First Year of Football: 1899 All-Time Record: 542-393-33 All-Time Pac-10 Record: 117-116-6 All-Time Bowl Record/Appearances: 6-7-1 Last Bowl Appearance: 2008 (def. BYU in Las Vegas Bowl)
HEAD COACH MIKE STOOPS (Iowa 1986) Sixth Year at Arizona
Record at Arizona: 25-34 (.424), 5 years Overall career record: Same
Coaching Experience Has served as head coach of the Wildcats since 2004 ... had coaching stints at Oklahoma and Kansas State ... has coached in 16 bowls games ... led the Wildcats to their first Bowl victory in 10 years in 2008.
A QUICK LOOK AT THE WILDCATS OFFENSE: Prolific quarterback Willie Tuitama is gone, along with stellar WR Mike Thomas and NFL-bound OT Eben Britton, so a dip might be expected in the Arizona offense in `09. The Cats don't think so, however, as a number of notable returnees breeds optimism the UA spread offense will still be potent. QBs Matt Scott and Nick Foles will battle it out for Tuitama's vacated spot, and whoever wins that competition will have plenty of help around him. The Cats did a good job of running the ball last year and 1,000-yard rusher RB Nic Grigsby is back, along with talented backup RB Keola Antolin. Also back is All-Pac-10 TE Rob Gronkowski, widely considered the best in the nation at his position. Some rebuilding is needed on the offensive line with C Colin Baxter and OG Mike Diaz the starting points.
DEFENSE: One reason the Wildcats made their first bowl appearance in 10 years last season was a defensive unit that ranked in the top half of the Conference in all the major defensive categories, including third in both scoring and total defense. Seven starters return with the secondary and defensive line looking to be the strengths of the unit. Senior CB Devin Ross and senior SS Cam Nelson anchor a solid secondary and the Cats have half a dozen linemen returning with starting experience. Earl Mitchell made a successful move from tight end to defensive tackle last year and DE Brooks Reed led the club in QB sacks as a sophomore last season.
THE SCHEDULE: Whoever earns the starting quarterback job will get to open the season with a pair of home games before hitting the road for tests at Iowa and Oregon State. The season ends in a flurry with the final four games being at California, Oregon, at Arizona State and at USC.
FIVE WILDCATS TO WATCH
48 • Ron Gronkowski (Pictured) JR • TE • 6-6 • 265
