JP - Thanks buddy! No official word on Lindley yet, but he'll be Questionable at best. I'll let you know when I hear somethin. You can also check with horses...he's even more up to speed on the Aztecs than I am.
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sirwinz - As always, appreciate the feedback bro.
Quite frankly, I can't understand why anyone would think Arizona (4-2, 2-1) is the 2nd best team in the Pac 10. Tell me, who have the Wildcats played thus far to show they are legit? Just look at their schedule/results thus far...
Idaho @ Arizona (Won 70-0)
Toledo @ Arizona (Won 41-16)
Arizona @ New Mexico (Lost 28-36)
Arizona @ UCLA (Won 31-10)
Washington @ Arizona (Won 48-14)
Arizona @ Stanford (Lost 23-24)
All four of Zona's wins have been against PATHETIC competition, coming against opponents with combined records of 5-19. My San Diego State Aztecs beat the crap out of the Vandals for christ's sake...our only fucking win of the year!
Even worse...Zona's two losses came against Stanford and New Mexico, who's records are a combined 8-8. Wow. They have played one team with a winning record all year (Stanford 4-3), and lost.
Until the Wildcats actually beat a decent team, I'm not sold on anything.
If anything, Javid Best returning to the lineup will help the Bears, not hurt them. Even if his role is limited, he adds an explosive element.
Also...Arizona had some SERIOUS red zone issues on offense last week against Stanford, failing multiple times to score a TD inside the five yardline.
And guess what? Zona's two losses this year came against Stanford and New Mexico. Why is that pertinant? Both of those teams average over 180 yards/game rushing. And wouldn't you know it...Cal also averages over 180 yards/game rushing. Simply put, the Wildcats struggle against teams that can pound the rock and control the clock (also see last year's game against Cal).
Aside from their hiccup against Maryland, Cal has been solid this year. Yes, they've had some issues at QB, but Longshore looked good last week, completing 60% of his passes for 200 yards, 3 TDs and 1 INT. I think Tedford will stick with the senior leader, who came through for the Golden Bears last week.
And when it comes down to it, I think Tedford is simply a better head coach than Stoops. California (4-1, 2-0) is currently 1st in the Pac-10, and there's really no reason for a let-down in this spot (not with UCLA on deck). Conversely, there's a ton of pressure on Zona now, with Cal this weekend and USC on deck. Very, very tall order for the Wildcats.
And as far as the Wildcats being home, catching points...it's just 2. If it were 3+, I think it would be significant. I'll gladly take the more tested team with a better running game, better defense, and better head coach, laying less than a field goal on the road.
Again, appreciate the input...just see it WAY differently than you. I guess we'll see come this Saturday!
GL bro!
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Kyle - Wish I could talk you out of your Zona play...but glad you're on tOSU! As always, best of luck my friend!
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