Let’s face it. Arizona football is done for the year. We won’t be playing a meaningful game till early September of 2007. Sure we should still go to the games and cheer on our team and watch as they develop before our eyes. But a winning season? No, not this year. It’s time to get next season started. So with that in mind, here are David’s recommendations for the remainder of this season:
1. Play the young guys on the O-Line.
Oftentimes in the pros, the rookie qb gets the nod and everyone knows that the team is throwing away this season in favor of a developed signal caller next season (can we say “Cardinals?”). In our case the Offensive line is the “throwaway the season” player(s). Our guys can get realistic game experience against decent defensive teams. They can gain chemistry and cohesion with each other. They still have a few tests to see how far they have to go. Washington St. Defensive End Mkristo Bruce is a manchild defensive beast. He’s easily the best D-lineman in the Pac-10 and thus is a benchmark for where the young O-Line is in the grand scheme of the Pac-10. Don’t bench the developing players for experienced ones in hopes of winning a few games. Let the guys get on-the-field experience, let them have the taste of being beaten fester for the entire off-season, let them come back next season hungry and ready to prove everyone wrong.
2. Free Willie (It had to be said sometime)
Canales needs to let his QB develop under fire. Let him audible, throw the ball deep, anything but stand in the pocket and get hammered play after play. If the ‘Cats follow advice point #1, Willie could be in some bad spots. Willie needs the freedom to improvise.
3. Has Canales heard of the “timing route?”
Thomas and Steptoe are two of the fastest guys on the field any time they step on it. Let’s see some three-step drops and a bullet pass to a spot on the field. Willie’s got the arm strength to get the ball where it needs to be and when. Now let’s see it happen. Nothing builds confidence in an offense like watching a three-yard pass go for 17.
4. Has Canales heard of the “Spread?” Apparently it’s all the rage!
We have two seasoned receivers, as well as some stud freshmen. (Well we are told they are studs.) Let’s see some four-wide sets. We can’t run, we can’t pass block out of traditional formations, let’s at least take away the defenses advantage. Put the young guys out there and see if we can’t get them the ball. We obviously can’t run to set up the pass, so let’s start passing to set up the run.
5. Let’s all be OK with mistakes…
…As long as they’re productive mistakes. If you and I are watching the game and we see a running play right up the middle on third and long, let’s be irate about it. But if we’re watching the same game and on third and long Willie just misses a streaking Steptoe on the sideline, let’s be disappointed because he missed him and be glad that the ‘Cats are trying to open up the offense.
All you armchair coaches who think you could do better are really quite irritating to me. A traditional rebuilding takes at least three full seasons in college football, sometimes longer. The only gripe we should all have is that the bill of goods we were sold for this season is not what we received. Obviously that bill came out a year too soon. I’ll join the gripers at this time next season if the ‘Cats aren’t in serious bowl contention. I fully expect them to be there though, and you can quote me on that.
To point 1), the O-line: in my opinion everything was in place already this year except for this single monumental weakness. And yes, we’re playing for next year. And yes, these guys on the O-line can still be good. That said, I don’t know that playing them is the best way to develop them. This is not like the quarterback position where there’s lots of complicated game-time stuff you need to learn. They need another year in the weight room. Really, they need 2 years, which frankly has me concerned even next year could be a bust…
to point 5), I absolutely agree! and I support this staff 100%. I don’t have any patience for anyone’s elses’ impatience. Stoops inherited a ruined program. So far he’s exceeded expectations in every way, especially with his highly-regarded recruiting classes that are just now developing. The last thing this program needs is a “fire-the-coach” campaign to ruin the momentum and cause half our most promising recruits to transfer. People were calling for PJ Carlesimo’s head for three years before Seton Hall won a national championship in his 5th year. The reality is, this is how long it takes to build from the ground up. If anything happens to Stoops in the next couple of years, regardless of win-loss record I will be calling for Jim Livengood’s head!
Go cats! go O-line! go Stoops!
— glaciers alpha 10/05/2006 10:55 AM #
Good blog and good reply. I disagree however that this team is done for the season. I feel that outside of the O-line, this team is just doing some little, fixable things wrong. Dropped passes, dropped intereceptions, overthrowing 5’8” receivers by a few inches, etc. I feel that this team can get it’s act together and get to a bowl game. If they don’t, I still love them and will cheer them on every time they take the field. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
1. Mike Stoops, Mark Stoops, and Mike Canales are all just in their third years in their respective positions. Not just at Arizona, but ever. This is a very young team with very young coaches. They are learning. Be patient.
2. Mike Stoops inherited a team in absolute chaos. Don’t pass judgement yet. This is not basketball. One or two great recruits cannot turn a program around. Stoops has just two full recruiting classes under his belt. His first consisted of a lot of Makovics’ recruits and most of them are no longer on the team. We need more depth and that takes time.
3. Speaking of depth, Tuitama, Mike Thomas, and Brad Wood have all suffered injuries or are recovering from injuries this season.
