Doctor: Olson had stroke

The Olson family and his personal physician, Dr. Steven Knope, held a press conference yesterday at the McKale Center to confirm what has long been rumored. Olson suffered a minor stroke sometime in the past year.

Knope said they couldn’t be sure when the event happened, but what they are sure of is that it would explain a sudden shift in behaviour that became apparent a year ago. Knope also said Olson had a bout with depression in the past few years, but that was unrelated.

The stroke was likely caused by a heart problem suffered almost eight years ago while on a trip to the Washington schools.

According to Knope this was not a stroke that cause physical issues, rather only affects judgment.

Over the past few weeks, according to Knope, Olson and himself had talked retirement. Olson mood over his last second choice was described as being “devastate.”

Olson is at home resting well, said Knope.

Dear Coach O'

Dear coach O,

I wanted to write and thank you for everything you’ve done for me. Everything you’ve done for my university, my city and my state.

You put the University of Arizona on the map before my friends and I cared if the University of Arizona was on the map. Now when people ask us who we cheer for, were we went to school, were we live we can be proud to talk about the University of Arizona.

Thank you for the all time greats. Thank you for Sean Elliott, Steve Kerr, Josh Pastner, Luke Walton and dozens more.

Thanks for 1997, the greatest year in the history of Arizona sports. Lute, I remember running onto my street as a freshman in high school screaming and yelling about our national title. Us, little old Arizona, were the kings of the basketball world! Neighbors were firring off fireworks. People honking horns and just generally make noise. It was AWESOME!!!!! Ditching school, work and generally life that next day all because it was our day, Tucson’s day. Thanks for all of it.

Besides 1997 thanks for 1988, 1994 and 2001. What would my closet be without those Final Four shirts.

Thanks for being a team that was good enough to break my heart. For if you didn’t win, losses to Illinois and other would not hurt like they do today.

Thanks for having a ticket hard to get in a town that sometimes seems like it wouldn’t support there own kids.

Thanks for bring Kansas, North Carolina, Connect and other top ten programs to Tucson.

Thanks for showing the Sun Devils who’s boss by fighting back with the fans that Arizona fans hate so much.

Thanks for introducing us to Bobbi, the first women of Tucson. We know you miss her and we all do too.

Thanks to both of you for rising so much money to fight cancer and teaching so many people what they can to do to prevent themselves from falling victim to this horrible disease.

Thanks for hosting so many great basketball camps for kids. So many Tucson kids have learned hoops skills from you-a great coach.

Thanks for making old age cool. Being gray in style. And being fit in.

Thank you for making this a letter that could go on and on and on.

Arizona Falls to USC

What a weird weekend it was in Wildcat land.

Just as the Wildcats were 48 hours out of the biggest home game in ten years, the basketball program did what they seem to have been doing for the past 25 years. They stole the thunder. Pre game Saturday the talk on the U.A. mall was not so much about what Arizona had to to beat USC or what would happen if they in fact beat USC but rather the talk was all about Lute Olson weird-second year in a row-stepping down from his post as head men's basketball coach.

Post game it was back to Arizona football.

Although Arizona didn't beat USC Saturday night they did get one of those rare "moral victories."

There's little question in my mind that offence cost the Cats the game. Saturday was like a flash back to the old Dick Tomey days. In the back of your mind you had to keep thing there is no way, no way Arizona score more then 17 points. That turned out to be the case. You kept thing one more play-one more score this is a different game. Yup, that was the case.

Yet most true, reasonably thinking Cats fans will come to this conclusion. It appears that Arizona is the second best team in the Pac-10 and could have the inside track to the Holiday Bowl. If they can do what they need to and can do. Really Arizona should go no worse then 3-1 the rest of the season. They could go 4-0, the really could.

They played USC closer then Arizona State. Closer then Oregon. Closer then Ohio State.

This is the best football team in Tucson in ten years. Now the question is, is the University of Arizona a football school now?

Arizona Game Day

What USC Trojan @ Arizona Wildcats

When Saturday, kickoff 7:15 pm

TV Fox Sports Net

Radio 1290am, 107.5fm

Weather 77-64

What to expect Let's not forget that USC is really good. Really, really, really good. We don't know how good Arizona is, not yet. So the million dollar question when it comes to this Saturday's game is which USC team and which Arizona team will show up. If the Arizona team from the second half of the Cal game last week shows up and the USC team from the Oregon State loss shows up, then Arizona has a good chance to win. If the USC that beat Ohio State and the Arizona team that lost to New Mexico shows up then Arizona could be in big trouble. This is the biggest football game in Arizona in ten years and could mark the real start of the Mike Stoops era in Tucson. It should be a fun night.

Prediction USC 34 Arizona 35

Olson Out-For Real This Time

University of Arizona athletic director conformed late yesterday afternoon that Arizona basketball coach is stepping down as head coach affective immediately.

In a statement released by the university, Olson said he wanted to spend more time with his family.

No interim head coach nor a successor was named yesterday.

BREAKING NEWS

ESPN's Dick Vitale is reporting Lute Olson is stepping down as head coach. Reports on ESPN is that Mike Dunlap will taker over for the rest of the season. Arizona started practice a week ago tomorrow.

Olson steeped down for the season about this time last year and Kevin O'Neil acted as head coach. Around Christmas O'Neil was named the next Arizona coach whenever Olson decides to retire. Yet a falling out between Olson and O'Neil resulted in O'Neil leaving to work with the Memphis Grizzlies of the NBA. Presumably O'Neil will no longer be the next head coach.

It must be noted that the U of A says the story is untrue and Olson is still the head coach. Olson has yet to say anything.

The Rollercoast Rolls On

So another week, another trip on the roller coast that has been Arizona football this year. I really don’t remember a season like this one. In the matter of one week and for the second time this year Mike Stoops, Willie T and the rest of the Cats have gone from goats to hero.

Now the Cats find themselves in a place where they haven’t been since Bill Clinton was president, tied for first place in the middle of October. If this means anything right now-I’m not 100 percent sure. After all the Cats still have to play all but one of the teams they are bunched up with. Yet that is also good news-for the Cats once again control there destiny. Win out smell the roses, loss out and stay home for the holidays.

It would appear that once again Mike Stoops has saved his job. After all two more wins and the Cats are in a bowl. They still have a very bad Washington State team to play and two very winnable home games against Oregon State and Arizona State. And the Cats, by the way, haven’t even played a close game in Tucson. Bad news for the Stoops Realtor-good news for him.

As a result of beating Cal Saturday, the Cats also saved themselves from being on a three game losing streak when they travel to Wazzu in a couple weeks.

So the question should be asked, was this the biggest win in the Mike Stoops era? Sure the Cats have beaten hire ranked teams in the past. Yet Saturday’s game really opened the door for the future. For all the above reasons Saturday’s win really saved a season. Could this really be the game we look back on in 10, 15, 20 years from now and say that’s the game that forever changed the fortune of Arizona Football?

I guess only time will tell, but for now I’m buying it.

Arizona Game Day

What California Golden Bears @ Arizona Wildcats

When Saturday, kickoff 7pm

TV Fox Sports Net

Radio 1290am, 107.5fm

Weather 79-74

What to expect Arizona needs to get over the devastating loss to Stanford on Saturday. I'm not sure Cal is the team to do that against. The home stadium should/could make a difference but, we'll have to see. For Arizona this is a must win, if Arizona losses the Stoops era is in danger of ending without a bowl.

Prediction Arizona 31 Cal 28

Arizona Game Day

What Arizona Wildcats @ Stanford Cardinal

When Saturday, kickoff 2pm

TV None

Radio 1290am, 107.5fm

Weather 69-71

What to expect This could be the last take a deep breath game on Arizona scud. That is to say, as of now, aside from Washington State this might be the last game Arizona is favored in. We've only seen the Wildcats blow one of these games thus far, a big change from years past. Look for the Wildcats to have a more physical presence then Stanford. No reason Arizona shouldn't win this game, which could be bad news. But this is Arizona's year.

Prediction Arizona 49 Stanford 35

Arizona Game Day

What Washington Huskies @ Arizona Wildcats

When Saturday, kickoff 4:30pm

TV Versus

Radio 1290am, 107.5fm

Weather 86-77 30% chance of rain

What to expect The Huskies have hit hard times in Seattle. Looking back, it's hard to remember that in 2000 and 2001 this was one of the best teams in the pac-10, maybe even the country. Now they are at best the ninth best team in the pac-10. So, how good is Arizona really? They are a lot better then the ninth time in the country and have no business, no business at all losing to a team like that at home. As long as the Arizona team that turned the ball over five times against New Mexico doesn't show up there is no reason to think this game will even be close.

Prediction Arizona 54 UW 7

Why not us?

It was quit the night last night for fans of Pac-10 football. USC started what everyone thought would be a walk in the park to a conference championship. I guess everyone was wrong. Last night, by beating USC, Oregon State kicked in the door for what really amounts to seven teams who though they were contending for second place. Now there is a eight team race for first. It seems to be anyone's race.

