CU Buffs opponent preview: Arizona Wildcats aiming to take next step

For Arizona head football coach Jedd Fisch, the honeymoon might have been over three games into his tenure in 2021. A 21-19 loss to Northern Arizona on Sept. 18, 2021, was the Wildcats’ 15th consecutive defeat and might have been the low point for the program in recent years. The losing streak would reach 20 before Fisch and the Wildcats got a win in game No. 9 of that season. Fast forward to this summer, and that low point is in the rearview mirror, as the Wildcats are eyeing a bowl game. This summer, BuffZone will preview each of Colorado’s opponents for the 2023 season and in this installment, we look at Arizona, which will visit the Buffs on Nov. 11. After going 1-11 in his first season, Fisch led the Wildcats to a 5-7 mark in 2022. “I think that over time (since the loss to NAU), Jedd Fisch has checked off all the boxes and he’s done everything, step by step,” said Justin Spears, who covers the Wildcats for the Arizona Daily Star. “He has gotten the program into a place that it hasn’t been in several years.” From 2012-17, Arizona played in five bowl games and even reached the Pac-12 title game in 2014. The Wildcats haven’t been to a bowl since 2017, however, going 15-38 in the last five seasons. There is optimism in Tucson, however, because of what Fisch has done to turn things around. Last year, quarterback Jayden de Laura transferred in from Washington State and threw for 3,685 yards and 25 touchdowns. The offense scored 30.8 points per game – a major jump from the 17.2 per game in 2021. Although top receiver Dorian Singer transferred to USC, de Laura is back, as is receiver Jacob Cowing, who led the Pac-12 with 85 catches; sophomore receiver Tetairoa McMillan, a five-star recruit in 2022; running back Michael Wiley; tight end Tanner McLachlan; and three starters on the offensive line. Add in Colorado transfer Montana Lemonious-Craig at receiver and the Wildcats not only have talent, but depth on offense. “I think in year three, we’re going to see it more polished because I think the offensive line is actually a lot better,” Spears said. “I think Arizona, their offense altogether will be more polished in year three.” The main question is whether the Wildcats can play good enough defense. Arizona, allowed 36.5 points per game last year, marking the eighth consecutive year it has allowed at least 31.4 per game. Several of the top players from last year’s defense transferred or graduated. But, Fisch and his staff put a heavy emphasis on that side of the ball in recruiting. Spears said the Wildcats had tackling issues last year. They also generated only 16 sacks and four interceptions. It was a young defense overall, so with more maturity and some reinforcements from the transfer portal, Spears said, “I think that Arizona’s defense is going to be much better.” Linebacker Justin Flowe, cornerback Treydan Stukes and some big guys in the trenches will be relied on heavily to improve the defense. “If you can get these guys to play at their maximum potential, I think the defense will take a giant step forward,” Spears said. “And now we’re talking about Arizona going from 1-11 to 5-7 and now maybe 6-6, 7-5.” A bowl game is the next step for Fisch and the Wildcats, who open the season with a rematch against Northern Arizona on Sept. 2 in Tucson. “Now the defense is better, the offense has matured and is more polished; you still have (kicker) Tyler Loop and (punter) Kyle Ostendorp in the kicking game,” Spears said. “This is a very complete Arizona team. If you don’t get to a bowl game, I think it’s a failure.” Arizona Wildcats Head coach: Jedd Fisch, 3rd season (6-18, 7-19 career) 2022 season: 5-7, 3-6 Pac-12 Series with CU: Buffs lead 16-9 The Game Who: Arizona Wildcats at Colorado Buffaloes When: Saturday, Nov. 11, TBA Where: Folsom Field in Boulder 5 Guys to Watch • WR Jacob Cowing: A transfer from UTEP last year, he led the Pac-12 with 85 catches and compiled 1,034 receiving yards (fourth) and seven touchdowns. In four college seasons, he has caught 226 passes for 3,629 yards. • QB Jayden de Laura: Threw for 3,685 yards, 25 touchdowns and 13 interceptions last year, while also rushing for four scores. In 2021, he was the Pac-12 freshman offensive player of the year when he played for Washington State. • LB Justin Flowe: A transfer from Oregon, he recorded 35 tackles for the Ducks last year. He has dealt with injuries in his career, but is aiming to become a leader for the Wildcats. • CB Treydan Stukes: Returning starter compiled 42 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss and an interception last year as a sophomore. He has all-conference potential as one of the leaders of the secondary. • RB Michael Wiley: Became the featured back last year, rushing for 771 yards and eight touchdowns, while averaging 6.8 yards per carry. He also caught 36 passes for 349 yards and three scores. BOULDER, CO: April 22:Montana Lemonious-Craig catches a touchdown pass past Jordan Woolverton during the University of Colorado Spring football game on April 22, 2023. (Cliff Grassmick/Staff Photographer) BOULDER, CO: April 22:Montana Lemonious-Craig catches a touchdown pass past Jordan Woolverton during the University of Colorado Spring football game on April 22, 2023. (Cliff Grassmick/Staff Photographer) Good to know • Two players who went through spring with the Buffaloes are now playing for the Wildcats. Receiver Montana Lemonious-Craig and edge rusher Taylor Upshaw left the Buffs after the spring and are now vying for starting roles in Tucson. • After winning in Boulder on Oct. 5, 2019, Arizona lost its next 20 games overall. They also followed that win with an 11-game road losing streak. Last year, the Wildcats won two road games (at San Diego State and UCLA). • Last year, Arizona ranked sixth nationally in passing yards per game (318.4). The Wildcats were 20th in total offense, at 462.4 yards per game. Defensively, they ranked 126th in points allowed (36.5) and 125th in yards allowed (467.7). • Jedd Fisch’s coaching career included one season (2008) as the receivers coach for the Denver Broncos. • In addition to Wiley, the Wildcats return their second and third-leading rushers. DJ Williams gained 376 yards and three touchdowns, while averaging 6.3 yards per carry last year. Jonah Coleman finished with 372 yard and four touchdowns, averaging 5.0 yards per carry. De Laura was fourth on the team in rushing. • Kicker Tyler Loop went 18-of-21 on field goals with a long of 48 yards last year. He was also 38-of-38 on extra points. In his career, he is 30-of-33 on field goals and 50-for-50 on extra points. He didn’t kick in 2020, but did serve as the punter that year, averaging 43.0 yards. Portal movement Since October, the Wildcats have lost 25 players to the portal, including some of their top defenders. Seven transferred to Massachusetts to play for former Arizona defensive coordinator Don Brown, now the UMass head coach. USC snagged Arizona’s top receiver (Dorian Singer), top cornerback (Christian Roland-Wallace) and top defensive tackle (Kyon Barrs). The Wildcats also lost leading tacklers Jaxen Turner (UNLV) and Jerry Roberts (UMass). In return, Arizona has picked up eight transfers, seven on defense. Two CU transfers – receiver Montana Lemonious-Craig and edge Taylor Upshaw – could start. Linebackers Justin Flowe (Oregon), Orin Patu (California) and Daniel Heimuli (Washington) as well as defensive linemen Tyler Manoa (UCLA) and Sio Nofoagatoto’a (Indiana) could also play significant roles.