4. Replace LSU on the schedule with a team like Colorado or San Diego St. and Arizona is likely 3-2 right now.
5. Arizona is 4-5 since Tuitama was named starter. Not great, but better than we have been.
I plan on writing a blog in the near future about what it takes to build a top level program. But for now we just need to keep in mind that this team is improving. I cannot understand how anyone can objectively sit back, consider all the circumstances, and say that this team has made no improvement.
Bear Down Arizona! Support the team! Go Cats!
3. Speaking of depth,
— Damien 10/05/2006 12:22 PM #
Interesting points all, but the Cats are no doubt done for this year. Even Stevie Wonder could see that..
Who’s left on the schedule that’s an easy win. Maybe Stanford then…..??? Face it, Stephen Austin gave them a battle!!
The Palms sportsbook currently has UA as one of the 4 weakest major division 1 teams in college football. FYI, the others are NC State, Colorado, and UNLV. They’re all at 9999/1 to win the BCS. Why not higher odds? That’s as high as their computer driven odds-board goes!
Given the expectations, the Cats are the biggest bust in college football this year.
— vegasallen 10/05/2006 02:41 PM #
Good blog, and I agree that we need patience with this young team and coaches.
I am concerned about the saying, ‘It’s easier to get on top than stay on top.’ We’re having a hard time making a bowl game let alone toy with the top of the conference.
Stoops and Co. will get this team on track, just not as quickly as everyone hoped for.
— Button Salmon 10/05/2006 03:03 PM #
Damien your the man, You the man
— James Pratt 10/05/2006 03:54 PM #
GRASS DRILLS (Up AND DOWNS): There are entirely to many “Wildcats” laying on the ground during play.
GASSERS (UNTIL THEY PUKE): To many “Wildcats” walk on and off the “THE FIELD OF PLAY”.
SCRAMBLE LEFT AND SCRAMBLE RIGHT: Get Willie out of the pocket ! By allowing i.e. The left Tackle to loose his man to the inside, which breaks a “Cardinal Rule” for Starting Left Tackles and was very effective against Irv Eatman of UCLA in 1980. Willie can then scramble to his left and throw from the Side Belt, while helping the young Tackles.
DOUBLE SCREENS: Get those “Young Bucks” up field. Maybe then they can block those “Little Maggot” DB’s
TWO POINT STANCES (OFFENSIVE LINEMEN): Our Linemen are not seeing whom to block. It is a common trait for young linemen to put their heads down while in a Three Point Stance. GET THEIR HEADS UP. and don’t give me any of that feces on how you can’t effectively run block from this position. Defensive Linemen are brain dead and the offensive linemen in a 2 point stance has a distinct advantage.
Here’s a stat for all of you who think that the team is improving:
Total of 2 touchdowns against Division 1 teams this year.
4 games = 16 QUARTERS! That’s a step or two below pathetic.
I know what most here say, it takes time, bla,bla,bla. Well sorry but that just blows.
— vegasallen 10/05/2006 04:35 PM #
Damien,
Save us from having to read another of your blah blogs. Maybe you could save it for your next tail gate when your eating your raisin bran and your yogurt stick and everyone is all warm and fuzzy contemplating if they should have the caffeine free soda or go for the gusto and have regular. Whew!! That’ll be crazy.Crazy!
I will adress your points:
1) Agreed. Stoops, Stoops and Canales are in their 3rd year. Stoops, Stoops are fine at their coaching positions. However, and I will remind you, Canales is done. Three years is long enough. We can’t risk any more time with his decision making. It’s too big of a risk.
2)Sure recruits might come. If we are winning. If there is a chance to win. If there is something exciting about the program. But none of the above as of late.
3)Tuitama is over rated and will be lucky to start the next few seasons or will be replaced in them. I’m sure Stoops is in the process now of thinking of replacing him with a Juco transfer or a new recruit. And there are good back ups for Wood and Thomas.
4)Repace LSU for Colorado or San Diego? We need the revenue to pay all the high salaries of the over promised and undelivered. And why can’t we step up? I’ ll bet you never played ball.Again. I bet you never played ball.
5)Tuitama is 4-5 as a starter. Who has he beat other than UCLA that mattered. Tuitama has a strong arm at times, but is slow, not mobile, can not juke one defender, makes poor decisions to throw to double coverage, throws off his back foot, doesn’t follow through and has 0% touch. Just the facts.
And what do you expect? I think the Coaches and the University conveyed to the media that this was the team. They marketed big time. They just didn’t deliver. They over promised and undelivered, and in sales this typically ends with someone being unhappy. In this case, the fans are upset but can not choose another person to to business. Therefore, a change will be made and it will be Canales, Tuitama or both.
The entire team staying together and working out all summer.
Look what we got. A train wreck.
Guess what? I’m a Wildcat fan and I’ll root for them forever. If I still lived in Tucson, I’d go to the games.