So the million dollar question for the Wildcats should be, why not us?

There really is no reason why Arizona couldn't win the Pac-10. That's not something I would have thought twenty four hours ago. But the Beaves changed all that.

Let's take a minute to think about. First lets look at few of the players Arizona plays USC, Cal, Arizona State and Oregon State in Tucson. There really is no reason Arizona couldn't win all those games. That would also knock out Oregon State and USC since they would each have at least two conference losses with the one they already have plus Arizona. If they beat all those teams, they would have the tie breakers over ASU and Cal.

The only real player Arizona plays outside of Tucson is Oregon. But fear not. The Cats have had some good luck in Eugene. No reason that couldn't carry over!

Of course it should go without saying that Arizona also needs to win the games it should, namely against Washington, Washington State and Stanford.

The million dollar question is does Arizona have the heart to get it done? I think they do. I think they better.

And if they don't they should listen up now.

This is the year. This is our year. The door is wide wide open. Are you going to go threw it? If not why not? Go in damn it! The door is open! Why not, Why not US!!! The cards are set up on the table, it's our hand. We can win it. If we play it.

Why does it have to be ASU, Cal, Oregon or USC? Why not Arizona?

YouTube Clip of the week

It's a week without football and I don't know what I'm going to do. Maybe drink and gamble (wink wink). And if you really need something to brighten up your day why not poke a little fun at hippies crying over dead trees! I mean if they are this sad when a tree dies, what about dogs? Or cats? or Humans for that matter? Enjoy this weeks YouTube Clip o' the week!

News and Notes

Kerley Out

Arizona guard Blake Kerley's season looks to be over after a knee injury early in the fourth quarter in Saturday's game against UCLA. Stoops said U.A. medical staff is “99 percent” sure that Kerley tore or sprained his ACL. If that is the case he face a nine month to one year recovery.

In the meantime, Colin Baxter will move from guard to center and Mike Diaz will take over for Baxter. This couldn’t happen at a better time for the Cats who have a bye this week, allowing over a week for the the offence to get use to the look.

Two U.A. Players Win Awards

Nickel back Corey Hall was named Pac-10 defensive player of the week Monday. Hall had six tackles and one sack during Saturday’s win at UCLA.

Hall wasn’t the only to be honored this week. Wide receiver and kick return specialist Mike Thomas was named special teams player of the week. He returned six punts for 107 yards Saturday, including a 26 yard run that played a major part in allowing Arizona to score a touchdown to blow the game open.

Rants, Rants, Rants.

Arizona's win Saturday at UCLA made things all better in Wildcat land. At least for another few weeks. With the first of three byes this weekend, the Arizona Wildcats are more or less where a lot of us thought they would be at the one third mark of the season.

The talk of firring Mike Stoops has stopped for a few weeks. The talk of sending Willie to the bench has stopped for a few weeks.

While the Cats haven't looked as good as say, USC, they have looked as good as they have in years. While they should be undefeated, they aren't. But they also recovered from what could have been a season ending less to New Mexico by beating New Mexico.

With the as good as dead Washington Huskies coming to town after the upcoming bye week, the Cats have a real chance to build something in Tucson-as long as they don't blow it.

By the way, nice red pants! Walking into the Rose Bowl this past weekend was one of the coolest Wildcat trips of the year and then bam! Things got much cooler! Real cool red, pants. Seriously where do you get a pair of bright red pants like that? I've seen red basketball shorts. I've seen red sweat pants. Never red football pants.
Red pants, awesome, awesome, awesome.

Speaking of the Rose Bowl, what a place. If you've never been to game at the giant bowl it's kind of weird. It's real big and seats 90 thousand plus. But when your in your seat it doesn't seem as big. It seemed kind of empty, despite the fact that there was way more people at this game then any U of A home game. More then could even fit at Arizona Stadium.

Speaking of, let's sell out the stadium October 4 versus Washington.

Arizona Game Day

What Arizona Wildcats @ U.C.L.A. Bruins

When Saturday, kickoff 12 noon

TV Fox Sports Net

Radio 1290am, 107.5fm

Weather 78-81

What to expect Both Arizona and UCLA lost to Mountain West teams last weekend. At least for the Arizona Wildcats it wasn't a 59-0 beat down like UCLA suffer at the hands of BYU. So lets get real here. Both team need a win, bad. The loser might have a blown a season already, in September. We don't really know a lot about the coaching match up between Mike Stoops and Rick Neuheisel-but by the end of the first quarter the teams should be done feeling one another out. This would be true of any football game, but the team with the most hart and most guts are going to win.

Prediction This is a hard one to call. Arizona stops it's suddenly sinking ship by beating UCLA 54-34.

It's Just Not Fair!

Dear whomever wants to read this,

Saturday night I felt like giving up. Quiting. I'm not quiting on the Cats, I'm still following the the team to Los Angles next weekend, still going to every home game-this year and next.

But I quit caring. I'm tired of calling for, then backing off, and then calling again, for Mike Stoops to be fired. Same goes for Jim Livegood. And if Willie T should be benched and on and on.

Saturday night I wasn't pissed. I was just sad. At the end of the game I felt the need to curl up into a little ball, pound on the bench like a five year old and scream "It's not fair! It's not fair, it's just not fair!!!!!!!"

It really isn't fair. What did we do to the football gods to be punched with this? Was it because we fired Dick Tomey? Or did it start before that? Did we sell our sole to the devil in 1998 in order to come this close to going to the Rose Bowl?

It's just not FAIR!

I'm not 100 percent sure yet what the loss to New Mexico means for the rest of the season. I do know it's going to make it a lot harder to go to bowl game. I know thanks to one game-one game Arizona should have won, yet didn't-the chance of a post season game is much smaller then it was just one week ago.

It's just no FAIR!

Like a little kid who's big brother gets to to drink a Coke with dinner, instead of milk-we've seen ASU be good, bad and good again-yet were stuck losing to New Mexico, Utah, Stanford and Washington.

It's just not FAIR!

While other schools have been able to talk about great coaches they've had. While Oregon, Arizona State and USC all feel like they have been done over by the BCS at one time or another we've been stuck fighting about who's worse-Livegood or Stoops and if Tomey should have been fired eight years ago....eight years ago! Eight years ago I was more worried about how much a 10am class sucked 'cause I had to get out of bed before noon. Eight years ago Bill Clinton was president and the World Trade Center still stood. Yet we're arguing about what happened in 2000! Why? Because we have nothing better to talk about.

It's just not FAIR!

Now, once again, Arizona is stuck, counting wins. Thinking we most win five out of nine. It's just TOO HARD! THIS IS SO UNFAIR!

I'm going to curl up and suck my thumb for a while, the world is so mean.

What Arizona Wildcats at New Mexico Lobos

When Saturday, kickoff 5pm

TV CSTV

Radio 1290am, 107.5fm

Weather 78-67

What to expect New Mexico is 0-2 and needs a win bad. It could be a season ending loss for the Lobos if they can not get it done. That being said this is not the Arizona team that lost to UNM last year. This isn't the same New Mexico time ether. Look for this to be the start of the who can score more battle that Arizona is going to be in for the rest of the season. Arizona is not going to put up 70, but they might put up 70 combined.

Prediction Might be close for a while...but.....Arizona wins. Arizona 38 New Mexico 20.

For Cats: New Mexico Key to the Season

When you play college football, every game is important. You want to win every game. But let's get real. Some games are more important then others and for the Arizona Wildcats this game is key if they have any plans to go bowling at the end of the season.

Let's just take a minute to think why that would be the case.

If Arizona wins:
That would put the Cats at 3-0, four wins short of a bowl, with nine games to go. Washington State, Washington, Oregon State, and Stanford are all very winnable games. Other then that, it would (as of today) need to be an upset, but all the same four wins is realistic.

If Arizona losses:
That would put the Cats at 2-1, five wins short of a bowl, with nine games to go. That means, realistically, Arizona would need to win all four of the "winnable" games and pull at least won upset. Much, much, harder-almost unlikely.

There is no question, any team that dreams of finishing in the top half of the Pac-10 has no place losing to New Mexico, in New Mexico or otherwise. Let's hope Mike Stoops and the boys are keeping that in mind. We've seen them lose games like this is the past, but there is something diffrent about this team this year.

So as as the Oakland Raiders motto say: "just win baby!"

News and Notes

Keola Antolin Wins Award
Arizona freshman Keola Antolin was named the Pac-10 special teams player of the week. Saturday, Antolin returned three kicks for a total of 98 yards and was one of several standout players versus Toledo.


Rob Gronkowski back?
Tight End Rob Gronkowski practiced Monday after missing the first two games with ether strep throat or mono. In his Monday morning meeting with the press Arizona head coach Mike Stoops said Gronkowski might play a limited role in Saturday's game at New Mexico. The Arizona Athletic department has had bad experiences with mono as of late, basketball player Kurt Walters missed a lot of season thanks in part to mono. Lucky for Stoops, it would not appear that Gronk has as bad a case.

