2023 Season Thread

[dmjcat]

UA PFF Grades vs. WSU per AZDesertSwarm

https://www.azdesertswarm.com/football/ ... ars-pac-12

The Arizona Wildcats played 81 offensive snaps and 55 defensive snaps in their 44-6 win over Washington State Saturday. Here is how much each player played along with their Pro Football Focus grades.

Offense
QB Noah Fifita, 81 (75.8)
RT Jonah Savaiinaea, 81 (68.3)
LG Leif Magnuson, 81 (68.4)
C Josh Baker, 74 (57.9)
LG Wendell Moe, 74 (67.2)
LT Jordan Morgan, 74 (66.6)
WR Tetairoa McMillan, 67 (68.6)
TE Tanner McLachlan, 66 (62.5)
WR Montana Lemonious-Craig, 48 (69.3)
WR Jacob Cowing, 66 (62.6)
RB Jonah Coleman, 36 (89.1)
RB D.J. Williams, 26 (64.5)
TE Keyan Burnett, 22 (56.9)
RB Rayshon Luke, 19 (71.5)
WR AJ Jones, 13 (71.5)
WR Kevin Green Jr., 11 (73.9)
TE Roberto Miranda, 11 (65.1)
WR Malachi Riley, 9 (58.4)
RT Joseph Borjon, 7 (54.2)
C Grayson Stovall, 7 (59.9)
TE Tyler Powell, 7 (54.3)
LG JT Hand, 7 (60.1)
WR Jaden Clark, 2 (60.0)
TE Dorian Thomas, 1 (60.0)

Defense
CB Treydan Stukes, 49 (60.5)
S Dalton Johnson, 49 (58.2)
S Gunner Maldonado, 49 (73.7)
CB Tacario Davis, 49 (89.7)
CB Ephesians Prysock, 49 (63.3)
LB Jacob Manu, 47 (72.4)
LB Justin Flowe, 30 (65.3)
DL Taylor Upshaw, 29 (71.8)
DE Isaiah Ward, 27 (66.0)
S Genesis Smith, 25 (67.4)
CB Martell Irby, 25 (74.4)
DE Ta’ita’i Uiagalelei, 24 (61.2)
DT Tiaolii Savea, 18 (81.5)
NT Bill Norton, 18 (84.9)
DT Tyler Manoa, 18 (58.3)
DT Jacob Kongaika, 16 (65.0)
DL Russell Davis II, 16 (65.5)
LB Jeremy Mercier, 16 (67.3)
DT Sio Nofogatoto’a, 13 (70.7)
LB Kamuela Ka’aihue, 8 (30.0)
CB Charles Yates Jr., 6 (50.0)
CB Jai-Ayvaiuynn Celestine, 6 (64.9)
S Isaiah Taylor, 6 (62.5)
CB Dylan Wyatt, 6 (75.7)
S DJ Warnell Jr., 6 (62.9)

[CatsbyAZ]

Out of all the good takeways from yesterday - dominant road win, Noah Fifita 34/43/342yds, the feeling of a program building win - I think my favorite is how strong this team came out after losing two very close games late.

After last week's emotionally draining let up Vs USC, Jedd and Staff succeeded in the difficult task of keeping the roster focused and motivated. Lot of posters have already commented on how under Jedd, even in Arizona's most outmanned losses the roster keeps playing hard. Really showed yesterday.

[azgreg]

We've received votes.

https://sportsdata.usatoday.com/footbal ... 2023-10-15

Others Receiving Votes
James Madison 67; Clemson 54; Florida 29; Fresno State 21; Washington State 20; Arizona 13; Wyoming 12; Oklahoma State 12; Miami (FL) 12; Maryland 11; Kentucky 9; Liberty 5; Kansas State 5; UNLV 4; Texas A&M 4; West Virginia 3; Memphis 1; Kansas 1;

[MountainCat]

We've received votes.

https://sportsdata.usatoday.com/footbal ... 2023-10-15

Others Receiving Votes
James Madison 67; Clemson 54; Florida 29; Fresno State 21; Washington State 20; Arizona 13; Wyoming 12; Oklahoma State 12; Miami (FL) 12; Maryland 11; Kentucky 9; Liberty 5; Kansas State 5; UNLV 4; Texas A&M 4; West Virginia 3; Memphis 1; Kansas 1;

Yet Washington State received more votes to be one step ahead of us.

[84Cat]

[azcat49]

Ugh, another late game. At least it’s on ESPIN and we should be one of the last games of the night and lots of eyes on Noah and the now dominate cats

[Fishclamps]

Well im not getting home until like 1 am...

