Arizona Desert Swarm - Arizona vs. UTSA: Preview, news and depth chart notesYour No. 1 free source for all things Arizona Wildcatshttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/46873/ds-fave.png2013-09-15T16:22:16-07:00http://www.azdesertswarm.com/rss/stream/44841272013-09-15T16:22:16-07:002013-09-15T16:22:16-07:00Ka'Deem Carey takes 'Hard Edge' crown from Wright
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<img alt="Ka'Deem Carey going all out for a TD against UTSA" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/iiE_9n_S8z11EEgWLtO_q6B2CE4=/0x28:4000x2695/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/19597081/20130914_jla_bs6_985.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Ka'Deem Carey going all out for a TD against UTSA | Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Someone has finally taken Hard Edge Player of the Week from Scooby Wright</p> <p>After handling UTSA on Saturday by a <a href="http://www.azdesertswarm.com/football/2013/9/14/4732066/arizona-vs-utsa-final-score-wildcats" target="_blank">final score of 38-13</a>, the offensive and defensive players of the week seemed pretty obvious.</p>
<p>The thing I was waiting for this time around was to see who would replace <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/207087/scooby-wright">Scooby Wright</a> as Hard Edge Player of the Week. The freshman won the award in both <a href="http://www.azdesertswarm.com/2013/9/1/4684284/arizona-wildcats-football-players-of-the-week-jenkins-bondurant-wilson-neal-wright-jackson" target="_blank">week 1</a> and <a href="http://www.azdesertswarm.com/2013/9/8/4708838/arizona-wildcats-football-players-of-the-week-carey-fischer-smith-jones-wright" target="_blank">week 2</a>, but he did not exactly stand out on defense in the UTSA Game, although he did pick up six total tackles.</p>
<p>So here are this week's Players of the Week, courtesy of the Arizona coaching staff:</p>
<h3>Offensive Player of the Week: <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/135337/b-j-denker">B.J. Denker</a>
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<p>No surprise here. Yesterday was the chance for him to prove that he <a href="http://www.azdesertswarm.com/2013/9/15/4732216/arizona-wildcats-football-utsa-roadrunners-bj-denker" target="_blank">belongs out there as the starting quarterback</a>, and he did that. 14-of-21 through the air for 158 yards, as well as 95 yards rushing. Three total touchdowns for the senior is certainly enough to make him deserving of this.</p>
<h3>Defensive Player of the Week: Jourdon Grandon</h3>
<p>Grandon had a huge interception early in the game, picked up six solo tackles and forced a fumble before missing most of the fourth quarter due to injury. Hopefully he's healthy for the Washington game. Him and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/135341/tra-mayne-bondurant">Tra'Mayne Bondurant</a> will be huge parts of stopping the Washington offense.</p>
<h3>Special Teams Player of the Week: <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/162448/drew-riggleman">Drew Riggleman</a>
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<p>The Arizona punter shook off the rough NAU game by coming up with an average of 45.8 yards per punt on his four kicks. Three of those four punts pinned the Roadrunners inside their 20.</p>
<h3>Scout Team Players of the Week:</h3>
<p>Offense: <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/161309/connor-brewer">Connor Brewer</a> (He's the third transfer to win this after DaVonte' Neal and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/161308/cayleb-jones">Cayleb Jones</a>. What an offensive threat the scout team would be right now).</p>
<p>Defense: RJ Morgan</p>
<p>Special Teams: Tyler Grammar</p>
<h3>Hard Edge Player of the Week: <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/135340/ka-deem-carey">Ka'Deem Carey</a>
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<p>Carey had 27 carries for 131 yards this week, as well as two receptions for 33 yards. 164 all purpose yards on 29 touches and two touchdowns earned him the coveted Hard Edge award, and now all of the drama and whatnot is officially over with.</p>
https://www.azdesertswarm.com/2013/9/15/4734604/arizona-wildcats-football-coaches-players-of-the-week-denker-carey-jordan-brewerJason Bartel2013-09-15T00:00:29-07:002013-09-15T00:00:29-07:00B.J. Denker: Here to stay
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<img alt="B.J. Denker and the passing game showed some newfound confidence against UTSA" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/mAD73WGS7xLVrR6rRsa9R67Kt0w=/0x193:4000x2860/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/19553553/20130914_jla_bs6_1011.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>B.J. Denker and the passing game showed some newfound confidence against UTSA | Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Hey look, a passing game.</p> <p>"I felt good."</p>
<p>That's the general sentiment here as well after watching <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/135337/b-j-denker">B.J. Denker</a> pick apart UTSA's defense on Saturday.</p>
<p>Denker finished the night with 158 passing yards, almost as many as he had in the first two games combined.</p>
<p>"It was a good day," said Denker. "I was happy with my performance."</p>
<p>The first drive showed that the passing game has some real potential. Of eleven total offensive plays during the first possession, Denker threw the ball seven times, completing six of them, including a 13 yard touchdown pass to <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/207067/samajie-grant">Samajie Grant</a>, which put the Wildcats in front for good.</p>