Terrell Reese out two games
Wide receiver Terrell Reese-who was serving a suspension Saturday night for missing too many classes (how you do that in two weeks I don't know) will miss at least two more games for his arrest Saturday night for DUI. According to the UAPD and The Arizona Daily Star Reese was arrested Saturday morning at a Circle K on sixth street. Police say he hit a wall and air filling station.

Arizona 2-0 for the First Time in Stoops Era

Arizona head coach Mike Stoops woke up on Sunday morning in a place he hasn't been since he moved to Tucson five years ago. Two wins-no losses. I'll bet it feels good, because I know I felt good Sunday morning. Nay, I felt great.

Arizona defeated Toledo Saturday 41-16 in another more or less dominating performance. And heck, it was even rain free. Toledo scored it's only touchdown when the game was more or less over and Arizona turned it over inside the ten yard line. So far this season Arizona has out scored it's opponents 111-16.

111-16. Think about that for a secound. Does anyone remeber the last time and Arizona team that season out like that? I know I don't.

Good news/bad news on all this. The Cats have yet to play a team that's going bowling. Next week Arizona goes to New Mexico that won't likely change. That's a long winded way of saying Arizona hasn't played anyone.

Yet they are 2-0, with two blow outs. Toledo dropped at least two, maybe three, wide open catch that should have been Toledo touchdowns. Yet if Toledo scores three more touchdown Arizona still wins (granted only by three but a W is a W).

There is no question that Arizona is going to have to wait until September 20 against UCLA to see how good they really are. Then we can talk about how good is good and all the rest.

If, by any luck, they are 3-1 or 4-0 after that point, save your pennies because Arizona is going bowl!

Game Day

What Toledo Rockets at Arizona Wildcats

When Saturday, kickoff 7pm

TV None

Radio 1290am, 107.5fm

Weather 92-83, clear

What to expect Arizona put up 70 points against Idaho, but let's be honest Idaho is one of the worst teams in college football. In years past this would be a game that could be a let down. But there is something about this year that makes me think it's not going to happen. Look for Arizona to dominate again-but not as strongly as last week.

Prediction Toledo is better, way better then Idaho. In years past this would be a close game. Not this year. Arizona wins 44-10.

YouTube Clip of the Week

Itssss baccccck! That's right the reason you wake up on Thursdays is back. Where have you been all summer, you might be asking. Well, the YouTube clip of the week has been island hopping in the pacific. But have no fear-it's back, tanned, hung over, and well rested. So let's do it.

This weeks topic.....who are you voting for? If the answer is McCain Palin then you should know that she was once a sportscaster. How good was she? Well take a look and you be the judge!

Cats must put Saturday behind them

Saturday night could not have gone any better for Arizona. Arizona's first team didn't need to play the entire game. No one got hurt. They put up 70 points in the poring rain-perhaps the worst weather they'll see all year. The second team put up 21 points too. They stayed healthy too. It was all good.

Anyone who follows sports closely will already know this, but as of Sunday morning the Cats need to put Saturdays game against Idaho behind them.

Don't believe the press clippings.

Don't listen to your peers.

Turn off the radio.

Think to yourself that we'll need to play better Saturday (vs Toledo)to go to 2-0 for the first time in the Mike Stoops era.

“Minnesota barely beat Northern Illinois. Bowling Green beat Pittsburgh," Stoops said Monday. "There is enough out there to understand that Toledo will be a much improved football team."

If Arizona has a let down and losses to Toledo at home-it's going to be really bad news. The 70-0 win is gone just like this, it like putting ice cream in the microwave-it's ruined, it's nasty. But for the first time in nearly a decade you get the feeling that Stoops and company are not underestimating anyone.

Ohio is one of America's great football states and while Toledo is no Ohio State ( or should I say The Ohio State), they are a Ohio team.

“It has been a way of life, with a lot of tradition and a lot of blue collar people. It is what you get from these types of kids. That was a way of going to the field and it was a big deal and still a big deal,” Stoops said Monday.

He should know, the Stoops brothers grew up in Youngstown, Ohio. He should also know the team needs to put Idaho behind them.

If only I could do the same thing.

Arizona Idaho, 70-0, What a Night!

Saturday night at Arizona Stadium might have been one of the greatest slash weirdest nights I've ever had Arizona Stadium.

First things first. I've never, ever, ever, ever seen the Cats kick someone's teeth in like they did Idaho on Saturday night. The Cats scored early and often and didn't stop even when the game was clearly over. By the end of the game the FOOTBALL team had scored 70 points! 70! Can you believe it?

Then they stopped Idaho ever time they had the ball. Every time! Can you believe it? 70 to 0 was the final. Let me say that again, Arizona won a game 70-0!

The game was delayed for more then an hour due to lightning in the area. It rained and rained and rained, raining more or less from the time the game was delayed until the end.

Man of the fans stuck it out, even when they go soaked from head to toe. Even when the P.A. guy asked fans to leave or take cover, a lot of fans, a lot of students never did. This fan got so wet his cell phone died from water damage! It really was unlike anything I've ever seen in Tucson.

This weekend was just awesome!

Game Day

What Idaho Vandals at Arizona Wildcats

When Saturday, kickoff 7pm

TV None

Radio 1290am, 107.5fm

Weather 85-82 40% chance of rain

What to expect Arizona should be able to blow Idaho out of the game early. If the offence is clicking like it should, this game should be over by late in the first half. Look for Stoops to play many of his second string player for large parts of the second half. That being said, rain and wind might force Arizona to run the ball a lot less then was the plan last week. If that happens the game might be closer then one would like.

Prediction Look for Arizona to blow someone out for the first time in years. Arizona 55 Idaho 10.

For Stoops and Arizona it's now or never

Welcome to college football 2008!

Before you can ran from Tucson to New York the football season will have kicked off. Well, I'm not sure you could run to Huston between now and then, unless your Usain Bolt. But, anyway, Saturday will be here before you know it and the season will be underway.

And for Arizona there is no turning back. The heat in Mike Stoops office has been turned all the way up. The fan base is split and if he should stay or if he should go. Some have even made the stupid argument that they hope Arizona losses so they will be able to fire Stoops. Let's put this one to rest first. I would much rather see Arizona win then see Mike Stoops go. Not a lot more to say about that other then what's been said.



So what does Mike Stoops need to do to keep his job?

Simply put he needs to go to a bowl game, which means he needs to win at least seven games. That should be enough. Some have made the argument that if he wins only seven games, which would mean either a loss in one of the three "easy" non conference games or a losing record in the Pac-10 he need to be let go. I don't see anyway that happens. Despite all his faults and he has lots of them, you can not let a coach go who got a team to a bowl game for the first time in ten years.

So what happens if Arizona does have a losing season?

At this point it's going to be really interesting. U of A president Robert Shelton is going to have to decide what he wants to do with athletic director Jim Livengood. If he wants to keep him, the likely next step is Stoops being fired. If he wants another AD that should by Stoops at least one more year. If another AD comes in some time in the 09 calender year he is going to want to make his own hire as a football coach, not get a first year coach thrown in his lap.

What happens if Stoops is fired?

This could mean more bad news. It likely means at least two more years of loosing football. That will likely also mean lost money-from not playing on TV, from low ticket sales, from paying off Stoops. This could affect the amount of money the school could spend to hire a replacement coach.

Any chance he leaves on his own?

A little. He need to have a winning season for that to happen. The most likely, if not the only school he would leave Arizona for would be Iowa. The people in Iowa are unhappy with the way the program is going. Stoops went to, played at Iowa. But they are not going to want to hire a coach who hasn't won.



The bottom line of all this is simple. Mike Stoops and the Cats have to win and they have to win now. So lets kick it off!

Season Preview: Arizona State

Week Twelve:

Saturday December 6, 2008

The University of Arizona Wildcats versus the Arizona State Sun Devils
Arizona Stadium: Time TBA

Arizona State Facts: The Devils and the Wildcats play for the oldest traveling trophy is sports, The Territorial Cup. Sadly for all Arizona fans, the cup has lived in Tempe for many years in this decade. But I don't want to get into this. Both the Cats and the Devils have gone with several different coaching staff since both schools fired head coaches at the end of the 2001 season. As hard as it is to type and I'm not even sure I could say it out loud, Arizona State is a better program overall. What this means for this year or for the future-I don't know.

Good Cat News: As fun as playing the game on the day after Thanksgiving, the hangover would affect the crowd. No to mention the number of students who are in town. This year this won't be a problem because the game isn't until December. It will also be fun to see if Arizona has already rapped up a bowl spot by then, there is chance they may have already accepted a deal by then.

Bad Cat News: Just read the Arizona State Facts section of this blog, because I can not say it again. Head Coach Mike Stoops has proven that he can not win, when the chips are all the line. If Arizona needs to beat Arizona State to get into the bowl I'm not sure they can do it.

