TUCSON – In just over 24 hours, Arizona Football’s season officially gets underway when the Wildcats host the Rainbow Warriors of Hawaii. It’s the first opportunity for fans to see the revamped roster on both sides of the ball, led by new offensive coordinator Seth Doege and quarterback Noah Fifita, and elevated defensive coordinator Danny Gonzales and veterans Genesis Smith, Dalton Johnson, and Tre Smith. Check out our first Preview & Predictions of the season before Year 2 of the Brent Brennan era gets underway on Saturday in Arizona Stadium against Hawaii.
Offense:
After an underwhelming showing in 2024, Seth Doege’s offense promises to be much more exciting. Through spring and fall camp, Noah Fifita has looked much more dynamic and fluid, returning to his 2023 form. New wide receivers Kris Hutson (Washington State), Javin “Nunu” Whatley, and Tre Spivey have all flashed, showing off their playmaking ability and chemistry with Fifita. On the ground, Kedrick Reescano, Ishamil Mahdi, and Quincy Craig look to impose their will by committee.
Arizona’s biggest question mark continues to be the offensive line. Until Rhino Tapa’atoutai returns from injury, the Wildcats will start Texas Tech transfer Ty Buchanan, Michael Wooten, Hawaii transfer Ka’ena Decambra, Alexander Doost, and Michigan transfer Tristan Bounds.
Looking ahead to Hawaii, in Week 0, the Rainbow Warriors made things difficult for Stanford with their ability to generate pressure in the backfield. While Hawaii did not record a sack, it did log eight total quarterback pressures, including four QB hits and four QB hurries. With some of the questions surrounding Arizona’s offensive line, Hawaii’s defensive pressure could create some challenges.
In the secondary, the Wildcats need to be aware of safety Kilinahe Mendiola-Jensen. Mendiola-Jensen tallied four tackles and an interception, while holding receivers to just one reception for three yards on three targets, finishing with a 90.1 defensive grade from PFF.
While Hawaii’s pass rush may present some challenges, Arizona should be able to capitalize on its size and strength in the run game. The Rainbow Warriors gave up 113 yards and touchdown to 6-foot, 220-pound Stanford running back Micah Ford. With the combination of Kedrick Reescano, who has nearly identical measurables to Ford – listed as 6-foot and 214 pounds – and the physicality of fellow running back Quincy Craig, Arizona should be able to construct a balanced offensive attack to open things up.
Expect Noah Fifita to throw for over 300 yards and at least three touchdowns, with Kris Hutson and either Javin “Nunu” Whatley or Tre Spivey hauling in 100 yards and a touchdown.
Defense:
The biggest question heading into the game for Arizona’s defense is who will be under center for Hawaii. Quarterback Micah Alejado suffered an ankle injury in the Rainbow Warriors’ 23-20 win over Stanford and has been limited in practice this week. Alejado is expected to suit up on Saturday, but if he can’t go, it will be former Modesto Junior College quarterback Luke Weaver leading Hawaii’s offense, per Christian Shimabuku of Aloha State Daily.
If Alejado does in fact go, he will be limited by the ankle injury, reducing his dual-threat capabilities. Even with the injury, he completed 27-39 passes for 210 yards and two touchdowns, adding another 36 yards on 10 carries against the Cardinal. Arizona will need to confuse and pressure Alejado in order to disrupt his accuracy and force him to make uncomfortable throws on the run.
The Wildcats’ secondary has a tall task ahead of them with lead receiver Pofele Ashlock. The 6-foot-2 wideout led the Rainbow Warriors with nine receptions for 69 yards and a touchdown. Ashlock’s size and route running ability allow him to go up and make contested catches down the sideline and in the end zone, while also weaving through zone coverage and settling down for underneath completions. Whether it’s San Jose State transfer Michael Dansby, Marquis Groves-Killebrew, or former Texas Longhorn Jay’Vion Cole in coverage, Saturday’s assignment will be to bend, not break against Ashlock.
With Alejado limited by the injury, look for Arizona’s defensive front to record two or more sacks, with ballhawk Genesis Smith snaring his first interception of the season.
Special Teams:
Hawaii blocked a Stanford field goal attempt in Week 0. With a brand new kicking operation, including kicker Michael Salgado-Medina, long snapper Avery Salerno, and holder Ian Wagner, for Arizona this season, the timing and mechanics will be as important as ever.
Score Prediction:
Hawaii’s toughness will make things interesting for Arizona in the first half, but the versatility of Arizona’s offense and trickery of the defense will be too much for the Rainbow Warriors. I have Arizona “owning the night” with a 34-14 victory over Hawaii in the season opener on Saturday night.