This season is lost. Stoops will make some coaching changes to placate the fans. Next year has to be better.
— vegasallen 10/05/2006 10:32 PM #
I’ll give Coach Stoops more time to turn things around. He should have as much time as he needs. Afterall he is the greatest coach in the history of Division 1A football, lets sign him up to a lifetime contract as UA head football coach.
I agree this year is a bust but…
Wait until next year…
Wait until next year…
Wail until next year…
— Mike Brown 10/06/2006 05:45 AM #
GMAN,
I will address a few of your comments.
1)I do eat raisin brain occasionally but I have no idea what a yougurt stick is. Perhaps you can enlighten me.
2)If you believe that both of the Stoops brothers are doing a good job but Canales is not, then that must mean that the team is improving. Before Stoops got here do you remember how bad our defense was?
3)Recruits have come. Back to back top-20 recruiting classes are at Arizona because of this coaching staff. Most of those players are redshirt freshmen this year or are currently redshirting. Players need to develop.
4)My point about replacing LSU with Colorado or San Diego St. is that we have played a very tough schedule. I understand the whole revenue thing but if this team was at 3-2 this year, would there be so much complaining? And yes, I have played football.
5)Tuitama is still young. He has stuggled at times and has looked great at times. Next year he will have some competition as highly recruited Tyler Lyon will be elegible after redshirting this season. Lyon was a top 15 quaterback coming out of high school. And vegasallen, I believe the quote from Canales was that Tuitama was further along his freshman season than was Rivers. I don’t think Canales meant that right now Tuitama is better than Rivers.
5)Who has Tuitama beat that matters other than UCLA? Gman, when a team is coming off seasons where it went 5-18, any win matters. Remember, Arizona was 1-6 last season before Willie started a game. The Cats are 4-5 since. A win is a win.
6) Are you a QB coach? You must be since you have a nice list of mistakes that Willie makes. What are some of the QBs that you have coached?
7)Expectations mean nothing. Absolutely nothing. Expectations are usually placed on the team by outsiders who have a hard time naming the teams’ starters, let alone the depth chart off the top of their head. I live in Phoenix and they were thinking up here that ASU had the best offense in the country and would challenge for a national championship. Know they are shocked and are calling for Dirk’s head because this team has “underachieved”. Take a step back and look at ASU over the past few seasons and you will see that the expectations were way too high to begin with.
The Cats have improved in a lot of areas but still need to improve in others. Cheer them on and enjoy the ride guys. Live is good.
Now if you will excuse me, I have raisin bran to eat.
Go Cats!
— Damien 10/06/2006 07:20 AM #
Damien-
Do you remember me (Pratt)? I’m up here in salt lake and i cant watch a frigin cats game!!! Its killing me, How is Adam? Did he have a good mission? I need your email address. How is Tucson? Sorry i’m calling you out like this but i have to get a hold of you
-James Pratt
— James Pratt 10/06/2006 01:44 PM #
Damien-
Thanks for the reply Bran Man. I don’t know what a yogurt stick is but I’m sure if you eat raisin bran it goes with it. I will address your reply.
(#2, #3) I agree and have always agreed the team is better than it was as of recent. I think we are getting better players than as of recent past. I just feel that it is not entirely a team or depth issue which is to blame for not succeeding. I feel the offensive play calling and quarterback is not a situation where a rythm can get established, is very predictable and another option should be considered.
(#6) I am not a QB coach but played
12 years in my life and High School coached for 6 years. I have been a offensive cordinator and defensive cordinator. A DB by trade. By all means not a college coach but you don’t have to have been one to see the issues.
My issue is why does everything have to be warm and fuzzy? Can we voice displeasure and still support the team? If expectations are nothing, didn’t you voice and expect us to be better next season? With the talent/recruiting we have don’t you think we should be doing better?
If a player makes mistakes, he gets replaced. If a coach makes mistakes, it can effect a whole different spectrum(morale, attitudes, poise, support, recruiting and donations). There is simply too much at risk to give the play calling more time and not consider another option for QB.
— GMAN 10/06/2006 08:34 PM #
Man! Canales has called another game for a loss, Tuitama has another concussion, the offense was a no show, and the play calling predictable! “First and 10 for the Cats, its Jennings and a run play up the middle… No gain.. This Bruin defense is just tough against the run!”, thank you Faux sports net for that deeply insightful and moving commentary! Thank you Mike Canales for cashing another paycheck on the backs of a talented squad that is no longer having fun. Please, for the love of the kids, Mike Stoops, make some offensive calls, find someone that can call the game, find someone that will build on the offensive players qualities. Please! This Bruin team was not the Rose Bowl team of yesteryear, they are talented, but had slightly better play calling than Arizona.