Season Preview: Oregon State

Week Eleven:

Saturday November 22, 2008

The University of Arizona Wildcats versus the Oregon State University Beavers
Arizona Stadium: Time TBA

Oregon State Facts: Remember the Dick Tomey days when it seemed like every season the Cats would finish in third or fourth place? Well that's what it's been like for the Beavs since they went from a nobody to a somebody in 2000. Since 2002 OSU has been to the Insight Bowl twice, plus the Vegas, Sun, and Emerald bowls. Who would have thought Oregon State and Arizona would switch places like that.

Good Cat News: Another home game in November allows Arizona to play at home, rather then having to play in Corvallis, another one of the most brutal places to play in the Pac-10. The Beaves only bring back three starts from last year defense which make Arizona look bad, in the mean time Arizona's offence should be much better.

Bad Cat News: Oregon State has had Arizona's number over the last few years. Arizona is going to have to make sure to change that. Can they do it? Not sure. The only other team to dominate over the Stoop years the way the Beavers have (besides USC) are the Sun Devils. And we'll get to them tomorrow.

Season Preview: Oregon

Week Ten:

Saturday November 15, 2008

The University of Arizona Wildcats versus the University of Oregon Ducks
Autzen Stadium: Eugene, Oregon, Time TBA

Oregon Facts: Mike Bellotti has now been the head coach of the Ducks for 14 years, far longer then anyone else in the Pac-10. Since that time they have been one of the best teams in the Pac-10, although they haven't gone to Rose Bowl since the mid 1990s. Not a lot of reason to think 2008 is going to be any different, including the second place finish. Autzen Stadium is arguably the loudest stadium in the Pac-10 (although USC has many more fans, not as loud).

Good Cat News: For whatever reason it doesn't seem like Mike Bellotti and Mike Stoops like one another. This has worked in the Cats favour, as they have had the Ducks number as of late. Another November game against what should be a ranked team also seem to play in Arizona's favour-as they have had luck with that as well.

Bad Cat News: We'll see if revenge means anything in football with this game. If any group of players or fans want revenge it would be the Oregon Ducks. Arizona could be blown off the field in that game if they don't come out ready to play. We'll also have to see whats going on in the Pac-10, if the Ducks are still in the mix-it could be bad news for Arizona.

Season Preview: Washington State

Week Nine:

Saturday November 8, 2008

The University of Arizona Wildcats versus the Washington State University Cougars
Martin Stadium: Pullman, Washington, Time TBA

Washington State Facts: The Cougs have been to two Rose bowls since 1997. Both in '97 and '02. They haven't really been the same since Mike Price left Pullman for very, very, brief stay at Alabama and now at UTEP. This will mark the major head coaching debue of Paul Wuliff at Washington State.

Good Cat News: If we are taking stock of teams that should be worse then Arizona, Washington State would be on it. Bad teams tend to struggle under knew head coaches and that's what the Cougs have. By November, with any luck, Arizona will have gelled and be ready to roll against anyone. Arizona, under Mike Stoops, has a record of winning games, lots of games, in November.

Bad Cat News: This is a road game in November. The Cougs might have over came the hurdle of another head coach by this time in the season. I can not predict the weather this far in advance (sorry), but in that part of Washington-that time of year-it's likely going to be cold. For sure it will be colder then Tucson. Possibly over coming the weather could be a factor.

Season Preview: USC

Week Eight:

Saturday October 25, 2008

The University of Arizona Wildcats versus the University of Southern California Trojans

Arizona Stadium, Time TBA

USC Facts: Unlike Idaho and Toledo, it should be easy to argue that USC is one of the five best teams in the country. Since Pete Carroll took over 8 years ago the Trojans have been far and away the best program in the Pac-10. We are talking about a program that was disappointed to be 11-2 last season. I don't even have to write anymore by just saying: USC doesn't rebuild, they just reload. They are what everyone in the Pac-10 wants to be. After all, they have been to The Rose Bowl Game three of the four last years. The one year they didn't it was the Orange Bowl for the National Championship. Any of the other nine teams would trade place with them in heart beat.

Good Cat News: Ah.....with this game. I don't know. Arizona has had good luck with homecoming games. USC over the past few years has dropped games they shouldn't have. I guess that might happen. One day or another Arizona is going to get that season/program changing win. It could be this year? Couldn't it? Arizona has come close to beating USC a few times over the past few years. Arizona has it as a home game, that could help.

Bad Cat News: USC is very good. Arizona is good. Arizona would have to play a game unlike anything we have every seen them play. Nothing in Mike Stoops past (or Jon Mac or Dick Tomey for that matter) has lead me to thing Arizona could play an A+++ game. Anything less then that the Cats are in trouble with this game.

Season Preview: California

Week Seven:

Saturday October 18, 2008

The University of Arizona Wildcats versus the University of California Golden Bears

Arizona Stadium, Time TBA

Cal Facts: It's hard to believe that at one time last season Cal was ranked number two in the country. Then the wheels came off. They not only came off, but the car rolled down the mountain. When back up QB Kevin Rieley ran the ball on a last second play (rather then pass it), time ran out, and the Bear lost to Oregon State. And then they lost again...and again....and again. They finished 7-6 and had to settle for the Armed Forces Bowl. What does this mean for this season? Only time will tell. One could make the argument that head coach Jeff Tedford is the second best coach in the Pac-10. He should be able to turn this around.

Good Cat News: Cal is replacing all it's best players from a team that more or less folded last years when all the chips were down. Last years Arizona was never really in the game against Cal. But that was a different Cal team then we saw late in the season. By the time Arizona plays Cal we should know how good QB Kevin Reily is-could be good news for the Cats.

Bad Cat News: Cal is likely the best or the second best team in the Pac-10. Arizona isn't. If Cal is as good as I think they could be Arizona needs to play a perfect game to beat Arizona. We've yet to see Arizona do this under Mike Stoops, more then once a season. That's really it all comes down to.

Season Preview: Stanford

Week Six:

Saturday October 11, 2008

The University of Arizona Wildcats versus the Stanford University Cardinal

Stanford Stadium, Time TBA

Stanford Facts: Stanford's bowless streak is only one year longer then Arizona. Sadly for Cats fans, that bowl was the 1999 Rose Bowl, a game Arizona thought they would be playing in at this time in 1999. Since then both teams have plummeted down to nothingness and are trying to rebuild. Who is better now? It's a toss up. This will only be Stanford head coach Jim Harbaugh's second year with the Cardinal.

Good Cat News: Last year Arizona lost a home game to Stanford. A game they should never have lost. It's one of two game that really cost Arizona. With any luck, the Cats are not going to forget it and come in fired up. Where does Stanford stand in the long run of things? I'm not sure. It's likely between them and Washington as to who is the worst team in the Pac-10.

Bad Cat News: For what feels like the 100th time, Arizona has to, has to, has to play it's A game. If they don't--Arizona losses this game. Playing games at Stanford is odd. The crowd never seems to be into it like one sees at USC, Oregon or Oregon State, this often takes teams out of games. Stanford, of course, is use to this. Arizona is not.

Season Preview: Washington

Week Five:

Saturday October 4, 2008

The University of Arizona Wildcats versus the University of Washington Huskies

Arizona Stadium, Time TBA

Washington Facts: If anyone other then Mike Stoops is on the hot seat it's Ty Willingham. If anyone has underachieved over the last three years more then Arizona, it's Washington. This game could be a "you fired" match up, I don't see anyway either coach keeps his job if they don't make a bowl and the loser of this game should be in trouble. It's hard to remember this is a school that went to a Rose Bowl in 2000-a drought much shorter then Oregon, who has been much better then the Huskies over the past ten years. In fact, UW hasn't even been to a bowl game since the 2001 Sun Bowl.

Good Cat News: First, this is a home game and if Arizona is 3-1 or maybe even 4-0 Arizona Stadium is going to be a mad house for that game. Last season Arizona scored 22 points to finish out the Huskies and there doesn't seem to be a lot of reason to think the Huskies are going to be any better.

Bad Cat News: Arizona and Washington have embarrassed one another over the past few years. If the Huskies come in fired up this could be a dangers game for Arizona. There is not a lot more to say other then that. Last year Washington QB tossed for 336 yard against the Cats. If he does that this season-the Huskies could pull out the W.

Season Preview: UCLA

Week Four:

Saturday September 20, 2008

The University of Arizona Wildcats versus the University of California Los Angles Bruins

The Rose Bowl, Pasadena, California Noon

UCLA Facts: This is Rick Neuheisel first season at UCLA, just a few years aftering being let go from fellow Pac-10 school Washington. The Bruins play there home games in The Rose Bowl, wich seats 91,000 (one Arizona Stadium and four fifths of another). In 1998 UCLA had a chance to win a title, but since then they have been down, despite the fact they have been bowling several years in a row.

