Looking at the games. IF we win early as most have us at 3-1 going into the Washington game, nobody will really being in the over-look mode. IF we were to win the MSU or Washington games then there would be NOBODY over-looking us the rest of the way. So for every big win we get we take away the opportunity to surprise someone later in the year.
NAU @ home
We have NO excuses in the world to even be in a close game this time around!
@ Mississippi State
MSU will have their high after loosing their coach but that could be spent in their opener against SE Louisiana. I just do not see that being a one game boost. Then they also host LSU the following week and after our loss to them at home last year, they could be over-looking us? Turn-overs doomed us last year in what was a close game until the fourth qtr.
UTEP @ home
Again, there will be NO excuses for a loss in this one. UTEP lost their week zero opener to J'ville State.
@ Stanford
This is a must win and I do not think Stanford has the tools to stay with us through four qtrs.
Washington @ home
They do have Oregon following us, but have a bye week between us so I doubt they over-look us at all especially after losing at ASU last year. One of only two losses. They typically do not do well in the desert. We stayed with them most of the way at their house last year and I see another close game this time around.
@ USC
USC D did not impress in the opener, but that is only one game. We know the O will be loaded. We did stay with them last year but that was a home game. They do have ND on the road and then a trip to Utah in the two weeks folowing our game. Not sure they would over-look us, but there is a chance?
@ WSU
We have not played them well lately. This is a tough venue. They do have a road trip to Oregon the following week, but I see them trying to take care of business at home.
Bye week
Oregon State @ home
OSU looks to have a good balance between their O and D with solid ST play. They pose a threat in all areas unlike many of the teams we face that are O heavy with suspect D. Having this game at home really helps.
UCLA @ home
UCLA will try to avenge our upset of them last year. We need to protect our home field on this one. They are breaking in a new QB, but this is not early in the season.
@ Colorado
This would be an easier pick early in the season. There will be the unkown factor the first couple weeks, then they will settle and begin to gel by the time we see them. With the influx of talent they could be dangerous IF the chemestry is there. Cannot over-look this one.
Utah @ home
Hard to say there are any advantages either way except that we will be at home. Utah, like OSU brings a solid balance of play in all aspects of the game. O, D, and ST should be clicking well for them. Early one they may take a few bruises if Rising misses much, but he will be back full strength by the time we wrap up the season.
@ ASU
It rivalry time! Do records really matter? YES, when one of these teams has 5 wins and looking to get bowl eligible, or when one is competing for the league title, the other team usually steps up their play. It IS what a rivalry game should be. Many of these kids know each other well, but that won't matter when we meet. We all know how important this game will be!
This is just some thoughts on what we will be facing and then there will be the constant changes that affect the games like weather, injuries, and emotions which we will see @ MSU, @ CU, and @ ASU.
My thoughts from the heart are 8-4 is a posible, but my mind tells me we are 7-5.
My prediction is 7-5!
I think we get either MSU or Washington early, and UCLA along with the ones we should win. The toss up game Ithink we can steal is the Oregon State game!
Nice summary, awesome all the work you have put in. I'm ready for some ARIZONA football, time to see if this off season will pay off. 7 - 5 seems reasonable, 8 - 4 would be..incredible.
BearDown
Making a bowl game shows progress from a program that was in miserable shape when Sumlin exited.
If we can somehow win 8+ games and blow out assu, the momentum will continue to lure big-time recruits and Arizona Football will continue to be on the rise!
The forecast high for Saturday's NAU @ UArizona game is 91 degrees.
Cooler by game time.
Quote from: SnowDen on August 30, 2023, 07:56:55 AMNice summary, awesome all the work you have put in. I'm ready for some ARIZONA football, time to see if this off season will pay off. 7 - 5 seems reasonable, 8 - 4 would be..incredible.
BearDown
Hear, Hear ! Let's go bowling !!
5 Wins would be considered Herculean in my very humble opinion. 4 Wins would be more reasonable. Anything above 5 would be something out of the Twilight Zone. We are not a dark horse at all.