Week 4 - Arizona Wildcats

We're getting out of the scrimmage part of the season and into our conference play. I saw many articles leading up to the first three games saying "watch out for this.." "don't overlook...." and while I agree we don't ever want to overlook someone there really wasn't any legitimate threat in the first couple games of this year. My preview of the game was basically a wish list of what I wanted to see executed, working in some younger players and just getting the team to gel as a unit instead of a bunch of playmakers. I feel pretty good about the team on both sides of the ball, we're ready to begin playing a higher level of competition. When you are breaking in a ton of young players three cupcakes is a great way to start a season. Two weeks ago the Pac-12 got a good bump with and handful of big upsets. One of those teams was the Arizona Wildcats over OK ST 59-38. Nice win for a team with a new coach.

What do I want out of this game? Same thing I'm going to want from now on. A win. Plain and simple.

Not much of a preview huh? Let's see what I'm expecting and what I'd see in a perfect world.

#1 - While we are an explosive offense that is a joy to watch I'm really looking forward to see our D matched up against some high caliber offenses. Specifically the front four and how they control the run. We've upgraded over the last couple years and I want to see if we now have a team that can play shut down D. I'm excited to see the interior guys like Remington, Ebert, Heimuli and Keliikipi bog down the middle to force RB's into our speed on the outside. And I want to see exterior guys getting to the QB.

#1 - Yes, I do have 2 items at number 1. We haven't really put a full game together. The last few years we've played good in the 1st half and dominated the 2nd half. We can't play a half game against Arizona. I want to see the 1st series or 2 after halftime.

#2 - Let's sit back and watch our Offense get tested for the first time. I want to see Mari-O-TAH run this well oiled machine. I do want to see Marcus face a little pressure in this game as well. Builds character.

#3 - DAT! The human highlight reel. He should get 15-20+ touches in this game. He's been scoring twice a game with minimal carries. Love watching that young man play the game.

#4 - Colt, Pharaoh, TJ and Koa. If there is any hiccup or wrinkle I want to see Marcus rely on some large bodied strong athletes for some over the middle 1st downs. We have a ton of size and talent at the TE position. Lean on that early in the game.

#5 - Keep feeding Bralon Addison the ball. I see him getting more and more comfortable and getting closer and closer to breaking out. A couple of good plays early can build confidence and we will see a star emerge at some point this year. I'm hoping for sooner rather than later in the year.


My concerns for this game are some trouble early. Marcus is the leader now, he's shown us that he is cool under pressure. But we haven't seen any real pressure. Something like a couple of sacks, big hit or interception early can rock players. I would like to see him face some adversity in this game, not that I want him to make mistakes, but I'd rather get some of those tough moments out of the way so we see how they are handled.

Ka'Deem Carey is a good running back, I'm wanting to see our interior stand up well against their line because if he does get going early it will give their QB some comfort and allow him to relax.


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