Good Cat News: No one knows how good UCLA is going to be. First year head coach Rick Neuheisel has a history of building programs quickly, but who knows. Arizona also has a chance to be on a nice little roll going into Pasadena, while UCLA has to play two top twenty five teams in BYU and Tennessee. That could very well be good news.

Bad Cat News: One name, Norm Chow. Arizona fans can only hope that he runs out of time or something and doesn't figure out Arizona's d. It's likely the Brunis will be able to put up a lot of points against Arizona. Can Willie T and crew keep up with that? I hope.

Season Preview: New Mexico

Week Three:

Saturday September 13, 2008

The University of Arizona Wildcats versus the University of New Mexico Lobos

University Stadium, Albuquerque, New Mexico TBA

New Mexico Facts: Head coach Rocky Long has gotten New Mexico to five bowl games in seven years. They play in the Mountain West Conference. In 2007 they won there first bowl game since 1961, they lost four bowl appearances in the 2000s. Arizona and New Mexico are old time rivals, this is the 66th time they have played. Arizona is 43-19-3 against the Lobos.

Good Cat News: Arizona should be fired up after the way this game went last year. The loss, caused in part to actions by head coach Mike Stoops, more or less derailed the rest of the season for the Cats. This New Mexico team should not be as good as last years, while this years Arizona team should be better. That should make a difference.

Bad Cat News: This is the type of game that, for whatever reason, Mike Stoops has lost since he got to Tucson. Arizona has lost 5 of the last 6 games against Mountain West teams-the only win was on a last secound field goal over BYU in 2006. This is the first "uh oh" game of the year. Arizona B game losses to New Mexico's A game. So you best bring it all.

Season Preview: Toledo

Week Two:

Saturday September 6, 2008

The University of Arizona Wildcats versus the University of Toledo Rockets

Arizona Stadium, 7pm

Toledo Facts: Toledo plays ball in the MAC, home of my favorite team named after another sport, Bowling Green. Believe it or not, Toledo plays it's home games in Toledo, Ohio. In 2007 the Rockets went 5-7, but they have been to four bowl games in ten years. This is head coach Tom Amstuz's eighth season, he is 55-32 with the Rockets.

Good Cat News: Like Idaho yesterday, Arizona's second team should be better then Toledo's first team. That means a home loss is very unlikely. Most have Toledo as the second worst team in the MAC West.

Bad Cat News: Arizona might be Toledo's best chance to win a non conference game. So the Cats need to watch out for a life and death effort by the Rockets. They also play Michigan and Fresno State. Arizona has laid eggs in games like this and a blow out is not likely. If one of those things happen the Wildcats bandwagon could empty fast, a win will not be enough to keep people on board.

Season Preview: Idaho

Day one of a brief look at who Arizona will face this season. Over the next two weeks we will look at all 12 of Arizona's opponents.

Week One:

Saturday August 30, 2008

The University of Arizona Wildcats versus the University of Idaho Vandals

Arizona Stadium, 7pm

Idaho Facts: Idaho University is located in Moscow, Idaho. They play home games in the Kibbie Dome. They are members of the West Athletic Conference (WAC). The last time Idaho played in a bowl game was the 1998 Humanitarian Bowl. The 2008 season will be the second for Idaho head coach Rob Akey, who took over for Dennis Erickson who is now the head coach at Arizona State. In 2007 the Vandals went 1-11, included in the '07 season a 38-10 loss to USC and 45-28 loss to Washington State.

Good Cat News: One could argue that Idaho is one of the four or five worst teams in major college football. The truth of the matter is Arizona should be able to play a F game, Idaho play a A game, and Arizona still wins.

Bad Cat News: This is one of those games that fans will be unhappy if Arizona wins by less then 20. A home loss by Idaho is not going to happen. But we've seen Arizona play closeish game against teams like this.

Stay Tuned

The worlds greatest Wildcats blog is comming back next week! Stay tunend for the countdown to football.

Bayless 11th pick overall:might be traded

Arizona one year basketball star Jerryd Bayless was the 11th over all pick, going to the Indiana Pacers, in last nights NBA draft.

He was then traded to the Portland Trail Blazers, pending league approval.

Bayless appeared disappointed, frustrated and maybe even a little sad as his stock slipped and somewhere between four to six spots from what some experts had predicted. He was even asked about his somber mood by ESPN's Andy Katz. Not surprisingly he denied any disappointment.

Bayless's stock dropping is bound to spark debate about what would have happened had he come back to Arizona for his sophomore season. Those who wanted to see him come back are likely to say he would have been the number one pick in the 2009 draft.

I'm not entirely sure that would be the case.

Sure, he never got to play under Lute Olson. But the bottom line to me is the events of last years scared him off. Good, bad or indifferent. Sure he might have moved up the draft board next year and even moving as high as three would have meant a lot more money.

But I'm not sold he would have been the number one drafted pick. Need I remind you of Mile Simmon-who's draft stock fell so hard it knocked him right out of the NBA- after coming back following the 97 season in which Arizona won the National Championship and Simmon was the post season MVP.

Sure I would have been happy to see him come back, but happy or unhappy about it, I say good luck to you Bayless.

YouTube Clip of the Week

Welcome to Thursday!

Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, children of all ages, the thousands of people reading this blog and the millions of people watching at home....lettts get ready to You Tubbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbe!

It's not even July yet and the NBA draft is tonight. But I've got football on the mind. And it's with that I bring you this weeks YouTube clip of the week! It's a 2004 highlight video of Arizona Football. Enjoy and get fired up for some football! This is our year, I promise!

Should Brandon Jennings even come to Tucson?

Another week pass without a concrete answer as to if Arizona recruit Brandon Jennings will even put on a Wildcats jersey.

Jennings, who graduated from Oak Hill Academy, would be picked in tomorrow night's NBA draft if it were not for the NBA's one year out of high school rule. Now he must find something to do for the next year, be it college, over seas ball or just working with a person trainer.

He had planned to go to Arizona, but he has had a difficult time qualifying academically. He has been accepted to attend the University of Arizona, but has yet to pass NCAA clearinghouse rules.

Jennings has made no secret over the fact that he does not want to go to college and would likely not stay at Arizona for more then one season. Academically speaking he would only need to take two classes in the fall semester, get D's in said classes, and that would be the end of that. Spring semester grades would no matter if he left school at the end of the basketball season.

So why should either party bother?

Truth is they shouldn't.

Why should the U of A sell there sole to Jennings? So that they might win a title? So they might make a Final Four? Why not give his spot at the university to a more deserving student, or what I'm really saying is someone who wants to go to school. Not to mention his spot on the team roster. His spot should go to someone who really wants to be part of the Wildcat family, for more then a season. Or at least keeps his plans for one and done hush, hush.

Then there is Jennings. Same goes for him. Why should he go to school? Just because that's what people think you should do? College isn't for everyone. No one would tell someone who wants to be int he Army they HAVE to go to school first? If you want to fine, if not that's fine too. If Jenning's want to go to school, he should go to school. If he doesn't, then so be it. Go do something else.

The argument has been made that maybe if he tries college maybe he'll like it. Yeah right! That almost never happens, but it's far more common in football then basketball. Some say that they liked college, but they never stay.

So if it's not good for Arizona and not good for Jennings then maybe he shouldn't even come to Tucson. No hard feelings!

YouTube clip of the week

So the Celtics won the championship, wow. I didn't think they would, I thought the Lakers were a better team. But that's another story for another day.

Now it's time for the best part of your week. It's better then a fine wine. It's better then a good meal. Hell it's better then sex! It's the YouTube clip of the week.

Now I'll admit it. I stole this from Rick Reilly of ESPN (who by the way is a great guy I got a chance to meet him a few years back). It comes to us from a high school game in Georgia.

Now what your about to see is up for some debate, but did the catcher allow the ump to get hit by a pitch because he was angry with the calls? Was the pitcher in on it? Or was it just an accident. You be the judge of it.

SHOCKER! Chase is back!

Chase Budinger withdrawal has name from the NBA draft Monday, in what I would argue was one of the all time shockers in Arizona basketball.

While Chase and his people really were not talking much over the past few weeks, it seemed clear that he was leaning towards staying in the draft. As this weekend dragged on, Saturday turned into Sunday. Sunday into Monday. Hours went by on Monday 10am, 11am, noon and still no word-it looked like he was gone for sure.

Surprise!

This was the best news in years for Arizona basketball. It takes the team from what was looking dangerously like a doormat team, to a team that looks like it can do some real damage in what should be a weak Pac-10 in '09.

Was this a good move for Chase? Only time will tell. If he gets better (and that's a big if) he can move from a late first rounder, early second rounder to a top ten pick. That's millions of dollars.

But the bottom line is another year with Olson couldn't hurt. At least I don't think so.

Olson talks to Tucson Citizen

Well, if you thought that the Lute Olson talk was done, I've got bad news for you. It's not. I'm starting to think it's never going to be gone. Last week Olson talked with Tucson Citizen writer Anthony Gimmino.