<p>A lot of people were questioning if this offense would work being so run heavy, but tonight I think showed that if there's a time that Denker needs to make plays, he's capable of doing it.</p>
<p>"We threw the ball quite a bit the first drive. I don't know if that was the plan, we were just going off what the defense was giving us. We were just clicking."</p>
<p>Denker finished the night completing 14-of-21 passes, as well as rushing for 95 yards on 10 carries. Two rushing touchdowns puts the Arizona QB at five for the year, one ahead of <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/135340/ka-deem-carey">Ka'Deem Carey</a> for the team lead.</p>
<p>"We're out there ballin'," said Carey.</p>
<p>The receiving unit seemed to click a little better tonight as well. Samajie Grant had a breakout game, catching five balls for 48 yards. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/112729/garic-wharton">Garic Wharton</a> also contributed with three catches of his own.</p>
<p>All teams that have the amount of inexperience that Arizona has is going to go through some growing pains. Having a schedule that gradually became more difficult leading into conference play was exactly what this quarterback and this offense needed.</p>
<p>"You gotta play," said head coach <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="#">Rich Rodriguez</a>. "We're getting more confidence in (Denker). And I think I've seen it as much in practice. I would have liked the execution on the first of August, but that's because we can't work with them during the summer."</p>
<p>"The execution's gotten better the last few weeks in practice, and I think it's gotten better in the games too. The challenge is going to be when we get to conference play."</p>
<p>"He's seeing the field pretty well...This was the sharpest he's been all year."</p>
<p>Here's where we are now. B.J. Denker is the starting quarterback. There's no going back now. Javelle Allen's been in all three games, but doesn't have a pass attempt. But Denker, if anything, has shown that he's gaining an understanding of the offense. Sure, he makes some mistakes, like locking in on a receiver and not going through all the reads, but his athleticism makes up for some of that. His legs should not be overlooked.</p>
<p>"Maybe I look slow on film," said Denker. "And then once the game starts they don't realize. I'll take any speed I can."</p>
<p>"He runs fast when he's getting chased," added Rodriguez. "He's getting more and more confidence, which he should. B.J. can make all the throws and he can make the plays. It'll be good."</p>
<p>If one thing outside of his play that solidified Denker's spot happened on Saturday, it was the absence of Jesse Scroggins.</p>
<p>With the struggles in the first two games, Denker's dealt with his fair share of critcism, but he' doesn't let that bother him too much.</p>
<p>"You can't take it to seriously, I usually ignore it," Denker said. "You can't get angry in this day and age on social media. Anyone can be a twitter troll or cyber bully, I don't take it too seriously."</p>
<p>All in all, passing game is developing and getting better. The run game will be the focus point obviously, but I think Denker will handle himself well heading into PAC-12 play.</p>
https://www.azdesertswarm.com/2013/9/15/4732216/arizona-wildcats-football-utsa-roadrunners-bj-denkerJason Bartel2013-09-14T23:52:45-07:002013-09-14T23:52:45-07:00Highlights: Wildcats drop Roadrunners
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<figcaption>Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Arizona Wildcats dropped the UTSA Roadrunners 38-13 on Saturday.</p>
https://www.azdesertswarm.com/football/2013/9/14/4732238/arizona-vs-utsa-highlightsKevin Zimmerman2013-09-14T22:59:36-07:002013-09-14T22:59:36-07:00Arizona rolls, 38-13, against UTSA
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<figcaption>Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Arizona football team beat the UTSA Roadrunners and all is well for now.</p> <p>The number of first downs were nearly even. The yard totals weren't too far apart. The UTSA Roadrunners contained the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/arizona-wildcats">Arizona Wildcats</a>' run game and did enough against the passing game, but just as Rich Rodriguez's team did all of last year, it did more than win the box score on Saturday.</p>
<p>Arizona beat UTSA 38-13 in Tucson behind a promising offensive performance and yet another strong defensive effort. It just took a bit for the Wildcats to settle in on defense.</p>
<p>The Roadrunners scored five minutes into the game on a 58-yard, 11-play drive that gave Arizona its first deficit of the 2013 season. But four minutes later, Wildcat quarterback <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/135337/b-j-denker">B.J. Denker</a> found freshman <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/207067/samajie-grant">Samajie Grant</a> for a 13-yard score on an 11-play, 82-yard drive to give UA a lead that would hold for the rest of the evening. Denker rushed 35 yards for another helicopter-spin-like score in the end zone minutes later, and the Arizona offense was off and running.</p>
<p>The Wildcats allowed a touchdown with 9:39 left in the fourth quarter, but otherwise, it was another dominating defensive effort, albeit against a team without many expectations.</p>
