Happy New Year!

by Craig Wilson

Well, okay, that may be the mindset of just us sports nuts, but I would have to believe it also is the same feel for most everyone. Whether you are starting a new season of school, dance team, or any other athletic venture, it’s time to be excited for the possibilities. This is a fresh start, a clean slate, no holds barred, and, yes, it’s time to rock and roll, folks.

With that being said; here is my usual over zealous thoughts on the upcoming Wildcat Football season. Talk about “new beginning,” we have new coach Rich Rodriguez at the helm replacing coach “wildman” Stoops. Rich (Rich Rod) comes in with a 120-84-2 record. In his most recent coaching stint prior to Arizona, he was at Michigan for three seasons where things took a bad turn only two years after his hiring when Michigan was sanctioned for violating practice rules. Because of this, and not such a good win/loss record, he was dismissed in 2010. 

In 2011 Rich Rod was a TV guy for CBS. Here is the good news, Rich Rod is a very good coach and surrounds himself with fantastic assistance all over the field. His brand of football will be much like Oregon with non-stop action on the offense side of the ball. This no-huddle, “spread option” play will be a blast to watch. The idea is to keep the defense on its heels and constantly wondering what is going to happen next. 

Here is the reason for my optimism, our quarterback Matt Scott is for real. Matt has been in the background of NFL quarterback Nick Foles for four years. After red shirting last season Matt is ready for his moment. If he stays healthy, he will be an impact on our conference. He is a runner, passer, and fits perfectly with the new offense scheme. You heard it here first, folks, all-conference quarterback. My other biggie is Ka’Deem Carey at running back. Again, with this style of play, I’m going out on the limb to say he will break one thousands yards this season unless I’ve just gone Wildcat hopeful crazy.

When this article comes out we should have one win in the books against Toledo but the following week will be a monster test when Oklahoma State comes to town..yikes, they were in the running for National Champs last year.

On a finishing note, everyone needs to learn the Haka, a traditional Maori war dance from New Zealand. The Arizona Football team will perform the Haka in front of the student section immediately before kickoff at all home games in 2012. 

Bear Down y’all.