Reading the story and keeping in mind writer can pick and choose which quotes they use and which not to it sound like the same old Olson we have seen for the past year now. You know your in trouble when a writer write in the second paragraph that a softer tone would have been better. As a reader, tone is hard to tell, so readers are counting on Gimmino to help them see that.

Of course Olson is not even talking to the Citizen's competitor's at The Arizona Daily Star.

Perhaps one of the most striking parts of the conversation was when Olson talked about the event leading to Miles Simmon not having his contract renewed.

Olson first complained about taking all the heat, saying instead it wasn't his idea to fire Simmon. I question this response, coach what's wrong with taking the heat from those who wish to pass it on to you? Now, there is a very valid debate as to if Simmion deserved to be brought back. I for one agree that he SHOULD have been fired. But coach, just take the heat.

Then he blames the idea on Kevin O'Neil, saying O'Neil was the one who pushed for the firing of Simmon. Then, oddly, Olson makes sure to point out that Simmon was not fired for legal issues-a reference to heavy Internet rumors regarding possible legal problems Simmon might find himself in soon.

Another interesting part of the interview was when Olson talked about Emmanuel Negedu, who it now appears is going to Memphis, after getting out of his commitment to Arizona. He claims that something come out about his "coachability" and "it was a very easy release."

Basically Olson claims that he was going to let Negedu go all along, he just want to teach him about the importance of making a commitment. This is all well and good again, but again it makes Olson look like and angry old man. I'm not saying Olson was wrong based on what he decided to do. I truly think he should have let Negedu go and he should have made him sweat it out. I am saying he shouldn't have said it to the media (or anyone else for that matter).

The remainder of the interview he touched on the Medical Leave Act, when he became concerned about the team (he's says during the first UCLA game). He talked about his closeness to Josh Pastner, who left to go to Memphis. He also talked briefly about Nic Wise, saying he was never really worried about him leaving Arizona.

Well that should be the end of what hear from Olson for a while. By the time October rolls around everyone in Wildcat Nation should be ready to hear from Lute again and forget all about the past year.

4 Boy Scout die in Iowa

I felt the need today today to take the day off completely from sports and talk a little about something that is near and dear to my heart. Four Boy Scouts were killed when a tornado hit their camp earlier this week in Iowa.

The four, all 13 or 14 years old were attending a leadership camp near the town of Little Sioux. But to me, a large part of the story was the ability of the other 93 boys at the camp to help one anoter while the waited for help.

As you might or might not know about me, I am an Eagle Scout. I made Eagle in 1998, while I was a memeber of Troop 141 here in Tucson.

As time pass, I appreciate my days as a Boy Scout more and more. When you are in junior high or high school and even sometimes in college you might not be "proud" of what your passionate about because it's not "cool." No matter if it's chess, music, track, church or something else. In a lot of ways I was like that too.

But that was a while ago, I'm a different person now.

Today I more proud of being an Eagle Scout then I am of being a high school graduate, college graduate or the best damn board opt in Tucson (yeah-I'm better then you Rob!).

Everything that matter in how I try to live my life I learned from Boy Scouts (well besides from my parents-but that's for another day). It was from my days as a Boy Scout that I learned how to be trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous , kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent. For you scouts that should sound familiar, for that's the Scout Law.

Boy Scouts is how I learned I can do anything if I set my mind to it. It was Boy Scouts that tough me to be prepared!

But if reading these stories and seeing these kids on TV I am more proud then ever to be an Eagle Scout and hope all the kids who in these troops who have not yet made Eagle well soon.

God Bless who those who need it today.

YouTube Clip of the week

Ok-it's been a bad week and a half for our fair city. With the shooting death of Tucson Police Officer Erik Hite two Sundays ago and the funeral this past Tuesday it's been heart breaking for our city and even more so for all us Eastsiders (like myself) where all this happened.









Then we have the NBA referring scandal. Tim Donaghy, who is looking at jail time for gambling related crimes says that some games in the NBA may have been more or less fixed by the refs. Long story short in honor of all the bad officials out there I'm putting up a U of A basketball game that ended with really bad officiating.

Enjoy-if you can-because as a Wildcat fan, it really sucks. But in spirit of the week that it's been, hey it's just sports.

(p.s. it's kind of long)

Tom Hansen to retire, why not hire me?

Pac-10 commissioner Tom Hansen will retire next summer after 26 years on the job. He's not liked by many Pac-10 sports fan, including this one. He is so hated, at least one fan started a fire Tom Hansen website. There is no question who should be hired to replace him, me.

So what would I do?

The Pac-10 needs better bowl alliances. They have one, only one New Years Day bowl. That needs to change. I would get the Pac-10 aliened with at least one other. There really are only two New Years Bowl on the west coast, The Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California and The Fiesta Bowl in Tempe, Arizona. Nothing can be done with those two bowls. The obvious next best choice for the conference would be the Cotton Bowl, in Dallas.

The Pac-10 needs better TV deals. They need to get as many games on ESPN as they can get. Even if this means playing games at odd times, like Thursday night football and games and 10pm Monday night basketball games. Stay away from Fox Sports Net and Versus as the main home. That can be the second home, just not the home base.

I would move the Pac-10 men's tournament from each of the NBA arenas in and near Pac-10 cities. Los Angeles (U.C.L.A. and U.S.C.), Oakland (Stanford and Cal), Portland (Oregon and Oregon State), Seattle (Washington and Washington State), and Phoenix (Arizona and Arizona State).

The game officials all need to be fired. Then you have a re hiring process where some of the better ones could be rehired if the still wanted to work for the conference. This would go for every sport.

I would look into expanding the conference, namely adding Utah and BYU. If and when this happens I would divide the conference into different divisions, the Pac-10 North and the Pac-10 South. The Pac-10 North would be Washington, Washington State, Oregon, Oregon State, Stanford and Cal. The Pac-10 South would be UCLA, USC, Arizona, Arizona State, BYU and Utah. For football you would play 9 conference games, the five other schools in your division plus four of the others. You would skip two of them. The two winners would meet in a Pac-10 championship game. For basketball you would play 16 conference games, that would include the five other schools in your division twice. Plus the other six you would play once.

So why not hire me? If you have any more good ideas, maybe I'll do it too.

The YouTube clip of the Week

Good news! The You Tube clip of the week is back! I know, you just spit coffee all over the computer and for that I'm sorry! Nah, I'm not sorry, if you can not keep your coffee in your own mouth that's your own problem.

Anyway this weeks clip is not from You Tube. But it is from SNL! Peyton Manning was the host. This aired during the 2007 NCAA tournament. Watch as Peyton Manning is called the Arizona Basketball of football.

Good Stuff!

Peyton Manning NCAA bracket SNL
Uploaded by rsxbwa

But that's not all. Since I missed last week because I was banging a hot chick, I've posted a bonce clip! Ok, Ok, I wasn't banging a hot chick-but I did go to "Thursty Thursdays" and you all know how I feel about beer and hot chicks. So this is from a softball game from a few years ago. Arizona player Caitin Lowe goes after a ball and what happens next proves that girls are just as tuff as dudes.

For baseball, season rolls on

As the summer heat starts to bake Tucson, the University of Arizona students have gone home. And with that, the sports season has ended for most everyone on campus.

The softball team was eliminated this weekend without winning game in the college World Series. Worse yet the final series is going on right now with Arizona State has a chance at championship. But we'll leave that one alone.

One team still playing is Arizona Baseball. The Batcats face the University of Miami in Coral Gables, Florida this weekend starting on Friday afternoon at 4. All the games of the best of three series can be seen on ESPN and heard on 1290am.

The winner of the weekend series will advance to College Word Series in Omaha, Nebraska.

Arizona Baseball in post season

Arizona baseball made the post season. They are the number one seed in the Ann Arbor, Michigan regional. They will take on Eastern Michigan Friday. If they win they will take on the winner of Kentucky v Michigan. Good luck to the baseball team.

Arizona Softball off to the college world series

The Arizona softball team won the Tucson Super Regional against the University of Oklahoma and is off to the college world series in Oklahoma City. In the first game they take on UCLA. Arizona is going for there third title in a row. Good luck to them and let's bring it home!

YouTube Clip of the Week

Ok, I'm few hours late on this one, but hell I know you don't care. So unpack that tuna sandwich, open that bottle of water, put your feet up on your desk and enjoy the YouTube clip of the week.

This week we are taking a week off from the Wildcats for Glenn Beck. Beck has radio show, which I board opt when it airs hear in Tucson (no I don't know him, the show comes from New York, I just air it). Anyways the right wing talk show type also has a TV show on CNN Headline News.

Yesterday he had Ben Stein on to talk about the "nanny state." He does something on the air, that I think might be against FCC laws....but I'm not sure.




Really, I don't think your aloud to smoke on basic cable.
More Wildcat news soon. For real!

Negedu wants out-so long

Arizona basketball recruit Emmanuel Negedu has asked head coach Lute Olson out of his commitment to come to Tucson to play for the Cats. Reports are Olson will not let him out of his legally binding letter of intent meaning he will have to transfer and sit out a year.

