Pac-12 Preview: Is UCLA The Favorite In The South Division?
By Jason Gold
Nov 30, 2013; Tempe, AZ, USA; Arizona Wildcats head coach Rich Rodriguez (center) in the huddle in the second half against the Arizona State Sun Devils in the 87th annual Territorial Cup at Sun Devil Stadium. Arizona State defeated Arizona 58-21. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Reason Why They Will Win: Rich Rodriguez proved last season that he knows what he’s doing and can build a team in Tuscon that can compete with the best the Pac-12 has to offer. Look no further then their destruction of Oregon last season, albeit the Ducks we’re coming off a loss to Stanford and had no interest in playing in the Rose Bowl, which is preposterous. Arizona lost it’s starting QB and best playmaker in 2013 and had the same record as 2012: 8-5. Now the Wildcats must replace their best player: RB KaDeem Carey. Can they do it? With Rich Rod at the helm there’s no reason to think this offense will fade, even with another starting QB this year, probably USC transfer Jesse Scroggins. With USC, Washington, and ASU coming to Tuscon, Arizona could do some damage in the South. However, it’s likely that they’ll continue to build as they reach another bowl and finish 3rd or 4th in the division.
Reason Why They Won’t Win: Youth, inexperience, and one of the worst secondaries in the Pac-12. Oh yea, they lost their best player and starting QB. If Arizona gets off to a slow start it could be a step in the wrong direction for the program. If you look at the past two seasons all you see is progress. That will likely continue as they bring along one of the youngest rosters in the conference. They’ll likely have some nice upsets, but won’t compete for the South Division title.
Best Case Record: 9-3
Worst Case Record: 5-7