The Arizona Wildcats are still looking for their first Pac-12 win. After suffering losses to Washington and UCLA, the Cats travel to Salt Lake City where they meet Utah, the 24th ranked team in the nation.
The Utes, who are 4-1 overall, are coming off a disheartening loss at Cal. Although Arizona (2-3) has struggled early in the season, they have defeated Utah four consecutive seasons. Arizona upset the Utes 37-30 in double overtime last season in Tucson.
"They have always been physical. They are big upfront, very big at the corners and big at defensive back. That's a Utah
staple. They are athletic and tough, and they play hard and are well-coached. It's going to be a tough environment. We've
played well against them," Rich Rodriguez said on Monday during a press conference.
"We've been watching the last four years of film and last year, we did the best job, but they have gashed us," said Utah coach Kyle Whittingham.
Once again, Anu Solomon is doubtful to play, as he suffered a knee injury in practice following the season-opener. Brandon Dawkins suffered a rib injury in the first half of Arizona's 45-24 loss last week.
Khalil Tate's redshirt was burned and stepped in during a time of panic. The true freshman completed 5 of 9 passes for 72 yards and two touchdowns. He also rushed 15 times for a team-high 79 yards.
"I don't want to say it was a pleasant surprise, because when you recruit a guy, you see him play. I always say
if you want to find a guy that is going to be a really good player in college, find a guy that is a really good player in high
school. He was a really good player in high school. He was more composed in the game than he was in practice, so that
was pleasant. Sometimes guys get in their first action and the lights are too bright, but he was spot on. Even when he made
a wrong read, he knew right away. That part of it was very encouraging," Rich Rodriguez said on Tate.
In addition to Arizona's battered quarterback unit, Nick Wilson was also injured in the first half of Arizona's loss to UCLA. The star running back is listed as "questionable" on the team's injury report with an ankle injury.
Kickoff is at 7:00 p.m. at Rice-Eccles Stadium.
