After trouncing Hawaii in its season opener, Arizona looks to continue its hot start in Week 2 when it hosts the Weber State Wildcats. The UA strung together 344 yards of offense and scored four rushing touchdowns, while the defense came away with five sacks and five takeaways, something it hasn’t done in a game in nearly a decade. Let’s take a look ahead at this week’s Preview & Predictions ahead of Saturday’s contest between Arizona and Weber State.
Offense:
Arizona’s ground game is primed for another monster day on Saturday. Weber State allowed a staggering 313 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns in Week 1 against James Madison. Arizona’s running back room is much more physical than the Dukes’, and should feast on Saturday night. Don’t be surprised if true freshmen running backs Wesley Yarbrough and Cornelius “Corn” Warren III see action in the game.
Arizona’s passing game should also fare well against the visiting Wildcats. After completing 13 of 23 passes for just 161 yards and a touchdown, Noah Fifita will have ample opportunities to air it out on Saturday night. Head coach Brent Brennan said on Thursday there is a “chance” wide receiver Kris Hutson, Fifita’s top target in fall camp, and tight end Keyan Burnett play on Saturday, only increasing his chances. Look for Arizona’s signal caller to eclipse 250 yards and at least two scores through the air, before ceding the second half or at least fourth quarter to Wisconsin transfer Braedyn Locke, and maybe even true freshman Sawyer Anderson.
The Wildcats will need to be mindful of Weber State’s aggressive secondary, which likes to play near the line of scrimmage and pressure the backfield. One player in particular to watch is veteran defensive back Angel King, who led Weber State with 11 tackles and an interception in the Week 1 loss.
Defense:
Led by ballhawk junior captain Genesis Smith, Arizona’s defense may just outdo it’s staggering Week 1 outing. Weber State quarterback Jackson Gilkey is making just his second-career start on Saturday after an underwhelming season-debut. Gilkey connect on 10 of 24 passes for just 84 yards and a touchdown, as well as three interceptions. Two interceptions were off the hands of his receivers in Week 1, but those are opportunities defensive backs like Smith, Gavin Hunter, and Dalton Johnson should capitalize on on Saturday.
The Wildcats from Utah did not allow a sack last week, but gave up five tackles for loss. With the UA’s size and strength up front, particularly on the edges with Tre Smith and Dominic Lolesio, look for Arizona to sack Gilkey for the first, second, and perhaps third time this season.
The only question is now: Will Arizona run out of space on its turnover sword?
Special Teams:
This is an area Arizona will need to continue ironing out throughout the early part of the season. While Michael Salgado-Medina’s 52-yard field goal and Jeremiah Patterson’s 41-yard punt return were encouraging, Weber State has a few tricks up its sleeve.
The visiting Wildcats blocked a field goal and punt last week against the Dukes, while kick returning Noah Kjar finished with six returns for 99 yards.
With Ian Wagner’s leg, Arizona should not have to worry about as many yards on kick returns, but the failed PAT attempt in the fourth quarter does continue to beg questions about the comfort with the kicking operation.
Final Score Prediction:
Arizona takes care of business in Week 2, beating Weber State 49-7. Between the Wildcat’s power in the run game, Noah Fifita’s increased comfort and rhythm, coupled with Kris Hutson’s potential debut, and the aggressiveness of the defense, Brent Brennan’s squad will be too much for Weber State, confirming that Tucson only has room for one team of Wildcats.