Mike Stoops' job just might get saved this year. And he'll owe it all to the offense, not defense- something the Wildcats are not known for. He is in his fifth season, has never had a winning season, and if the Cats don't go bowling this year, it's probably back to Norman, Oklahoma where he would most likely be greeted with open arms.
Offense.
Quarterback Willie Tuitama returns after breaking all kinds of school records. He's got plenty of weapons to throw to, including Mike Thomas, Delashaun Dean, Terrell Turner, Terrell Reese and TE Rob Gronkowski. The only key loss in this unit is Anthony Johnson. This team will throw hard and often- think WAC-like offense here.
The running back situation isn't as favorable. Their top back, Nic Grigsby, was ranked ninth in the Pac-10, and unless he gains 20 lbs, will not be the possession back they so desperately need. They only lost one back, so while the talent is there, it's very young and inexperienced with a lot of underclassmen on the roster.
The O-line is sitting pretty with almost everybody returning except four year LT starter Peter Graniello. This unit looks to be the anchor of the team, and if they can really hold their blocks, the running game could improve drastically and take some pressure off of the passing game.
Defense.
This is normally the strongest part of the team, but this year, they must replace eight starters, including All-American CB Antoine Cason and LB Spenser Larsen.
While the line backing corps has a lot of new faces, it still looks pretty strong. JUCO Vuna Tuihalamaka is expected to start after not qualifying academically last year, while Ronnie Palmer and Xavier Kelley should fill out the box. It won't be spectacular, but it will be a solid unit.
The D-line is very inexperienced and not a unit that is expected to do well. Two new DEs and DTs will be lining up and only one has a career start- Chris Horton.
The secondary is a mixed bag. They have two replace two DBs and Antoine Cason. Since they were ranked in the top 25, you have to figure some drop-off here. FS Nate Ness returns and joins CB Devin Ross. A lot of new faces, and while probably talented, this unit will not have the same results as last year's unit.
Outlook.
The Wildcats need to go bowling this year, or else. This is the year they could do it. While always known as a defensive team, this year will surprise everyone. They will pass a lot, especially if their running game doesn't materialize.
Their schedule is do-able. They open with three easy non-conference games then travel to a most likely beat-up Bruins team. They have only four conference road games- UCLA, Stanford, Washington State and Oregon. Their probable losses against USC, Oregon and Oregon State with the rest probable wins make them cancel their fishing plans in December.
6. UCLA Bruins
This is a rebuilding year for the Bruins- make no mistake about it. Forget the 25 players gone (17 of them starters), they also have a new head coach, Rick Neuheisel, and new OC Norm Chow. If that isn't enough to make your baby blue hopes' fade, both of their starting quarterbacks are injured-one for the year, and one projected to be back in the Summer. It's going to be a scary ride, Bruin Nation.
Offense.
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