2021 Arizona Wildcats: A Year of Rebuilding and Patience

Arizona suffered through a winless 2020 season and is in the midst of a 12-game losing streak. So, they fired Kevin Sumlin and were able to hire Jedd Fisch who had been the offensive coordinator at New England recently. He will bring a pro-style system to Tucson. But, will it pay off in victories? That remains to be seen. Players and other people in the program say there is positive buzz and energy at Arizona and the atmosphere is much better in the desert. However, are there any good players?

Offense: The QB position is unsettled and three guys are competing for it. Will Plummer is back from last year where he started one game. Washington State transfer Gunner Cruz and South Florida transfer Jordan McCloud are the other two candidates. There is strength at running back led by sophomore Michael Wiley and Northwestern transfer Drake Anderson. The offensive line returns 3 starters and WR Stanley Berryhill III is a top receiver.

Defense: This unit will be in full attack mode on every play and will blitz from all positions. The secondary might have one of the best tandems in the Pac-12 with Christian Roland-Wallace and Notre Dame transfer Isaiah Rutherford. Anthony Pandy was All Pac-12 honorable mention at linebacker in 2020 and four defensive lineman who started games last year are back.

Non-Conference Schedule:

9/4 BYU at Las Vegas

9/11 San Diego State

9/18 Northern Arizona

The opener against BYU in Vegas is more than likely a loss followed by the home opener against San Diego State which isn’t a gimme. They must beat Northern Arizona. A 2-1 start is possible and that would be great for the Wildcats.

Conference Schedule:

9/25 at Oregon

10/9 UCLA

10/16 at Colorado

10/22 Washingon

10/30 at USC

11/6 California

11/13 Utah

11/20 at Washington State

11/27 at Arizona State

It is hard to find any games on the schedule where the Wildcats will be favored. There are two home games that could be won against California and UCLA and that would be huge if they won them both. The other games at home against Utah and Washington are very difficult. On the road, the game at Washington State is possible. Good luck at Oregon, Colorado, USC, and Arizona State.

Summary: There isn’t quite enough talent to do much this year. The schedule is difficult as well. Patience Arizona fans; You got a good coach; give him time to rebuild.

Predicted Finish: 6th Place in the Pac-12 South

Overall Record: 2-10