<p>There were fewer big plays in Week 2 than in Arizona's first two games. UTSA proved that it was indeed the toughest test yet and scored a second field goal after Arizona went ahead 17-3. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/135340/ka-deem-carey">Ka'Deem Carey</a>, who had 27 carries for 128 yards on the night, rushed for a short score to give the Wildcats a 24-6 lead before halftime, and Denker scored on a one-yard score on UA's first possession after a break.</p>
<p>The Wildcats had 422 total yards and gave up 379 to the Roadrunners, but on 7-of-12 UTSA drives they gave up less than 40 yards.</p>
<p>The 3-3-5 defense isn't necessarily known as the bend-but-don't-break sort, but by allowing UTSA quarterback <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/97292/eric-soza">Eric Soza</a> to go 30-of-47 in completions for 277 yards through the air certainly said a bit.</p>
<p>How about Arizona's own passing game? Relatively, it was promising. Denker hit 14-of-21 passes for 158 yards, a touchdown and no turnovers. Denker also also added 90 yards on the ground and two touchdowns on just 10 carries.</p>
<p>Overall, Denker's hot seat cooled off -- and that's if it was ever hot in the first place.</p>
<p>Jesse Scroggins was <a href="http://www.azdesertswarm.com/2013/9/14/4731776/arizona-wildcats-football-jesse-scroggins" target="_blank">listed second on the depth chart but didn't dress</a>, and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/162424/javelle-allen">Javelle Allen</a> took garbage snaps and didn't throw the ball. Denker still hasn't been abysmal, and as such has only helped his cause. He'll start at quarterback until the wheels fall off, and that's not even close to happening as of Week 3. UA has a bye week followed by a game against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/washington-huskies">Washington Huskies</a> at the end of the month, and that will be a true first test. Considering the circumstances, there's not much to be concerned about for now.</p>
<p>Arizona will show its true self in two weeks, and to accept a full three weeks of the regular season and then two off weeks before finally being challenged is something that should benefit Rich Rodriguez's team.</p>
<p>The defense has been overly-impressive. The offense has flaws but hasn't been a disaster. Even with UTSA keeping Arizona from big plays on Saturday, in a Big Ten sort of way, the Wildcats controlled the game -- they won the rushing battle with 264 yards to just 102 allowed.</p>
<p>It's hard to ask for much more.</p>
https://www.azdesertswarm.com/football/2013/9/14/4732066/arizona-vs-utsa-final-score-wildcatsKevin Zimmerman2013-09-14T19:37:02-07:002013-09-14T19:37:02-07:00Jesse Scroggins not part of pregame warmups
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<img alt="Javelle Allen warms up before the UTSA game" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/omllwMyJj9xUNWT9bYKVFMeXMCE=/0x95:4000x2762/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/19546503/20130914_pjc_bs8_451.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Javelle Allen warms up before the UTSA game | Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Jesse Scroggins did not participate in pregame warmups</p> <p>Prior to tonight's game for Arizona against the UTSA Roadrunners, quarterback Jesse Scroggins was not on the field for pregame warmups.</p>
<p>While no official reason has been given, it should be noted that the junior quarterback missed practices early in camp due to a concussion suffered the week before, and has been dealing with various "injuries" since then.</p>
<p>What makes it more strange is that on the most recent depth chart provided, Scroggins was listed as the backup QB to <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/135337/b-j-denker" class="sbn-auto-link">B.J. Denker</a> instead of being third string like usual, and like he was <a target="_blank" href="http://www.azdesertswarm.com/football/2013/9/11/4720110/arizona-vs-utsa-depth-chart-kadeem-carey/in/4484127">earlier in the week</a>.</p>
<p>Again, no official word, but something seems a little fishy.</p>
<h4>UPDATE:</h4>
<p>(8:13 PM) Scroggins should not have been listed as the second string on the flip chart for tonight, clerical error. "No update on his status."</p>
https://www.azdesertswarm.com/2013/9/14/4731776/arizona-wildcats-football-jesse-scrogginsJason Bartel2013-09-14T19:30:03-07:002013-09-14T19:30:03-07:00WE DON'T KNOW SQUAT
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<figcaption>Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sp</figcaption>
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<p>The Roadrunners might be a problem? But maybe not? Do we know anything?</p> <p>Really, we don't know anything. Arizona could still completely flop this season, if not tonight. They might be surprisingly legit. I'm skeptical.</p>
<p>Yet, the defense has played inspired ball so far. As limited as the offense might be, there's no reason to bring out any new wrinkles (aka passing plays) until a team forces Arizona to become anything more.</p>
<p>The Wildcats have a cupcake of a schedule, but as we've discussed here and there, ain't no reason to complain. This is a year where Rich Rodriguez's team is quite fragile because of the quarterback situation. We've got one more week to keep this team in mystery-land.</p>
https://www.azdesertswarm.com/2013/9/14/4731444/arizona-vs-utsa-gamethread-the-wildcats-last-warm-upKevin Zimmerman2013-09-14T15:03:56-07:002013-09-14T15:03:56-07:00Bribing the student section!