Good reddens to Negedu. If he doesn't want to play here, let him go. If he wanted to play for Kevin O'Neil, Josh Pastner or Miles Simon-all who are gone and not Lute Olson, then he should just go away.

I wouldn't want someone working for me who didn't want to work for me.

There are a million and a half rumor of why he wouldn't want to go to Arizona, including reports that Olson hung up on him Sunday while he was trying to talk him into coming to Tucson. Another report say that he spent Saturday night of his recruiting visit in the hotel by himself, with out a host. If that is true it would not be the norm.

But none of that changes my opinion on this story.

Not a lot more to say on this one, other then Lute-just let him go.

Dunlap Joins Arizona's Staff

Story courtesy of arizonaathletics.com

TUCSON, Ariz. – University of Arizona men’s basketball coach Lute Olson today announced the hiring of Mike Dunlap as associate head coach.

Dunlap, 50, joins the NCAA Division I ranks after spending the last two seasons as an assistant coach with the National Basketball Association’s Denver Nuggets. While working under head coach George Karl, the Nuggets compiled a 95-69 (.579) record and made two playoff appearances. The 2007-08 club won 50 games, a first for the organization in 23 seasons.

“I’m very excited to be a part of the University of Arizona and to help Coach Olson further the rich tradition of Arizona basketball,” said Dunlap. “My family and I look forward to being a part of this program and to the Tucson community.”

Prior to joining the Nuggets, Dunlap, a two-time National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) Coach of the Year and winner of two national championships, was the head coach at Metropolitan State College, for nine seasons. In his nine years at the Denver, Colo., school, Dunlap posted a 248-50 (.832) record.

During his tenure, Dunlap built the Roadrunners into a nationally prominent program. With national championships in 1999-2000 and 2001-02 and nine consecutive trips to the NCAA Tournament, Dunlap quickly became Metro State's all-time winningest basketball coach.

In May 2006, he was a court coach for the Under-18 National Team trials for USA Basketball. He also was a court coach at the 2005 USA Men’s Under-22 National Team trials.

In 2003-04, Dunlap led Metro State to a school-record 30 consecutive victories, including a perfect 19-0 mark in Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) play. It was the first time an RMAC team went undefeated in league play since Fort Hays State did it in 1995-96. The Roadrunners led the nation in margin of victory (28.1 points) and were third in scoring offense (93.4 ppg).

Metro State won its second national championship in 2001-02, defeating Kentucky Wesleyan, 80-72. Dunlap was named the NABC and the Bulletin Division II Coach of the Year. The squad posted a 29-6 record and finished second in the RMAC, but after a loss in the RMAC Tournament, the Roadrunners won six straight games to win the national title.

Dunlap's first national championship came in 1999-2000, also a win over Kentucky Wesleyan, 97-79. The Roadrunners tied for the RMAC regular-season championship, won the RMAC Tournament title and went 33-4 after winning their final 12 contests. The 33 wins is a school record and Dunlap was honored as the NABC National Coach of the Year and the RMAC Coach of the Year.

“We’re glad that Mike chose to join our staff,” said Olson. “We feel very fortunate to add a coach to our staff that has his experience and ability. He’s a great coach and an even better family man and I’m looking forward to working with him.”

Prior to his tenure at Metro State, Dunlap served three seasons as the head coach of the Adelaide 36ers, a professional team in Australia. The 36ers posted a 59-33 (.641) record during his tenure and advanced to the National Basketball League Final Four in 1995 and 1996.

Before arriving in Australia, Dunlap served five years as head coach at California Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks, Calif. He led his 1992, 1993 and 1994 teams to Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC) titles and appearances in the NCAA Division III National Championship. The Kingsmen also advanced to the NCAA Sweet 16 in 1992 and 1994. The Kodak District Coach of the Year in 1994, Dunlap was 80-54 (.597) in his five seasons, and his 1993-94 team was ranked No. 1 for two weeks during the season.

Dunlap also served as an assistant coach at the University of Southern California under George Raveling, as an assistant coach at the University of Iowa and he spent five years at Loyola Marymount University.

Dunlap, who prides himself in teaching the game of basketball, has had several articles published nationally, including Shooting: The Simple Approach (1990), The Free Throw (1990), Let Your Feet Do the Talking (1989), Motion Offense (1987) and Basic Framework for Achieving Academic Eligibility for Your Players (1987).

A native of Fairbanks, Alaska, Dunlap earned as associate of arts degree in science from Pierce College in 1978, before earning a bachelor's degree in English from Loyola Marymount University in 1980. An avid runner, Dunlap has a 100-mile race to his credit.

Dunlap and his wife, Mollie, have three children, Holt, Spencer and Ellie.

YouTube Clip of the week

Welcome to Thursday and that can only mean one thing. The Office on NBC! I love that show!

But that's not why you tune into my blog, oh hell no! No you turn to my blog for Wildcat news and notes and Thursday only means one thing....The YouTube Clip of the Week!

I take you back to opening day 2006 of Arizona Football. The Cats are hosting BYU. The game is tied with 6 seconds to go. Arizona decides to kick the 48 yard field goal to win. On comes Nic Folk and the rest is history! Enjoy!

Pastner to Memphis: Good for him

Let's get this out of the way first, I'm a big fan of Josh Pastner. Who isn't really?

The ultimate bench guy during his years as an Arizona player, almost everyone in Wildcat Nation has fond memories of his playing days. Or lack there of. If Pastner was going to play, the Cats had won the game. If Pastner scored, it was a great night.

When he graduated in 2000 the opportunity to coach for the Cats opened. It was good news for all Wildcat fans. He'd be on the bench for another 8 years.

A monster recruiter he helped spot talent and convince them that Tucson is the place to be. Lute Olson is the guy to learn from. UCLA, Stanford, Oregon are the teams you want to play year after year.

Monday he made it official. He's leaving Tucson to be an assistant for the University of Memphis Tigers.

Good for him.

It was the right move, in the long run for both the Cats and Pastner.

Let's be honest. Pastner was never going to be the "next" head coach at Arizona. That's not to say he'll never be the head coach at Arizona. I think he might be. But he needs more experience, he probably needs to be a head coach before he can assume the duties in Tucson. He's on his way to doing that.

Looking into my crystal ball, Pastner could/should be at Memphis for 5 to 7 years. Meanwhile back in Tucson, Olson coach for another 3 to 5 season, retires and is replaced by on outside head coach-someone of the class of Mark Few (head coach at Gonzaga).

Pastner then takes a head coaching job at a Northern Arizona type school. He's head coach there for 5 to 10 years. At Arizona, the Few type coach retires after 10 seasons. Pastner is now in his late 40s and has been a head coach. He gets the Arizona job and is welcomed back to Tucson.

It's the perfect road map for everyone.

"I did nothing without consulting Coach Olson and Mr. (Jim) Livengood (UA's athletic director) about it. They both agreed that this would allow me to stretch and expand and get better. Tucson is my home," Pastner said Monday.

If Pastner was going to leave prior to Olson leavening there is no better time this year. He is leaving a team that seems to be falling apart at the seems, at least from an outsiders view. He's leaving a team that is replace all the other assistants. He's leaving a team with a head coach who clearly wants to stack his staff with experienced assistants.

He's going to team that is up and coming. He is going to a team that should have won the national championship in 2008.

It like watching your son or daughter go off to college. Your sad to see them go, but you know it's the best thing for them. Plus they can always come home.

"One day I'd love to come back here," Pastner said Monday. "Both coach Olson and Mr. Livengood said, 'do what's best for Josh.' They wanted me here in the program, but they want what's best for Josh."

Good luck Josh. We'll miss you and well look forward to seeing you back in Tucson in 20 years. Maybe you'll even have golden hair by then!

Arizona Softball hits the road to start post season

The Arizona softball team will need to pack it's bags for his first round of the NCAA softball tournament. Arizona (36-16) will meet Canisius (38-12) in the first game Friday, May 16 in Long Island, N.Y. This is the 22nd year in a row the Cats have made the softball post season.



The winner meet the winner of the Long Island-Hofstra game scheduled immediately following. The loser of Game 1 meets the loser of Game 2 in the second scheduled game on Saturday.

The winner from Hempstead will meet the winner from an NCAA Regional in Norman, Oklahoma. The NCAA will determine the host site for the Super Regionals following play in the first rounds this week.

Arizona is the two time defending national champions and is still under the leadership of pitcher Taryne Mowatt. But head coach Mike Candrea is not with the team this season, rather he is working with USA softball getting ready for the upcoming summer Olympics. This is the second time interim coach Larry Ray has taken control, who was also the head coach during the 2004 Olympic year.

With Lute as with Bush, mums the word

There is an old saying that you should not talk politicise or religion at work.

In Tucson you can add something to that list, Lute Olson.

