[desertrat]

Opening kickoff to the 2007 season will be Sept 1 in Provo Utah. The Wildcats beat the Cougars last year 16-13 in the defensive battle. This year, Arizona returns 19 of 22 starters fromn last year's team and will unveil the new AirZona offense against BYU. There is much anticipation in Tucson as Mike Stoops begins his 4th year as head coach. The defense will be stout led by pre-season All-American CB Antoine Cason and 5 star JC recruit Louis Holmes at DE. Does anyone have any thoughts as to how this game will turn out?

[Lefty Noob]

BYU without Beck should be beatable, but I'll admit, this isn't a gimmie for the 'Cats.

[Lefty Noob]

Hey desertrat, how the heck are the Wildcats gonna stop that stud RB of BYU's?

[desertrat]

Originally Posted by Lefty Noob

Hey desertrat, how the heck are the Wildcats gonna stop that stud RB of BYU's?

Arizona's defense is 2nd only to USC in the Pac 10. Nobody will have fun trying to move the ball against this defense. LB Spencer Larsen leads a solid group of tacklers and pre season All-American CB Antoine Cason leads a deep and talented secondary. !0 of last years starters return on defense so this part of the game isn't a concern. The new AirZona offense installed this summer by former Texas Tech OC Sonny Dykes is the key to this game. If it clicks, Arizona runs away with it, if it sputters( I think it will struggle with timing) this game could go down to the wire like last year's in Tucson.

My prediction: Arizona 21 BYU 17

[desertrat]

The offense looked out of synch the entire afternoon as BYU scored early and held on to win 20-7. Much of the game the Arizona offense was 3 and out and put tremendous pressure on the defense. The defense played well considering how much they were on the field. I expected some struggles for the team as they adjust to the new offense and they did struggle. Fortunately, they get Northern Arizona in Tucson which should give them an opportunity to make some plays and become more comfortable in the new offense.

[Lefty Noob]

Yeah, I think the Arizona offense and the lack of production was what surprised me most about this one. Particularly the running game, which managed to produce just 32 yards, but even the "Air Zona" passing game netting just 223 yards passing has got to be hugely disappointing. Had they not scored that late touchdown, this would've been the first season-opening shutout the Wildcats had faced since 1963!