: Gunner Maldonado (40.0)