I read in the paper that Mike Canales was losing sleep after every loss. Awe… Are the Arizona fans suppose to feel bad about this? I sure don’t! Willie got hurt again you moron! Canales is as blind as Ray Charles and as insightful and imaginative as a brick! If Mike Canales feels really bad, they why doesn’t he donate his paycheck to charity? March of Dimes, Casa de los Ninos, American Cancer Society, or the Wildlife Warriors are a few good charities. Oh wait, he does not feel that bad. I see… Well, what about 5 dollars to the Will Rogers Insitute at the movie theatre?
Football is like a game of chess, and for Mike Canales, he focuses on what he does not have, instead of what he has! Please Coach Stoops, fire Mike “the clown” Canales!
— Big Jon 10/07/2006 08:13 PM #
#17-
If you can do better than by all means step up to the microphone. As far as your remarkably astute observation that Arizona “sucks”, it’s already been made, by me, in more intelectual terms than you perchance could grasp. When you graduate from 8th grade this year, please feel free to comment on what I write and others contribute too. see the idea is to be constructive and to voice opinions…any shmuck can come on here and say that “arizona sucks” give is some insight…maybe an idea on how to solve the problem…that’s what this is for.
— David 10/07/2006 09:34 PM #
It is apparent to this reader that Michael Stoops is “Snake bit”. From the death of McCollins Umeh to present Mike Stoops can’t catch a break.
Recommendation: Have someone remove the “Curse”.
Maybe Damien knows of someone ?
— Neal Daryl Keith Harris, M.Ed. 10/08/2006 01:21 AM #
#18, what exactly do you mean by “step up to the microphone”? You are right, my oberservations are remarkably astute! Thanks! But, you are incorrect, I never said that Arizona “sucks”. Defense is playing better than the offense, special teams are ok, but the offensive coaching staff has to pick it up. Now, where in that did I say Arizona “sucks”? Just like Mike Canales, you only see what you want to see.
— Big Jon 10/08/2006 08:47 AM #
Looks like Stoops is needed back in Oklahoma where OU excused themselves out of the Oregon loss,
but then lost to Texas.
Clearly they need a Defensive specialist, or the Stoops dynasty is a done deal.
What are we going to do when Stoops goes home?
Get somebody who has read Barry Alvarez’ book.
— RayBay 10/08/2006 09:06 AM #
#21…the comment I was referring to was removed…sorry for the confusion…didn’t mean you
— scott 10/08/2006 10:59 AM #
#20-
Thanks for judging me without knowing me…care to explain why you think i’m a punk after all you’re the one who took time read MY blog and comment…whose the punk, the punk or the punk who follows him?
as for the game, we got worked and its obvious canales has no concept of how to run this offense…he’d be decent at a school that already has an established offense, but his performance here means its unlikely he’ll get coordinator work any time soon…
— david 10/08/2006 11:04 AM #
Money is not a problem here at Arizona. Take the offensive coordinator from Louiville and make him an offer he can’t refuse!
— Big Jon 10/08/2006 11:18 AM #
Ignore comment #23, was responding to someone whose comment was removed…also, just reviewed the stat line from yesterdays game…gues what…we won or were close in every statistical category except the one that matters…score. for the second week in a row the ‘Cats offense has managed to stay with the other team without actually scoring any points…until canales creates a game plan that gets us in the end zone, we’ll move the ball all day and do nothing with it at the end. also just noticed in the most recent polls that a team we beat early on, BYU is now in the “Teams receiving votes” categories of both polls. it’s not all bad in tucson, but it sure ain’t great.
— david 10/08/2006 02:44 PM #
When the cat’s loose to Stanford then you guys will wake up a smell the BS. Note to all smart kids in this looser program. Don’t play football at a basketball school. Willie, listen to your mom RUN!! Find a school that cares about your head on and off the field. Stoops will get paid weather you can remember your name or not.
— Tired Of The BS 10/09/2006 11:09 AM #
MNF (Ravens vs. Broncos)
It was a real pleasure tonight to see Big # 68 for the Baltimore Ravens run over #47 from Stanford on a “Screen Play”. I believe little Johnnie was injured on the play. Meat on the Hoof, Meat on the Hoof.
— Neal Daryl Keith Harris, M.Ed. 10/09/2006 08:55 PM #
#27-
Yeah its awesome to gloat over an injury…John Lynch was taken out with a pinched nerve in his neck…how about not demonstrating to the world how immature you are next time…beating a team with a player you don’t like is something to be happy about…seeing a guy get taken out with an injury and gloating about it is immaturity at its very finest…take your comments to an asu fan blog where that kind of behavior is to be exptected
— scott 10/09/2006 09:10 PM #
# 28 I was not gloating. I am not a LSU/UCLA and certainly not a Scumdevil fan. I just want our Linemen to take some pride in what they do, and that is to protect Willie at all cost. So take some advice from a Barry Goldwater fan. Stop being a bleeding heart liberal. Football is played by Men.
Go Cats “Put some one in the Meat Wagon”. (Thats Ambulance for you “Liberals”.)
