Opponent Preview: Arizona
At a Glance Arizona at Oregon State
When: TBA Saturday, Nov. 19
Where: Reser Stadium
TV/Radio: TBD/Beaver Sports Radio Network
Series history: Arizona leads 22-14
Last meeting: The Wildcats jumped out to 34-7 first half lead and never looked back in their 44-7 rout of the Beavers in Tucson. Orlando Bradford rushed for 123 yards on just 10 carries and three TDs to lead UA, which also got two rushing TDs from Nick Wilson. Seth Collins scored OSU’s only TD of the game on a 17-yard run in the second quarter.
2015 in Review
Record: 7-6 overall, 3-6 Pac-12 (4-2 home, 3-4 away)
Bowl game: Beat New Mexico, 45-37, in the Gildan New Mexico Bowl.
Notable games: Destroyed Northern Arizona, 77-13, in final nonconference game; lost 56-30 in next game to UCLA; followed that up with a 55-17 loss to Stanford; lost to Washington 49-3; beat Utah 37-30 (2 OT).
Quick numbers
Points per game: 37.4, Opponents: 35.8; Rushing yards per game: 222.3, Opponents: 198.6; Passing yards per game: 272.6, Opponents: 268.2; Time of possession: 26:21, Opponents: 33:39; Red-zone touchdown percentage: 63 percent, Opponents: 72 percent.
Top performers
Passing: Anu Solomon (2,667, 20 TDs, 5 INT, 62.1 percent completion rate); Rushing: Jared Baker (798 yards, 9 TDs, 6.1 YPC); Receiving: Cayleb Jones (55 catches, 904 yards, 5 TDs); Tackles: Will Parks (76 tackles, 7 for loss, 7 pass breakups).
Key losses
Baker, Jones, Johnny Jackson (50 catches, 608, 5 TDs), David Richards (43 catches, 548, 6 TDs), Scooby Wright (23 tackles, 3.5 tackles, 2 INT in three games), Jamar Allah (63 tackles, 3 INT), Tellas Jones (55 tackles, 7 for loss, 3 INT).
Nov. 19 Outlook
Key returners
Solomon (RS-JR. QB); Nick Wilson (JR. RB): 729 yards, 8 TDs, 5.4 YPC; Nate Phillips (SR. WR); 44 catches, 564 yards, 4 TDs; Paul Magloire Jr. (RS-SR. Safety): 72 tackles, 4 loss, 1 forced fumble; DeVonte’ Neal (RS-SR CB): 63 tackles, 1 INT, 5 pass breakups; tackles, 2 INT; DeAndre’ Miller (RS-JR. LB): 50 tackles, 8 for loss, 2 sacks.
Key strength
Looking at UA’s roster, it’s hard to pinpoint a clear strength. Because, honestly, it comes down to health — but if Wilson is able to stay healthy and regain his freshman form, it would be a huge boost to the Wildcats. Not only is Wilson talented, but he’s also workhorse when he plays. He would take a ton of pressure off whoever end ups under center.
Key question
Speaking of under center, who will be UA’s starting QB? It’s hard to believe Solomon isn’t the no-brainer choice, but apparently, according to Wildcats coach Rich Rodriguez, he’s not necessarily the starter. Who knew 20 TDs vs. 5 INTs was such a bad thing? All sarcasm aside, it will be interesting to see how this all plays out. In the end, it could benefit the Beavers.
Raju’s Take
At first glance, I thought this game could be a repeat of last year’s debacle. But, now I can see why there are questions surrounding UA. So, I think this is a game that could favor the Beavers, considering it will be in the friendly confines of Reser during a time of year that might not be too comfortable for the Wildcats. And as of now, this game comes down to one thing…
If the Beavers can stop Nick Wilson, they should have an excellent chance to beat UA. Why? Because UA’s passing offense could be pretty lackluster. Outside of Phillips, the Wildcats lack a proven receiver, and Phillips isn’t known for being a big-play threat like Jones and Richards were. If they can’t contain Wilson, all bets are off though.
OSU should be able to move the ball against UA; but they need to strike early and often. Building a big lead will allow the defense to not have to worry about every snap and focus all its energy on stopping Wilson. A steady dose of Ryan Nall should open things up for Jordan Villamin and Victor Bolden. Ultimately, this game could go either way, but this is a very winnable game for the Beavers, and they need to seize it.