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<figcaption>Christian Petersen</figcaption>
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<p>The Arizona Wildcats and the Zona Zoo are bribing students to stay the fourth quarter.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>. <a href="https://twitter.com/ZonaZooOfficial">@ZonaZooOfficial</a>, see you tonight! 5 more ZonaZoo members will walk away w/ $500 in 4th quarter! <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23BearDown&src=hash">#BearDown</a> <a href="http://t.co/0uC5XrTKbN">pic.twitter.com/0uC5XrTKbN</a></p>
— Arizona Athletics (@AZATHLETICS) <a href="https://twitter.com/AZATHLETICS/statuses/378986136774778880">September 14, 2013</a>
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<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p>The Zona Zoo is paying out $500 to five lucky students who attend tonight's game against UTSA. The catch? Those winners have to stay the whole game. The bribe is being marketed quite well, if you ask me. For the season-opener against NAU, the Zona Zoo paid three of five winners and left the pictures of the winners blank.</p>
<p>"Winner 4 did not stay the whole game to win $500," read the empty spot for a mug shot. Ouch.</p>
https://www.azdesertswarm.com/football/2013/9/14/4731054/arizona-football-bribing-the-zona-zooKevin Zimmerman2013-09-14T10:30:51-07:002013-09-14T10:30:51-07:00Three keys for taking down the Roadrunners
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<img alt="The Alamo" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/HAODXWSq40f6Lnr3H4VmvJcu0H8=/0x5:1100x738/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/19525343/100_1859.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>The Alamo | Jason Bartel</figcaption>
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<p>How the Wildcats come out on top tonight</p> <p>It appears that the UTSA Roadrunners will be the best challenge to date for the 2013 <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/arizona-wildcats">Arizona Wildcats</a>. Their very active offense has been the center of attention all week after they put 35 on Oklahoma State last week.</p>
<p>So what are they keys for Arizona to come out on top Saturday night at <a href="http://www.stadiumjourney.com/stadiums/arizona-stadium-s382" target="_blank">Arizona Stadium</a>? Here you go...</p>
<h3>1. Running Down River(Walk)</h3>
<p>Arizona's running game is what's going to win them a lot, if not all, of their games this season. Today's no different. UTSA Head coach Larry Coker <a href="http://www.azdesertswarm.com/2013/9/12/4724274/arizona-wildcats-football-utsa-roadrunners-preview-larry-coker-kadeem-carey" target="_blank">talked about how</a> containing <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/135340/ka-deem-carey">Ka'Deem Carey</a> will be key for them to succeed. The Roadrunners DEs are sort of small (250 pounds each), so pounding the ball on the outside of the tackle box will probably happen early and often for the Wildcats. I'm definitely expecting Carey and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/77388/daniel-jenkins">Daniel Jenkins</a> to both have big games tonight.</p>
<h3>2. Spur the Wide Receivers</h3>
<p>Spur (I think Casteel calls it Spur safety just for a San Antonio-themed three keys) safety <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/135341/tra-mayne-bondurant">Tra'Mayne Bondurant</a> is already having a big year, picking off three passes in the first two games, and taking two of those back to the house. Look for QB <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/97292/eric-soza">Eric Soza</a> to be challenging the Arizona secondary often tonight with his big weapons of <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/203789/kam-jones">Kam Jones</a>, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/138472/kenny-bias">Kenny Bias</a>, and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/138480/kenny-harrison">Kenny Harrison</a>. Bondurant has been getting good reads on the QBs eyes so far against <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="#">Kyren Poe</a> of NAU and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/135311/nick-sherry">Nick Sherry</a> of UNLV. Look for Bondurant to have many tackles, and hopefully a pick or two tonight.</p>
<h3>3. Rush the Alamo</h3>
<p>UTSA is known for their outstanding quarterback protection. The Roadrunners gave up the second-fewest sacks in the FBS last season, and return four offensive linemen from that squad. If Arizona's athletic D-Line and LBs can get consistent pressure on Eric Soza, the UTSA offense may struggle to find the success they had late last week against OSU.</p>
https://www.azdesertswarm.com/2013/9/14/4730156/arizona-wildcats-football-utsa-roadrunners-three-keysJason Bartel