When it comes to Arizona’s head basketball coach, they way he handled his leave of absence and everyday since then has created a divide almost never seen. Say the wrong thing and you’ll loss friends. Say the wrong thing and your mom, dad, brother or sister might never talk to you again. That how strong people feel.

The best thing to do is not even talk about it. Keep it to yourself.

It doesn’t matter if your in the camp that says Olson has mistreated his staff. He did, after all, fire both Kevin O’Neil and Miles Simon.

Or if your in the camp that says both O’Neil and Simon got what they had coming. After all, last season was the worst in decades for Arizona basketball.

It doesn’t matter if your in the camp that says Arizona Daily Star writers Greg Hanson and Bruce Pascoe should be getting the silent treatment for digging too hard as to what was really going on with coach O’s absence.

Or if your in the camp that says said reports were doing there jobs and really never said anything that horrible anyway.

The dividing line is similar to politics. You say Lute has done nothing but the wrong thing for the past year, your not a true Cats fan. Sounds familiar, after all if you disagree with the president you must be against America, right?

You support him, your just blindly supporting him right? Just like the president. You must be for everything he does, right? Olson could have killed someone in his infamous press conference and you’d still support him, right?

Of course no one should be or is comparing major political issues like, war, hunger and then environment to sports. It’s no where near as important. But to a lot of people it is just as passionate.

Several recent exchanges on the message board at Wildcat Sports Report slowly turned into name calling and stubbornness by several posters, myself included. One thread even boiled down to if the pro Lute or the anti Lute people are the conservatives or liberal of the Arizona basketball world.

So for now just remember this: don’t talk about Lute at work, with your girlfriend or boyfriend or with your family and you’ll be ok. Maybe I should listen to myself.

YouTube Clip of the week

Crack open the Thursday morning beer, put your feet up on the table and get ready for a good time. That's right, it's time for the You Tube Clip of the week! Wha hooooooo!

This is from a U of A versus Arizona State hockey game. A little fight broke out. You can not really see a lot on this clip, but the funny part is I was just one section over getting drink with Shu, Brad, Rob, Mike, the ZDs and others.

I should have got in on the action. Well, maybe not.

So enjoy the action!

Russ Pennell Named Assistant Coach

In one of the worst kept secrets in Tucson Lute Olson today announced the hiring of Russ Pennell as an assistant coach. Pennell replaces Kevin O'Neil, who as of today still works for the AD's office but is not a coach.

Pennell served as an assistant coach for Arizona State for eight seasons from 1998-2006. Pennell has worked with former ASU coach Rob Evans since 1992 both at Mississippi and Arizona State. He also spent two years at Oklahoma State under coach Eddie Sutton from 1990-1992.

For the past two years he has worked on the Arizona State Radio Network.

“We’re happy to be adding a coach like Russ to our staff with his wealth of experience,” said Arizona head coach Lute Olson. “He is an outstanding coach, a hard worker and a wonderful family man. I’m sure Russ and his family will fit into the Tucson community very nicely.”

Pennell was widely rumored to be taking over for O'Neil even prior to him being moved to another department with in the AD's office. Basketball coaches at the university are considered state job, thus they most be posted for two weeks prior to someone being hired-explaining the delay in the official introduction.

Pennell will be the third assistant head coach in as many years. Besides O'Neil, Jim Rosborough also held that job. He too now holds other duties with in the athletic department.

Olson now has a second job to fill, Miles Simmon did not have has contract renewed Friday.

Josh Pastner out too?

Rumours are flying that U of A assistant coach Josh Pastner has or soon will take a job as the assistant head coach at Memphis, a job left open when Derek Kellogg became the head coach at UMass.

If this happens, it will mean all three of head coach Lute Olson assistant coaches left the program since Olson returned in April. No word yet from Memphis, Arizona or Pastner on the validity of this rumor.

Stay tuned.

BREAKING NEWS

Arizona assistant mens basketball coach Miles Simmon has been let go. Simmon also played at Arizona and was the MOP of the 1997 tourney. He has been a coach with the team since 2005. The U of A will not need to pay him any money since his contract is up. Simmon is the secound coach in as many weeks to leave the staff. Kevin O Neil now has another job with the ADs office.

YouTube Clip of the Week

It's Thursday and that can only mean one thing.....The YouTube Clip of the Week!!!! Well this is the first ever, but every Thursday from now on.

This week it's from 1996. Arizona v Cincinnati. Cincinnati was number one in the country at the time. Lute Olson was going for his 500th win. It was one of the greatest plays in the history of college basketball, in my opinion.

Arizona Golfer wins Pac-10

From the Arizona Daily Star

By Patrick Finley
ARIZONA DAILY STAR
Creighton Honeck picked at his buffet lunch. He couldn't eat.
After double-bogeying the second-to-last hole of Wednesday's Pac-10 men's golf championships in Fairfax, Calif., the UA senior figured he lost any chance to win the individual title.
"You get that emptiness feeling in your stomach when something like this happens," the senior said.
After about an hour off — one that included a few practice shots — Honeck learned he had completed 18 holes in a first-place tie and would be paired with UCLA's Kevin Chappell, a good friend, in a sudden-death playoff.
Honeck said he "bombed a driver" just to the left of the fairway, and hit a four-foot putt to birdie — and win — the first playoff hole.
"I don't really remember much after that," he said.
It marked the first tournament victory of his collegiate career. Honeck finished with a 71 on the day, the only one of the tournament's top five finishers to make par. For the tournament, he shot a 3-under 281.
He is the seventh UA golfer to win the Pac-10 title and the first since Henry Liaw in 2004.
The Texan wasn't as thrilled as you would think — the UA finished sixth as a team, and Arizona State beat USC in a one-hole playoff.
Walking up the last fairway of regulation, he started thinking it was the last tournament he would play with his college teammates.
"You get those feelings," he said. "I'm walking down the fairway and I have my whole team in red and white watching me come in. Seeing all those guys — they're my friends, they're my family — and knowing it was my last tournament with all them, it's pretty sad."
Coach Rick LaRose expected that.
"You'd have to say he was the team leader this year," the UA coach said. "He fit the mold. He was a pleasure to have around."

Three Wildcats Drafted in NFL Draft

Three former Arizona Wildcats are now pro pics and have a chance to be playing on Sundays this fall.

The first to go was fan favorite Antoine Cason. A rare first round pic for the Wildcats, Cason went 27th overall to the San Diego Chargers. Cason was the first, first round pic for former Wildcats since Trung Candidate in the 1999 draft.



"I’m just going to go in there and do what I can do to better myself as a player and get ready for the NFL," Cason said. "But I’m sure it’s going to be a challenge every week.”

Cason is from Long Beach, California and playing in San Diego will be a homecoming of sorts.

Also drafted: inside linebacker Spencer Larson went 183 overall to the Denver Broncos, cornerback Wilrey Fontenot went 212 to the Atlanta Falcons and defensive tackle Lionel Dotson 245 to the Miami Dolphins.

Defensive End Louis Holmes reportedly signed with the San Fransisco 49ers.

Wildcats replace K.O.

Just one day after Kevin O'Neil was reassigned within the athletic department it appears like Lute Olson has chosen his replacement. Several media outlets in Tucson and Phoenix are reporting that it's Russ Pennell-who was an assistant coach under Rob Evans at Arizona State. Evans is no longer with ASU.

He spent the past season working on The Sun Devils Radio Network. An official announcement can not be made until the job has been posted on the universities website for two week. As of Thursday night it had not yet been posted.

This will be the third assient coach in as many years. Kevin O'Neil was hired one year ago to replace Jim Rosborough.

O'Neil reassigned

The saga of Arizona basketball rolls on (and on, and on, and on).

Wednesday Arizona A.D. Jim Livengood reassigned Kevin O'Neil to a fundraising role until the end of the fiscal year in June. After that it's anyone's guess what O'Neil will do.

O'Neil most plausible course of action will be to return to the NBA, most likely as an assistant coach. His name has not be mentioned with any of the current openings (Chicago Bulls and New York Knick).

The move allows Lute Olson to look for someone to fill the job that O'Neil held for a year. Several names have come up, including former ASU assistant Russ Pennell and ex U.A. assistant Rodney Tention. Tention was fired by Loyola Marymount earlier this season as the head coach.

Sadly this move doesn't appear to change any of the problems the university will face. O'Neil can still sue the university if they don't pay him the $375,000 it owes him for the 2008-09 season. O'Neil could also sue over a verbal promise to take over as head coach when Olson retires-all indications are that this deal is now off the table.

This move is the final slap in the face for O'Neil, who has been called a cancer on the team by some Wildcat fans. For whatever reason the relationship between Olson and O'Neil soured at some point over the past season and it has been downhill since then.

But why didn't the university just let him go? They are going to have to pay him, no matter what, right? It seems to me that it would be more respectful just to pay him to go away.

Instead they decided to give him a meaningless job, for about 60 days. 60 days!

What is he going to do over those days. Make a few calls. Take a few vacation days. Take a few sick days.

The entire thing is seedy and mysterious. Then again it has been all along.