Fresh off UCLA loss, struggling Arizona hosts No. 19 Oregon

Kevin Sumlin’s first year as Arizona head coach hasn’t gone as fans hoped. With four games left in the season, Arizona is 3-5 and the Wildcats’ bowl chances seemingly diminish by the week.

In Week 8, Arizona lost 31-30 to UCLA, which started the season 0-5. The Wildcats were without quarterback Khalil Tate in the loss, and in his absence, Rhett Rodriguez threw two interceptions to match his two touchdowns. Defensively, Arizona had no answer for UCLA running back Joshua Kelley, who ran for 136 yards and a touchdown.

“I thought Rhett did some things that were really good, some things that he would take back,” Sumlin said. “He’s very, very critical of himself. In the end he gave us the ability to win the game, so that’s the takeaway.”

Needing six wins to reach bowl eligibility, the Wildcats’ bowl chances aren’t looking great with games against Oregon, Colorado, Washington State and Arizona State remaining.

To start that four-game stretch, Arizona hosts No. 19 Oregon, which most recently fell on the road to Washington State.

Essential Info

What: Oregon at Arizona

When: 7:30 p.m.

TV: ESPN

Key Storylines

Will Khalil Tate get the green light?

Due to an ankle injury, Sumlin decided to sit quarterback Khalil Tate against UCLA. A week later, Tate’s status is unknown for the Oregon game, but regardless of who starts, the passing game has been inconsistent for the Wildcats throughout the season.

As a team, Arizona has completed 53.3 percent of passes this year, which is significantly down from the conference’s average of 63.9.

However, Tate still brings an added mobility to the offense with his legs if he is fully healthy. That is a big “if” because when Tate has played this year, he hasn’t been the same dual threat as he was in 2017.

Can J.J. Taylor build off of last week?

After a couple slow games in a row, running back J.J. Taylor rebounded against UCLA, running for 154 yards and a touchdown in the loss. Taylor is now second in the Pac-12 in rushing yards with 817 after the strong performance, behind only Oregon State’s Jermar Jefferson.

This week, however, Taylor faces Oregon’s run defense, which is among the stingiest in the Pac-12. The Ducks are allowing 116.3 rushing yards per game, the second-best in the Pac-12.

With the quarterback position up in the air, how well Taylor can run could set the tone for the offense’s efficiency in Week 9.

Will Justin Herbert torch Arizona’s secondary?

While Arizona’s secondary has slowly improved as the season has progressed, this could be a long week for the Wildcats’ defensive backs.

Oregon’s quarterback, Justin Herbert, is among the nation’s best and has thrown for 18 touchdowns and only five interceptions. He has been so impressive in his time at Oregon that some insiders expect him to be the first quarterback taken in the 2019 NFL Draft.

Not only can Herbert throw the ball exceptionally, but he’s also a solid runner. He has found the end zone twice on the ground this year and rushed for more than 30 yards in multiple games, as well.

Key Wildcats

WR Shawn Poindexter

Wide receiver Shawn Poindexter has established himself as Arizona’s primary target, and he leads the team in receiving yards with 552.

Because Oregon’s run defense could limit Taylor’s productivity, Poindexter will need to play a big role against the Ducks. Oregon’s pass defense on the other hand, is one of the worst in the Pac-12, allowing 251 passing yards per game, so expect a lot of passing from the Wildcats.

LB Colin Schooler

In a defense that has struggled for the majority of the season, linebacker Colin Schooler has been a high point for the unit. The sophomore sensation has recorded nine or more tackles in seven of the Wildcats’ eight games.

Schooler has recorded 85 tackles and 14.5 tackles for loss so far this season. A lot of the defense’s effectiveness in this game will depend on whether or not Schooler can apply pressure on Herbert.

Key Ducks

RB CJ Verdell

Although Justin Herbert gets the majority of the credit for Oregon’s offensive success, running back CJ Verdell has also been a force this year.

Verdell has rushed for over 500 yards and is averaging 5.4 yards per carry. He’s also been a solid contributor to Oregon’s passing game, for he is fifth on the team in receiving yards with 137 yards.

LB Justin Hollins

Linebacker Justin Hollins has been a major part of an underrated defense this year, disrupting opponents’ rushing attacks every game. He is third on the team in tackles with 37, and he’s also forced three fumbles and one interception.

Hollins was on the team when Oregon lost the 2014 National Championship, so he also brings significant leadership and experience to the defense. Oregon will need him this week to stop Taylor.

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