— Neal Daryl Keith Harris, M.Ed. 10/10/2006 05:48 AM #
scott-Don’t some of these comments prove just what a strange world we live in?
— vegasallen 10/12/2006 09:40 AM #
I am a LSU fan and I saw the LSU-UA game. Your team appeared to have alot of undeveloped talent…but they dont seem to have any direction on offense…
Perhaps a new QB Coach or offensive coordinator? Right now UA appears to be on the level of Tulane or Houston Football program.
in short a “rent a win”.
— rob combs 10/12/2006 02:08 PM #
who are you and why are you wasting our time…any comments on the UofA football team…i mean since this is a sports fan blog
— scott 10/13/2006 06:35 AM #
Your mother. Stop blogging and take out the trash like I asked you to.
— Mom 10/14/2006 07:12 AM #
This is a response to Tired of the BS, you are a moron, and I hope that you swallow every word that you said. How dare you say that we’re going to lose to the worst college football team in the nation. You are pathetic and you should NEVER call yourself a UA fan (basketball or football). I was at the game today, and they played their hearts out and beat a team that is in a similar position that we are in (great coach, a lot of talent, but havent put the wins together).
By the way, check your response because do you mean the “weather” during the game or “whether” or not your a moron. You disgust me.
Also, today, everything smelled quite well today here in CA :)
— Wildact Forever 10/14/2006 09:35 PM #
Stoops is a complete joke. The circus tent is pitched and stands errect over his office. He’s not fooling anyone.
The ice berg is approaching and will soon take captain Mike (Bobby Knight) Stoops with it.
— intheknow 10/14/2006 11:33 PM #
intheknow-
It’s interesting that you’re comparing stoops to one of the greatest college basketball coaches of all time…i sure hope he has that much success on the gridiron
— scott 10/15/2006 12:04 AM #
Wildcat Forever (Post #36),
If you’re going to point out someone’s grammatical errors, you probably should use correct grammar in your reply. I.e. “do you mean the “weather” during the game or “whether” or not your a moron” should read “do you mean the “weather” during the game or “whether” or not you’re a moron”.
Everything you said is ridiculous. You say the offensive line is ridiculous and can’t block, but then why would you say to play the young offensive lineman when they are the ones playing and arent doing that great of a job to begin with? Nice point buddy. FYI, Canales does let Tuitama audible. He tells him to audible all the time if he doesnt like what he sees from the defense. They even talk about what audibles to call in every situation. Its not Canales’ fault if in the game Tuitama doesnt audible when he needs to because Canales lets him audible whenever he sees fit. And they have several timing route patterns in the play book. Ive seen a lot of practice film where the offense executes them perfectly. How is it Canales’ fault if they cant execute it in the game? Its the players responsibility to get the timing down on routes, not the coaches. And if you say the offensive line cant block, why would you want them to play more of a spread offense? All that would do is leave less blockers in the pocket and give Tuitama less time to throw than what he already gets. Next time do more research on the offense before you say so much stupid crap which makes no sense.
— Anthony 11/27/2006 11:23 PM #
ok anthony, i wrote this on october 5th, checking the calendar its november 28th, thanks for your prompt reply…i never actually said the o-line couldn’t block, what i said was that the o-line hadn’t had enough big game experience to handle playing the pac-10’s defenses, i also said that holding them back would harm the whole team effort long term.
i’m sure you have seen oodles of practice film where the offense plays great, but i haven’t. i made observations based on watching the games where our offense was predictable and remember this was back at the beginning of october, obviously things changed in almost two months, for instance, canales resigned and the cats won some ball games because the offense became less predictable and the o-line finally jelled.
its really easy to be critical of someone after the fact you have the luxury of being 100% right.
— david 11/28/2006 07:20 AM #
To point 1), the O-line: in my opinion everything was in place already this year except for this single monumental weakness. And yes, we’re playing for next year. And yes, these guys on the O-line can still be good. That said, I don’t know that playing them is the best way to develop them. This is not like the quarterback position where there’s lots of complicated game-time stuff you need to learn. They need another year in the weight room. Really, they need 2 years, which frankly has me concerned even next year could be a bust…
to point 5), I absolutely agree! and I support this staff 100%. I don’t have any patience for anyone’s elses’ impatience. Stoops inherited a ruined program. So far he’s exceeded expectations in every way, especially with his highly-regarded recruiting classes that are just now developing. The last thing this program needs is a “fire-the-coach” campaign to ruin the momentum and cause half our most promising recruits to transfer. People were calling for PJ Carlesimo’s head for three years before Seton Hall won a national championship in his 5th year. The reality is, this is how long it takes to build from the ground up. If anything happens to Stoops in the next couple of years, regardless of win-loss record I will be calling for Jim Livengood’s head!
Go cats! go O-line! go Stoops!
— glaciers alpha 10/05/2006 10:55 AM #
1. Mike Stoops, Mark Stoops, and Mike Canales are all just in their third years in their respective positions. Not just at Arizona, but ever. This is a very young team with very young coaches. They are learning. Be patient.
