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Wisconsin Badgers at Arizona Wildcats 4:00 PM ET
Arizona Wildcats +11 -107 (2 Units)
Through just two games, the Wildcats are a completely opposite team that took the field a year ago at this time. They were down on themselves and their former coach but now Mike Stoops has this team clearly heading in the right direction. "What Mike has done in a short period of time," athletic director Jim Livengood said, "his energy and the type of staff that we have is as good as it has been here in a long, long time."
They played a much better team on offense last week than what they will face today and could have come out with a win. Utah won by 17 despite outgaining the Wildcats by just 14 yards on offense. Arizona had plenty of chances as they finished just 2-5 inside the redzone, missing a field goal and committing two turnovers inside the Utes 8-yard line. They are struggling to score but they are moving the ball. A year ago, Kris Heavner completed 51.1% of his passes and threw almost twice as many interceptions (15) as touchdown passes (eight). Through two games this season, he has completed 77.1% of his passes (37 of 48) with just one interception. He has passed for only 184.5 yards per game but has found nine different receivers. Arizona's offense should get a boost with the return of junior wide receiver Biren Ealy, who suffered a broken foot during summer workouts just prior to the start of preseason camp. Ealy led the Wildcats in receptions last year with 42 catches for 577 yards and four touchdowns. Arizona will look to control the clock with a consistent running game and a quick-rhythm passing game.
Wisconsin is struggling on offense and to make matters worse, their best player is out. Anthony Davis will not see action as he is out for at least two more games because of an eye injury suffered in the opener. Booker Stanley got the start in his place against the Rebels and too often struggled to take advantage of open running lanes. His 2.2-yard average was a testament to his struggles. The Badgers tallied only 276 yards of offense against UNLV last week. Wisconsin coaches have utilized a low-risk offensive attack to this point with their lack of offensive firepower. The Wildcats defense last season was a disgrace, ranking 107th in points allowed, 112th in passing and 108th in total yards. After two games, they are 58th against the run and 36th in pass efficiency with total defense coming in at 38th also. Sure it includes a game against Northern Arizona but it also includes a game against Utah. Fan support is picking up big time. The opener against Northern Arizona drew a crowd of 49,741. That was the largest home crowd since 54,297 attended the 2000 regular-season finale. On Saturday, a crowd of 52,790 fans watched the loss to Utah. Not since 1991 has Arizona had a mid-afternoon home game this early in the season. The Wildcats do know what to expect Saturday. The Badgers have no clue. Nike has provided Arizona with 80 "cooling system" lightweight undershirts to wear against the Badgers for Saturday's game, where temperatures are expected to be in the mid-90s.
Arizona Wildcats +11 -107 (2 Units)
Through just two games, the Wildcats are a completely opposite team that took the field a year ago at this time. They were down on themselves and their former coach but now Mike Stoops has this team clearly heading in the right direction. "What Mike has done in a short period of time," athletic director Jim Livengood said, "his energy and the type of staff that we have is as good as it has been here in a long, long time."
They played a much better team on offense last week than what they will face today and could have come out with a win. Utah won by 17 despite outgaining the Wildcats by just 14 yards on offense. Arizona had plenty of chances as they finished just 2-5 inside the redzone, missing a field goal and committing two turnovers inside the Utes 8-yard line. They are struggling to score but they are moving the ball. A year ago, Kris Heavner completed 51.1% of his passes and threw almost twice as many interceptions (15) as touchdown passes (eight). Through two games this season, he has completed 77.1% of his passes (37 of 48) with just one interception. He has passed for only 184.5 yards per game but has found nine different receivers. Arizona's offense should get a boost with the return of junior wide receiver Biren Ealy, who suffered a broken foot during summer workouts just prior to the start of preseason camp. Ealy led the Wildcats in receptions last year with 42 catches for 577 yards and four touchdowns. Arizona will look to control the clock with a consistent running game and a quick-rhythm passing game.
Wisconsin is struggling on offense and to make matters worse, their best player is out. Anthony Davis will not see action as he is out for at least two more games because of an eye injury suffered in the opener. Booker Stanley got the start in his place against the Rebels and too often struggled to take advantage of open running lanes. His 2.2-yard average was a testament to his struggles. The Badgers tallied only 276 yards of offense against UNLV last week. Wisconsin coaches have utilized a low-risk offensive attack to this point with their lack of offensive firepower. The Wildcats defense last season was a disgrace, ranking 107th in points allowed, 112th in passing and 108th in total yards. After two games, they are 58th against the run and 36th in pass efficiency with total defense coming in at 38th also. Sure it includes a game against Northern Arizona but it also includes a game against Utah. Fan support is picking up big time. The opener against Northern Arizona drew a crowd of 49,741. That was the largest home crowd since 54,297 attended the 2000 regular-season finale. On Saturday, a crowd of 52,790 fans watched the loss to Utah. Not since 1991 has Arizona had a mid-afternoon home game this early in the season. The Wildcats do know what to expect Saturday. The Badgers have no clue. Nike has provided Arizona with 80 "cooling system" lightweight undershirts to wear against the Badgers for Saturday's game, where temperatures are expected to be in the mid-90s.