2009 College Football Predictions: Arizona Wildcats

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This is a continuation of our series on our exclusive 2009 college football predictions.  Follow all of our 2009 college football predictions here (team by team) or here (by conference).

Arizona Wildcats

2008 Record: (8-5, 5-4)
Coach: Mike Stoops, 6th year (25-36 overall)
Off. Coordinator: Sonny Dykes (3rd year)
Def. Coordinator: Mark Stoops (6th year)
Returning Starters: 15 (7 offense, 7 defense, punter)
Ret. Starting Quarterback: No

Offense: The Arizona Wildcats return seven starters from a unit that averaged a whopping 36.6ppg (16th in the nation) and 402.4 yards per game (33rd). The problem for the Cats is that they have to replace Willie Tuitama, the school’s all-time leader in most passing categories. Sophomore Mark Scott (6-3, 190) and Nick Foles (6-5, 235) will attempt to replace Tuitama, as neither really stepped up during the spring. They do return junior RB Nic Grigsby, who rushed for 1,153 yards last season. They also return one of the most talented tight end/H-backs in the nation in juionr Rob Gronkowski (6-6, 265), who caught 16 TD passes in two seasons. Senior WR Terrell Turner (6-2, 190) and juinor Delashaun Dean (6-4, 202) are both lanky receivers who return as starters, but neither was effective as Mike Thomas, one of the most prolific receivers in the school’s history. The offensive line returns two starters, but lose top tackle Eben Britton.

Defense: The defense returns seven starters from a unit that allowed 21.3ppg (33rd in the nation) and 313 yards per game (24th). While the offense should be down, this unit has a chance to be very strong. They return the entire front four, including junior DE Brooks Reed (6-3, 255), who recorded eight sacks last year after switching from H-back. They have great size on the interior and tremendous depth overall up front. At linebacker, they return just one starter-senior Xavier Kelly (5-11, 215). The secondary returns senior CB Devin Ross and senior FS Cam Nelson, who recorded 67 tackles last year. Sophomore CB Trevin Wade picked off four passes last year in limited action and now get the job full-time.

Outlook: The Wildcats’ non-conference schedule features Central Michigan and Northern Arizona at home, before they take on Iowa on the road. They take on USC and Cal on the road, along with rival Arizona State. Mike Stoops appears to have a good thing going, but has to keep up the momentum.

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