2. Mike Stoops inherited a team in absolute chaos. Don’t pass judgement yet. This is not basketball. One or two great recruits cannot turn a program around. Stoops has just two full recruiting classes under his belt. His first consisted of a lot of Makovics’ recruits and most of them are no longer on the team. We need more depth and that takes time.
3. Speaking of depth, Tuitama, Mike Thomas, and Brad Wood have all suffered injuries or are recovering from injuries this season.
4. Replace LSU on the schedule with a team like Colorado or San Diego St. and Arizona is likely 3-2 right now.
5. Arizona is 4-5 since Tuitama was named starter. Not great, but better than we have been.
I plan on writing a blog in the near future about what it takes to build a top level program. But for now we just need to keep in mind that this team is improving. I cannot understand how anyone can objectively sit back, consider all the circumstances, and say that this team has made no improvement.
Bear Down Arizona! Support the team! Go Cats!
3. Speaking of depth,
— Damien 10/05/2006 12:22 PM #
Who’s left on the schedule that’s an easy win. Maybe Stanford then…..??? Face it, Stephen Austin gave them a battle!!
The Palms sportsbook currently has UA as one of the 4 weakest major division 1 teams in college football. FYI, the others are NC State, Colorado, and UNLV. They’re all at 9999/1 to win the BCS. Why not higher odds? That’s as high as their computer driven odds-board goes!
Given the expectations, the Cats are the biggest bust in college football this year.
— vegasallen 10/05/2006 02:41 PM #
— Jim 10/05/2006 02:56 PM #
I am concerned about the saying, ‘It’s easier to get on top than stay on top.’ We’re having a hard time making a bowl game let alone toy with the top of the conference.
Stoops and Co. will get this team on track, just not as quickly as everyone hoped for.
— Button Salmon 10/05/2006 03:03 PM #
— James Pratt 10/05/2006 03:54 PM #
GASSERS (UNTIL THEY PUKE): To many “Wildcats” walk on and off the “THE FIELD OF PLAY”.
SCRAMBLE LEFT AND SCRAMBLE RIGHT: Get Willie out of the pocket ! By allowing i.e. The left Tackle to loose his man to the inside, which breaks a “Cardinal Rule” for Starting Left Tackles and was very effective against Irv Eatman of UCLA in 1980. Willie can then scramble to his left and throw from the Side Belt, while helping the young Tackles.
DOUBLE SCREENS: Get those “Young Bucks” up field. Maybe then they can block those “Little Maggot” DB’s
TWO POINT STANCES (OFFENSIVE LINEMEN): Our Linemen are not seeing whom to block. It is a common trait for young linemen to put their heads down while in a Three Point Stance. GET THEIR HEADS UP. and don’t give me any of that feces on how you can’t effectively run block from this position. Defensive Linemen are brain dead and the offensive linemen in a 2 point stance has a distinct advantage.
STICK A 45/CD UP THERE CULOS: Meat on the Hoof, Meat on the Hoof.
— Neal Daryl Keith Harris, M.Ed. 10/05/2006 04:00 PM #
Total of 2 touchdowns against Division 1 teams this year.
4 games = 16 QUARTERS! That’s a step or two below pathetic.
I know what most here say, it takes time, bla,bla,bla. Well sorry but that just blows.
— vegasallen 10/05/2006 04:35 PM #
Save us from having to read another of your blah blogs. Maybe you could save it for your next tail gate when your eating your raisin bran and your yogurt stick and everyone is all warm and fuzzy contemplating if they should have the caffeine free soda or go for the gusto and have regular. Whew!! That’ll be crazy.Crazy!
I will adress your points:
1) Agreed. Stoops, Stoops and Canales are in their 3rd year. Stoops, Stoops are fine at their coaching positions. However, and I will remind you, Canales is done. Three years is long enough. We can’t risk any more time with his decision making. It’s too big of a risk.
2)Sure recruits might come. If we are winning. If there is a chance to win. If there is something exciting about the program. But none of the above as of late.
3)Tuitama is over rated and will be lucky to start the next few seasons or will be replaced in them. I’m sure Stoops is in the process now of thinking of replacing him with a Juco transfer or a new recruit. And there are good back ups for Wood and Thomas.
4)Repace LSU for Colorado or San Diego? We need the revenue to pay all the high salaries of the over promised and undelivered. And why can’t we step up? I’ ll bet you never played ball.Again. I bet you never played ball.
5)Tuitama is 4-5 as a starter. Who has he beat other than UCLA that mattered. Tuitama has a strong arm at times, but is slow, not mobile, can not juke one defender, makes poor decisions to throw to double coverage, throws off his back foot, doesn’t follow through and has 0% touch. Just the facts.
