Pac-12 Football - 2021 Arizona Wildcats Preview
Our Arizona Wildcats preview 2021 observes that over the last five seasons, the best this team has done is 7-5. That was in 2017 when they played in the Foster Farms Bowl, losing to Purdue 35-38. Since then, they’ve won nine and lost 20. Last season, Arizona went 0-5, finishing last in the South. In. 2020, the Wildcats allowed opponents 22.4 more points per game than they scored, and their D gave up over 100 more yards per game than their offense accumulated.
Arizona Offense
South Florida transfer Jordan McCloud, a sophomore, will likely start. Freshman Gunner Cruz is also a promising candidate. The receiving unit, which is the best group on this side of the ball, is six deep. Junior Stanley Berryhill returns as last season’s top pass catcher. In 2020, he made 23 receptions for 227 yards while scoring three TDs.
Sophomore running back Michael Wiley, who averaged 7.2 YPA last season and scored three TDs, anchors the ground game. He’s an explosive runner. Northwestern transfer Drake Anderson adds depth to the rush attack. The O-line has experience, but they are in no way spectacular.
Arizona Wildcats Preview 2021 - Defense
The defensive line returns three-of-four starters, including defensive end Jalen Harris who recorded 18 tackles, 2.5 TFL, and 3.0 PBU. Last season, OLB Anthony Pandy, a senior, posted 30 tackles and grabbed two picks. Joining him will be Bowling Green transfer Jerry Roberts and Michigan transfer Treshaun Hayward. They will help stabilize this group.
The secondary includes sophomore corner C. Roland-Wallace. Last year, he made 26 tackles and broke up three passes. He was AU’s top D-back. Notre Dame transfer Isaiah Rutherford joins him and upgrades the unit. Jaxen Turner returns at corner after recording 19 tackles, one TFL, and one PBU. He adds depth to this area. Free safety Gunner Maldonado comes from Northwestern. He’ll start immediately. Strong safety Christian Young will likely start. Also, Turner is flexible enough to shift from corner to SS.
Specialists
On special teams, senior kicker Lucas Havrisik, who’s longest field goal measured 57 yards, returns. Last season, he was 9-of-10 on extra points and 6-of-7 on field goals with his longest being 51 yards. Punter Kyle Ostendorp averaged 43.0 YPP last season while placing eight-of-24 within the 20-yard-line. Our Arizona Wildcats preview 2021 finds that Jamarye Joiner is solid on both kick and punt returns.
Arizona Wildcats Preview 2021 - Projection
Our Arizona Wildcats preview 2021 observes that this team has a very difficult schedule that includes games against BYU and San Diego State. Plus, in conference, they play Oregon, Washington, USC, Utah, and Arizona State. The Cats have problems on both sides of the ball. The O-line is the best part of the offense while the deep backs rank as the best unit on defense. Despite this, there’s very little to indicate that Arizona will show much improvement in 2021. In the end, three wins are likely. Anymore would be a stretch.
Pac-12 Football - Arizona Wildcats 2021 - Predictions:
Sixth Place - Pac-12 South
No Bowl Berth