[azgreg]

[Carcassdragger]

I'm thinking this bye is hitting at just the right time. We'll get recharged and be ready for the home stretch.

We could win any or all of these games.

[Merkin]

Interesting to see who practices with the 1's.

[azgreg]

Down the thread he explains his rankings.

[azgreg]

[Merkin]

Thanks defense!

Probably not available, but would love to see the JDL v. Fifita numbers in terms of 3 and outs. My uneducated guess says it's not even close.

[PHXCATS]

Thanks defense!

Probably not available, but would love to see the JDL v. Fifita numbers in terms of 3 and outs. My uneducated guess says it's not even close.

JDL has 5
Noah has 4

[Merkin]

Thanks Machina. Out of how many series total, or how many 1st downs each?

[azcat49]

JDL had 3 3/4 of games while NF had 3 1/4. Also the competition JDL faces was far less than the three ranked teams Noah faced. That should be factored in as well.

I think you also factor in that Noah has had far fewer first team reps then JDL and that’s why we are seeing him improve each week as he gets more reps with the one’s

[PHXCATS]

All I did was look up the drives for Arizona that resulted in no turnovers (unless it was 4 and out) and no first down obtained and factored out the end of half/game possessions

NAU JDL 0 Noah 1
Miss St JDL 2
UTEP JDL 0 Noah 1
Stanford JDL 3 Noah 0
Washington Noah 1
USC Noah 1
Wash State 0 total

By no means am I advocating for JDL over Noah. Just giving the information from the Arizona Website

[azcat49]

To me it’s really 5-1 in favor of Noah given a couple of his were the m mop up duties where they didn’t throw much.

Not a big deal. I think most can see the offense seems to flow better with taking snaps.

One thing is he goes under center more so play action really works. JDL doesn’t like being under center as they hardly use it when he is in

We had the opening series of the game and the half vs WAZZU and Noah made great plays to get us going. The one to open the second half was really amazing given the sidestep of pressure and the side arm throw. Not sure JDL makes those plays

[azgreg]

[Merkin]

[Chicat]

RANK US YOU COWARDS!!!!!!

[84Cat]

This team can win close games. It feels good to actually come out on top. This team is a lot of fun to watch

[FreeSpiritCat]

This team can win close games. It feels good to actually come out on top. This team is a lot of fun to watch

Jedd Fisch needs to feel he belongs in Tucson. The guy and flat out coach. OSU has a very good coach, but Fisch competed. I'm convinced now. Fisch has paid his dues, was assistant for many Storied college programs and NFL teams. He has earned his accolades. And now it is time to make him feel welcome. I am excited, but IMO, he is the best hire since Lute Olson.

I know he could leave, but let him feel welcome in Tucson. He will always have a place here. At the very least he is as good as Mike Stoops. IMO, he has the ability to bring UA to prominence in football as Lute Olson to basketball. It is yet to be seen, but Tucson is a good destination for football players. Good coaching, weather, and all the great women. I can see Arizona being a power in football if the cards land right.

I support Jedd Fisch as the UA coach as long as we can keep him.

[Chicat]

[azcat49]

Could finish third in the conference this year and with how weak the Big 12 is in football, a run at the conference championship next year is very real

[dmjcat]

[Captain Obvious]

You have to win the close games and you have to protect the home field. It's nice to see Arizona finally do both. Not a fan of storming the field especially since it's essentially an admission the other team was better and should have won. Nonetheless a great win and yes I was wrong in my prediction. I anticipated a letdown and was proven wrong. The team and coaches did a terrific job and have a lot to be proud of.

[UAEebs86]

Go away

[azcat49]

Only CO could take the brightest ray of sunshine and find a sliver of darkness. What a miserable life he must lead

[Chicat]

You have to win the close games and you have to protect the home field. It's nice to see Arizona finally do both. Not a fan of storming the field especially since it's essentially an admission the other team was better and should have won. Nonetheless a great win and yes I was wrong in my prediction. I anticipated a letdown and was proven wrong. The team and coaches did a terrific job and have a lot to be proud of.

When you rip a really noxious egg fart while driving, do you roll up the windows and shut off the vents so you can bask in your own glory like the disgusting meat bag you play on the internet?

[RawleArenas]

People keep talking about the fake fg, but before that play that TD broken up by Manu is bigger in my opinion. That was really close to being a score and momentum builder heading into halftime. Great play by the defense all the way around.