And what do you expect? I think the Coaches and the University conveyed to the media that this was the team. They marketed big time. They just didn’t deliver. They over promised and undelivered, and in sales this typically ends with someone being unhappy. In this case, the fans are upset but can not choose another person to to business. Therefore, a change will be made and it will be Canales, Tuitama or both.
Mas Alla,
GMAN
— GMAN 10/05/2006 09:28 PM #
I bought into it.
Top 20 recruiting classes.
Huge progress in the weight room.
Tuitama better than Phillip Rivers.
The entire team staying together and working out all summer.
Look what we got. A train wreck.
Guess what? I’m a Wildcat fan and I’ll root for them forever. If I still lived in Tucson, I’d go to the games.
This season is lost. Stoops will make some coaching changes to placate the fans. Next year has to be better.
— vegasallen 10/05/2006 10:32 PM #
I agree this year is a bust but…
Wait until next year…
Wait until next year…
Wail until next year…
— Mike Brown 10/06/2006 05:45 AM #
I will address a few of your comments.
1)I do eat raisin brain occasionally but I have no idea what a yougurt stick is. Perhaps you can enlighten me.
2)If you believe that both of the Stoops brothers are doing a good job but Canales is not, then that must mean that the team is improving. Before Stoops got here do you remember how bad our defense was?
3)Recruits have come. Back to back top-20 recruiting classes are at Arizona because of this coaching staff. Most of those players are redshirt freshmen this year or are currently redshirting. Players need to develop.
4)My point about replacing LSU with Colorado or San Diego St. is that we have played a very tough schedule. I understand the whole revenue thing but if this team was at 3-2 this year, would there be so much complaining? And yes, I have played football.
5)Tuitama is still young. He has stuggled at times and has looked great at times. Next year he will have some competition as highly recruited Tyler Lyon will be elegible after redshirting this season. Lyon was a top 15 quaterback coming out of high school. And vegasallen, I believe the quote from Canales was that Tuitama was further along his freshman season than was Rivers. I don’t think Canales meant that right now Tuitama is better than Rivers.
5)Who has Tuitama beat that matters other than UCLA? Gman, when a team is coming off seasons where it went 5-18, any win matters. Remember, Arizona was 1-6 last season before Willie started a game. The Cats are 4-5 since. A win is a win.
6) Are you a QB coach? You must be since you have a nice list of mistakes that Willie makes. What are some of the QBs that you have coached?
7)Expectations mean nothing. Absolutely nothing. Expectations are usually placed on the team by outsiders who have a hard time naming the teams’ starters, let alone the depth chart off the top of their head. I live in Phoenix and they were thinking up here that ASU had the best offense in the country and would challenge for a national championship. Know they are shocked and are calling for Dirk’s head because this team has “underachieved”. Take a step back and look at ASU over the past few seasons and you will see that the expectations were way too high to begin with.
The Cats have improved in a lot of areas but still need to improve in others. Cheer them on and enjoy the ride guys. Live is good.
Now if you will excuse me, I have raisin bran to eat.
Go Cats!
— Damien 10/06/2006 07:20 AM #
Do you remember me (Pratt)? I’m up here in salt lake and i cant watch a frigin cats game!!! Its killing me, How is Adam? Did he have a good mission? I need your email address. How is Tucson? Sorry i’m calling you out like this but i have to get a hold of you
-James Pratt
— James Pratt 10/06/2006 01:44 PM #
Email me and I will give you my phone number.
Go Cats!
— Damien 10/06/2006 02:06 PM #
Thanks for the reply Bran Man. I don’t know what a yogurt stick is but I’m sure if you eat raisin bran it goes with it. I will address your reply.
(#2, #3) I agree and have always agreed the team is better than it was as of recent. I think we are getting better players than as of recent past. I just feel that it is not entirely a team or depth issue which is to blame for not succeeding. I feel the offensive play calling and quarterback is not a situation where a rythm can get established, is very predictable and another option should be considered.
(#6) I am not a QB coach but played
12 years in my life and High School coached for 6 years. I have been a offensive cordinator and defensive cordinator. A DB by trade. By all means not a college coach but you don’t have to have been one to see the issues.
My issue is why does everything have to be warm and fuzzy? Can we voice displeasure and still support the team? If expectations are nothing, didn’t you voice and expect us to be better next season? With the talent/recruiting we have don’t you think we should be doing better?
If a player makes mistakes, he gets replaced. If a coach makes mistakes, it can effect a whole different spectrum(morale, attitudes, poise, support, recruiting and donations). There is simply too much at risk to give the play calling more time and not consider another option for QB.
— GMAN 10/06/2006 08:34 PM #
Mas Alla,
GMAN
— GMAN 10/06/2006 08:36 PM #
I read in the paper that Mike Canales was losing sleep after every loss. Awe… Are the Arizona fans suppose to feel bad about this? I sure don’t! Willie got hurt again you moron! Canales is as blind as Ray Charles and as insightful and imaginative as a brick! If Mike Canales feels really bad, they why doesn’t he donate his paycheck to charity? March of Dimes, Casa de los Ninos, American Cancer Society, or the Wildlife Warriors are a few good charities. Oh wait, he does not feel that bad. I see… Well, what about 5 dollars to the Will Rogers Insitute at the movie theatre?
