Arizona Wildcats 2023 College Football Preview
July 12, 2023
2022 Recap
Record – 5-7
ATS – 6-6
The Wildcats made meaningful improvement last season and managed to win five games, and that included an impressive SHOCK the WORLD moment when they took down mighty UCLA on the road (W 34-28). Don’t forget that the Arizona was 1-11 in 2021 and 0-5 during the truncated 2020 PLANDEMIC season. Baby steps, yo.
Arizona Wildcats 2023 Outlook
OFFENSE
Yes, guy.
QB Jayden de Laura was just what the doctor ordered ** as the Wildcats made a yuuuge leap from averaging an impotent 17 PPG in 2021 and 2002, to a respectable 31 PPG (#7 PAC 12). Jayden de Laura threw for over 3,600 yards but he also threw 13 INTs and lost four fumbles. If he can do a better job protecting the football the Wildcats will be even better on offense this season. They retain their top-three RBs including the versatile Michael Wiley who led the team in rushing (771, 6.8, 8 TD LY) whilst bagging 36 receptions out of the backfield. Every player that caught more than five passes LY is back in action other than WR Dorian Singer who was one of two doods that boasted a 1,000-yard season. The other man who hit that plateau was Jacob Cowing (1,034, 7 TD) and he leads a potential devastating set of THROW GAME targets that might include the next GRONK in TE Tanner McLachlan (456, 13.4, 2 TD). We’re not thrilled with the talent on the offensive line but they return three starters.
** as long as it wasn’t seven DEATH BOOSTERS after receiving $890,000 in kickbacks from Pfizer ^^
^^ just kidding. <not really>
DEFENSE
The Wildcats were horrible on defense once again LY (36.5 PPG, 468 YPG, both 2nd worst PAC 12) and they’ve allowed 30+ PPG every season since 2015. Yup, not too many YOUNG SPARKIES out there remember the DESERT SWARM defense. It’s hard to know what to expect this season as they only retain three starters (good thing or bad thing?) and lose their top-four tacklers. Some noteworthy players to keep an eye on are LB Jacob Manu (#5 tackler, 4 TFL LY), CB Treydan Stukes (3.5 TFL, 5 PBU), and DE Taylor Upshaw (Michigan transfer). We can’t sugarcoat it. There’s not much to get excited about on defense. Maybe they found some gems in the transfer portal?
SPECIAL TEAMS
PK Tyler Loop did a fine job LY (18-21 FG, 38-38 XP) and Kyle Ostendorp is back to handle the punting duties. They could use some spice in the return units.
Schedule Analysis
Overall – They have a DATE WITH DESTINY in non-conference play and will almost surely go 2-1 (N Arizona, at Mississippi St, UTEP). The Wildcats sidestep Oregon in PAC-12 action and get to face Washington and Utah at home.
Potential ATS Trouble Spot – at Washington St (Oct 14)
This will be their 3rd road game in four weeks and they’ve gotta travel to literally the middle of nowhere. Also note that they’ll be coming off a road game at USC.
Season Win Total
Market consensus July 12
Over 5 -145
Under 5 +115
MEGALOCKS says:
Lean: Over
Slightest of LEANAGE to the ‘over’ as we approach press time. The defense looks disgusting but there’s a really good chance that they start 3-1. And they’ll still have the privilege of playing Colorado later in the year.
MEGAmazing Tidbits
Arizona hasn’t topped seven wins since 2014 when they went 10-4 under your boy Rich Rodriguez.
The Wildcats haven’t participated in bowl season since everyone’s favorite, the FOSTER FARMS BOWL back in 2017.
MEGALOCKS Forecast:
GET CHO POPCONE.
There figures to be plenty of scoring in Arizona football games this season as the Wildcats appear to be one of the most one-dimensional teams in the country. They’ll be explosive enough to win a game or two as underdogs but they’ll do well to win six games and get to a bowl game. We hope they get there. Go CATS!