TUCSON – Arizona took care of business on Saturday night, handily beating Hawaii 40-6 in what many referred to as the “Dick Tomey Bowl.” The Wildcats finished with 344 yards of total offense, averaging 6.1 yards per play, while holding the Rainbow Warriors to 290 yards and just 3.8 yards per play. Danny Gonzales’ defense finished the game with five sacks and five takeaways, something a UA defensive squad has not done since facing Grambling State in 2016. Below are five takeaways and reactions from the Arizona Wildcats’ win over Hawaii as Brent Brennan’s squad looks to carry momentum into Week 2 against Weber State.
1) “Choose Violence!”
Defensive coordinator Danny Gonzales spoke through fall camp and the week leading up to the game against Hawaii about “choosing violence” and playing with “violent intentions.” The Wildcats did just that, forcing five turnovers, the most since Arizona’s Alamo Bowl victory in 2023. The Wildcats also recored five sacks, the most in a game by the UA since a triple-overtime loss at USC in 2023, finishing with 10 total tackles for loss for 35 yards.
Hawaii won the time of possession battle by over 11 minutes, but Arizona’s ability to keep the Rainbow Warriors out of the end zone, in large part due to the turnovers, was crucial to the Wildcats’ success. As Arizona’s offensive competition ramps up in Big 12 play, especially with teams like Iowa State, BYU, Baylor, and ASU on the schedule this fall, Danny Gonzales’ “Choose Violence” mentality could help the Wildcats steal a game or two.
2) Bar Menu or Bland?
Throughout fall camp, Arizona’s offense showed plenty of flashes, with receivers Kris Hutson, Tre Spivey, and Chris Hunter making dynamic catches and touchdown receptions night in and night out. Saturday was not the case. Hutson and Hunter did not play in the season-opener due to injury, while Noah Fifita and the passing attack were held to just 161 yards through the air.
Brent Brennan said at the beginning of the week that the Wildcats would keep things simple in the season-opener, utilizing a “bar menu” with everyone’s favorites, as opposed to having the full buffet of options at Seth Doege’s disposal. But the question remains, why did the air attack look like it took a step back on Saturday night? Are Noah Fifita and the offensive skill players not quite comfortable in the system yet? Is the coaching staff saving some things up its sleeve? Or did Seth Doege just dial up a conservative game plan?
While the Wildcats’ running back more than carried the load on Saturday, the passing game will have to step up in order to keep up with the high flying offenses Arizona will face in the Big 12 this season.
3) Confidence is King
All week Brent Brennan had a noticeable calmness and confidence about him – something Arizona fans did not see a year ago. Saturday night was not different, with Brennan praise the effort of his team, but acknowledging that the Wildcats did not execute to the Redline standard.
“I think on the effort side we played really hard. I think that was visible. Sure, there were mistakes, but we played hard in all three phases,” said Brennan on Saturday night. “The execution piece, I think we’ve got a little bit of work to do. So, I’m excited to look at this film and go to work, and we’ll be accountable for where we want to be and on the level we want it to be at.”
Last season those conversations were hard for Brent Brennan, who was often trying to keep spirits and morale from sinking lower than they were week after week. This year, the control and command of the team is different. The locker room is Brent Brennan’s. The coaching staff is Brent Brennan’s. And the mistakes and lack of execution, well those are Brent Brennan’s too, and he’s totally okay with that. That level of accountability and ownership is a refreshing juxtaposition from a year ago, and something that will serve the UA well as it continue to grow from week to week this fall.
4) Watch Out for the Hydra!
While the passing attack was less crisp than expected, Arizona’s rushing attack was on full display. The three-monster of Kedrick Reescano, Quincy Craig, and Ismail Mahdi was unstoppable on Saturday, and looks to be a dominant force for Brent Brennan and Seth Doege all season. Any time the Wildcats needed to get something going on offense, the ground game had an answer.
Kedrick Reescano opened up the game with three-straight carries for 20 yards and the first touchdown of the game. Ismail Mahdi, who is recovering from a banged up knee suffered in fall camp, also found his way into the end zone. But it was Portland State transfer Qunicy Craig who stole the show with seven carries for 125 yards (17.9 AVG) and a touchdown.
If Arizona can keep all three backs heathy and fresh throughout the season, the versatility of the Wildcats’ running back room should create plenty of challenges for opposing defenses.
5) Don’t Sleep on Special Teams
While Tyler Loop’s name has forever been etched in the Arizona record books, Michael Salgado-Medina looked solid in his place kicking debut for the Wildcats. Salgado-Medina converted both of his field goal attempts, including a try from 52 yards.
Kickoff specialist Ian Wagner was also a force on Saturday night, kicking off eight time last night without giving up a return to Hawaii.
Then in the punt return game, Jeremiah Patterson looked like a new player versus a year ago. Patterson’s first return went for a whopping 41 yards, besting last season’s long by nine yards.
Just as quickly as special teams can win you games, it can cost you them as well. If Michael Salgado-Medina can continue to find his groove, while the remainder of the specialists take advantage of their opportunities week in and week out, the Wildcats will have a good chance of capitalizing on short fields while forcing opponents to go the distance.