Football is like a game of chess, and for Mike Canales, he focuses on what he does not have, instead of what he has! Please Coach Stoops, fire Mike “the clown” Canales!
— Big Jon 10/07/2006 08:13 PM #
If you can do better than by all means step up to the microphone. As far as your remarkably astute observation that Arizona “sucks”, it’s already been made, by me, in more intelectual terms than you perchance could grasp. When you graduate from 8th grade this year, please feel free to comment on what I write and others contribute too. see the idea is to be constructive and to voice opinions…any shmuck can come on here and say that “arizona sucks” give is some insight…maybe an idea on how to solve the problem…that’s what this is for.
— David 10/07/2006 09:34 PM #
Recommendation: Have someone remove the “Curse”.
Maybe Damien knows of someone ?
— Neal Daryl Keith Harris, M.Ed. 10/08/2006 01:21 AM #
— Big Jon 10/08/2006 08:47 AM #
but then lost to Texas.
Clearly they need a Defensive specialist, or the Stoops dynasty is a done deal.
What are we going to do when Stoops goes home?
Get somebody who has read Barry Alvarez’ book.
— RayBay 10/08/2006 09:06 AM #
— scott 10/08/2006 10:59 AM #
Thanks for judging me without knowing me…care to explain why you think i’m a punk after all you’re the one who took time read MY blog and comment…whose the punk, the punk or the punk who follows him?
as for the game, we got worked and its obvious canales has no concept of how to run this offense…he’d be decent at a school that already has an established offense, but his performance here means its unlikely he’ll get coordinator work any time soon…
— david 10/08/2006 11:04 AM #
— Big Jon 10/08/2006 11:18 AM #
— david 10/08/2006 02:44 PM #
— Tired Of The BS 10/09/2006 11:09 AM #
It was a real pleasure tonight to see Big # 68 for the Baltimore Ravens run over #47 from Stanford on a “Screen Play”. I believe little Johnnie was injured on the play. Meat on the Hoof, Meat on the Hoof.
— Neal Daryl Keith Harris, M.Ed. 10/09/2006 08:55 PM #
Yeah its awesome to gloat over an injury…John Lynch was taken out with a pinched nerve in his neck…how about not demonstrating to the world how immature you are next time…beating a team with a player you don’t like is something to be happy about…seeing a guy get taken out with an injury and gloating about it is immaturity at its very finest…take your comments to an asu fan blog where that kind of behavior is to be exptected
— scott 10/09/2006 09:10 PM #
Go Cats “Put some one in the Meat Wagon”. (Thats Ambulance for you “Liberals”.)
— Neal Daryl Keith Harris, M.Ed. 10/10/2006 05:48 AM #
— vegasallen 10/12/2006 09:40 AM #
Perhaps a new QB Coach or offensive coordinator? Right now UA appears to be on the level of Tulane or Houston Football program.
in short a “rent a win”.
— rob combs 10/12/2006 02:08 PM #
Grok,Grok, and Grok.
— Neal Daryl Keith Harris, M.Ed. 10/12/2006 04:01 PM #
— #31 Is A Used Car Salesman Scumbag 10/13/2006 04:21 AM #
who are you and why are you wasting our time…any comments on the UofA football team…i mean since this is a sports fan blog
— scott 10/13/2006 06:35 AM #
— Mom 10/14/2006 07:12 AM #
By the way, check your response because do you mean the “weather” during the game or “whether” or not your a moron. You disgust me.
Also, today, everything smelled quite well today here in CA :)
— Wildact Forever 10/14/2006 09:35 PM #
The ice berg is approaching and will soon take captain Mike (Bobby Knight) Stoops with it.
— intheknow 10/14/2006 11:33 PM #
It’s interesting that you’re comparing stoops to one of the greatest college basketball coaches of all time…i sure hope he has that much success on the gridiron
— scott 10/15/2006 12:04 AM #
If you’re going to point out someone’s grammatical errors, you probably should use correct grammar in your reply. I.e. “do you mean the “weather” during the game or “whether” or not your a moron” should read “do you mean the “weather” during the game or “whether” or not you’re a moron”.
So who’s the moron?
— Jason 10/15/2006 07:28 AM #
— Anthony 11/27/2006 11:23 PM #
i’m sure you have seen oodles of practice film where the offense plays great, but i haven’t. i made observations based on watching the games where our offense was predictable and remember this was back at the beginning of october, obviously things changed in almost two months, for instance, canales resigned and the cats won some ball games because the offense became less predictable and the o-line finally jelled.
its really easy to be critical of someone after the fact you have the luxury of being 100% right.
— david 11/28/2006 07:20 AM #