PAC-12 Preview Part III
Arizona
The Arizona Wildcats will have a brand new look with new head coach Kevin Sumlin coming over from the SEC. The Wildcats are one of three teams in the PAC-12 who have 17 returning starters to hit the ground running.
Quarterback Khalil Tate has already broke onto the national scene having a breakout game rushing for 327 yards and threw for 154 yards with 5 touchdowns. His new coach who broke in ‘Johnny Football’ at A&M will be the right coach to showcase the Heisman hopefully tour in 2018.
Tate receiving core is back but they will need better production from them all not just Bryce Wolma the tight end. Senior Shun Brown led them last season with only six touchdowns receiving.
The offensive line only returns center Nathan Eldridge to be their signal call for the defensive fronts.
This young defense had the opportunity to grow up on the field in 2017, so after this offseason training program who knows what the nine returners will take them. In most games the offense outscored their opponents to win.
The secondary all have experience now and being coach by hands on DB coach in Demetrice Martin aka ‘coach Meat’. Jace Whittaker a corner who loves to be physical and help in the run.
The state of Arizona is up for grabs this year.
Prediction 9-3
Arizona State
The Arizona State Sun Devils will be mentored and coached by a walking legend in Herm Edwards. He has command of the room the moment he walks in the door, and they all know, ‘You play to win the game!’
Quarterback Manny Wilkins will be learning his fourth offense in his college career. One thing that will be spot on is his amazing chemistry with wide reciever N’Keal Harry who lead the team with 1,142 yards along with 8 touchdowns.
There’s not one side of the ball that stands out over the other, so Edwards will really need to inspire his team to greatness
They have four returners on defense that has the two cornerbacks as the cornerstone to defend the pass. Chase Lucas had two interceptions after being thrown into the fire as a true freshman last season.
Up front Renell Wren at nose has next level potential that will need to be displayed in his last campaign. There will be plenty of opportunity for new stars to emerge on the defense. Most say look out for the sophomore Shannon Forman to be deadly coming off the edge.
Prediction 6-6