Fisch is going to be sending free pizzas to the Servite athletics program for the next ten years.

[Merkin]

that play that TD broken up by Manu is bigger in my opinion.

Scheer said that Manu was really pissed since that wasn't his guy. Very nice recovery.

[dmjcat]

You have to win the close games and you have to protect the home field. It's nice to see Arizona finally do both. Not a fan of storming the field especially since it's essentially an admission the other team was better and should have won. Nonetheless a great win and yes I was wrong in my prediction. I anticipated a letdown and was proven wrong. The team and coaches did a terrific job and have a lot to be proud of.

Tough call on who is the biggest blithering idiot...You or Chief.

In defense of Chief he did play football and probably got hit in the head one too many times.

[dmjcat]

UA - Oregon State Highlights

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-cXbRIfcTvc

[OSUCat]

Arizona is not AP ranked and only received 6 votes to be #31.

[dmjcat]

Tracking Arizona Wildcats’ snap counts and PFF grades vs. Oregon State
By Ezra Amacher

The Arizona Wildcats played 64 offensive snaps and 61 defensive snaps in their 27-24 win over Oregon State Saturday. Here is how much each player played along with their Pro Football Focus grades.

Offense
QB Noah Fifita, 64 (61.7)
RT Jonah Savaiinaea, 64 (57.2)
LG Leif Magnuson, 64 (57.8)
C Josh Baker, 64 (61.0)
LG Wendell Moe, 64 (61.2)
LT Jordan Morgan, 64 (70.4)
TE Tanner McLachlan, 63 (63.1)
WR Tetairoa McMillan, 62 (79.4)
WR Jacob Cowing, 56 (61.6)
WR Montana Lemonious-Craig, 36 (52.4)
RB Jonah Coleman, 31 (74.4)
RB Michael Wiley, 17 (67.5)
RB D.J. Williams, 15 (83.2)
WR Malachi Riley, 10 (74.0)
TE Roberto Miranda, 9 (57.5)
WR Kevin Green Jr., 9 (76.7)
TE Keyan Burnett, 6 (58.8)
RB Rayshon Luke, 5 (54.6)
WR AJ Jones, 1 (60.0)
Defense
CB Treydan Stukes, 61 (62.0)
LB Jacob Manu, 61 (77.2)
S Dalton Johnson, 61 (36.3)
CB Tacario Davis, 61 (57.0)
CB Ephesians Prysock, 61 (63.0)
S Gunner Maldonado, 60 (72.4)
LB Justin Flowe, 47 (57.4)
DE Ta’ita’i Uiagalelei, 33 (62.0)
DT Tyler Manoa, 32 (45.3)
NT Bill Norton, 31 (74.6)
DL Taylor Upshaw, 27 (71.8)
DT Tiaolii Savea, 27 (58.4)
DE Isaiah Ward, 21 (50.3)
NT Sio Nofoagatoto’a, 21 (50.5)
DT Jacob Kongaika, 16 (61.2)
DL Russell Davis II, 16 (66.2)
LB Jeremy Mercier, 16 (66.2)
S Genesis Smith, 9 (62.9)
CB Martell Irby, 8 (65.3)
LB Daniel Heimuli, 2 (61.9)

[cerec_cat]

Arizona is not AP ranked and only received 6 votes to be #31.

I think our team plays better being disrespected

[Merkin]

DJ is a beast!

I understand that offensive players don't get rotated out that much due to the rule allowing the defense to substitute after an offensive substitution, but still find it odd that the starting OL plays every snap while the D rotates their line.

Tracking Arizona Wildcats’ snap counts and PFF grades vs. Oregon State
By Ezra Amacher

The Arizona Wildcats played 64 offensive snaps and 61 defensive snaps in their 27-24 win over Oregon State Saturday. Here is how much each player played along with their Pro Football Focus grades.

