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UA Football notebook - Cats must play all opponents tough
TUCSON - The University of Arizona football team will head to Los Angeles this weekend to take on 10th-ranked USC.
A coach’s anguish over UA’s struggle
But the way Arizona coach Mike Stoops sees it, the Wildcats have six more USC-caliber games left on their schedule.
Stoops said his team should treat its remaining opponents as if they are ranked in the Top 25.
In order to salvage a season fast slipping away, the Wildcats must — to quote USC’s fight song — “Fight On.”
“We’re just not good enough to make mistakes and not play with great effort, regardless of who we play,” Stoops said.
“We would like to think we’re somebody, but we’ve got to go out and earn it.”
Clearly, Arizona must play near-perfect football if it hopes to rally in the second half of the season. Arizona (2-4 overall, 1-2 Pac-10) has watched as its once-hopeful season be marred by mental lapses and on-field inconcistency.
Arizona has been outscored 73-33 in the first quarter this season.
The Cats have won every other period.
“If we could play three quarters, we’d be undefeated,” Stoops said.
“It’s easy to play when you’re down 28-3, but you’ve got to compete from the get-go.
“You’re somewhat fragile and, when things don’t go well early, we’re not where we can overcome them yet.”
PARKER PLAYING WELL
Lost in Arizona’s defensive struggles has been the play of defensive end Jason Parker. The senior leads Arizona’s defense with 4.5 tackles for loss, and is first among Arizona’s defensive ends with 26 tackles. His three sacks are second on the team.
Parker has even done the seemingly impossible — squeezed Louis Holmes out of playing time.
“I’ve got to keep doing what I’m doing on the field,” Parker said. “I’m really happy. I’m really comfortable with where I’m at.”
Parker came to Tucson with former Wildcat Marcus Smith, his cousin and teammate at San Diego’s Mission Bay High School. Parker has worked his way up from the scout team to a starting role. He had an interception in last weekend’s loss to Oregon State.
“Jason’s done a great job developing as a player in this league,” Stoops said. “I’m really proud of what he’s done since he got here.”
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