Offense
QB Noah Fifita, 64 (61.7)
RT Jonah Savaiinaea, 64 (57.2)
LG Leif Magnuson, 64 (57.8)
C Josh Baker, 64 (61.0)
LG Wendell Moe, 64 (61.2)
LT Jordan Morgan, 64 (70.4)
TE Tanner McLachlan, 63 (63.1)
WR Tetairoa McMillan, 62 (79.4)
WR Jacob Cowing, 56 (61.6)
WR Montana Lemonious-Craig, 36 (52.4)
RB Jonah Coleman, 31 (74.4)
RB Michael Wiley, 17 (67.5)
RB D.J. Williams, 15 (83.2)
WR Malachi Riley, 10 (74.0)
TE Roberto Miranda, 9 (57.5)
WR Kevin Green Jr., 9 (76.7)
TE Keyan Burnett, 6 (58.8)
RB Rayshon Luke, 5 (54.6)
WR AJ Jones, 1 (60.0)
Defense
CB Treydan Stukes, 61 (62.0)
LB Jacob Manu, 61 (77.2)
S Dalton Johnson, 61 (36.3)
CB Tacario Davis, 61 (57.0)
CB Ephesians Prysock, 61 (63.0)
S Gunner Maldonado, 60 (72.4)
LB Justin Flowe, 47 (57.4)
DE Ta’ita’i Uiagalelei, 33 (62.0)
DT Tyler Manoa, 32 (45.3)
NT Bill Norton, 31 (74.6)
DL Taylor Upshaw, 27 (71.8)
DT Tiaolii Savea, 27 (58.4)
DE Isaiah Ward, 21 (50.3)
NT Sio Nofoagatoto’a, 21 (50.5)
DT Jacob Kongaika, 16 (61.2)
DL Russell Davis II, 16 (66.2)
LB Jeremy Mercier, 16 (66.2)
S Genesis Smith, 9 (62.9)
CB Martell Irby, 8 (65.3)
LB Daniel Heimuli, 2 (61.9)

[arizonawildcats]

ESPN bowl projection after Week 9:

Favorite matchups

Bonagura: I'm curious to see what kind of shenanigans come with Rob Gronkowski as the host of the LA Bowl -- ahem, the LA Bowl Hosted By Gronk -- especially if his alma mater, Arizona, is in the game. The Wildcats have quietly turned into a really good team and a matchup with Fresno State to end the year would be a sneaky good game.

[CatsbyAZ]

One test of good coaching that I've often heard is - A well coached team gets better as the season moves along. I couldn't be happier with how the month of October went. Arizona Football plays better week by week! Against FOUR straight ranked opponents (including Sept 30th Vs Washington).

Coach Jedd Fisch promised a new culture, upgraded talent, and a team worth Tucson's support. So far he's delivering: there are numerous weapons across the roster, players look developed into their positions, attendance is up, and the program is pointed in the right direction.

What might be most impressive is Arizona's secondary holding the likes of Michael Penix, Caleb Williams, Cam Ward, and DJ Uiagalelei to TWO total touchdown passes in their past four games.

For those who watched the ESPN broadcast last night, Rod Gilmore spent a lot of time pointing out the Safety that Arizona kept over the top. He pointed out numerous instances of Uiagalelei hesitant to throw midfield and deep because of the way the Safety were positioned.

This just an Arizona thing? Is the D exposed somewhere else for the sake of guarding the deep crossing routes? It's working so well I'm guessing others are copying this strategy? For example, since our game Vs Washington, I've noticed teams doing a better job of clogging Washington deep throws.

[TheCat]

Clearly what has changed is the defense. This team was pushed around last year and I think it is a tribute to the strength and conditioning coaches, player rotation because of better depth and player development along with expectations.

[Chicat]

Is the D exposed somewhere else for the sake of guarding the deep crossing routes?

We give up underneath crossing routes but our LBs are good tacklers so our opponents aren’t turning 5 yard gains into 15+ YAC.

[azgreg]

[FreeSpiritCat]

[azgreg]

[Postmaster]

Is the D exposed somewhere else for the sake of guarding the deep crossing routes?

We give up underneath crossing routes but our LBs are good tacklers so our opponents aren’t turning 5 yard gains into 15+ YAC.

Just the way I see things, no stats to back me up, but I feel like tackling is way better than say since ……Tomey?

[Merkin]

but I feel like tackling is way better than say since ……Tomey?

I wouldn't go there after the terrible Pigskin Classic disaster in Happy Valley. Tomey had kind of slacked off on recruiting, and didn't have a deep roster when they faced PSU so Tomey cut tackling practice to avoid any injuries to starters. At the game, Cat defenders thought they could put a shoulder into the PSU ball carrier and they should go down. Even before then, the offenses have figured out the Double Eagle Flex defense and the Pigskin Classic was the beginning of the end for Tomey. That is my worst memory from the Tomey era.

[AZCatGirl]

Beat the two teams that killed the Pac? Check.
Going to a bowl game for the first time since 2017? Check.
Beat three top 25 teams for the first time EVER? Check.

NOW RANK US YOU COWARDS

[OSUCat]

Bowl game!

[dovecanyoncat]

Yo Private Obvious: fuck off.