CFI Coaches Corner: HC Mike Stoops

Coach Mike Stoops is in his sixth season as the Arizona Wildcats head coach. The ‘Cats are coming off an 8-5 season and bowl in over BYU in the Las Vegas Bowl. This season Arizona is 5-2, 3-1 in the Pac-10 which is them ranked in the top 25 both in the polls and in the BCS Rankings.

Interview conducted by College Football Insiders founder Daniel Mogollon.

Length: 14 Minutes

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Topics Include:

* His take on quarterbacks Jake Locker (3 TD passes vs. Arizona) & Dan LeFevour (108 yards vs. Arizona)

* How good are the Iowa Hawkeyes (Beat Arizona 27-17)

* Injury update of Rob Gronkowski and the impact of his loss

* The development of sophomore quarterback Nick Foles

* What Coach does on Saturday when he's not coaching

* Arizona's stretch run which includes games against ranked foes USC, Oregon, Cal, as well as a road trip to in-state rival Arizona St.

Photo Courtesy of Luke Adams of J and L Photo/Arizona

Pac-10 The Week That Was - Week Five

By ANDREW GARDA - PAC-10 INSIDER

#25 Fresno State @ UCLA
Fresno State got all it could handle, squeaking by the Bruins 36-31. Bulldog quarterback Tom Brandstater led the offense with 236 yards and three touchdowns while running back Ryan Matthews torched Rick Neuheisel’s team for 166 yards and a touchdown. But it wasn’t as if Pat Hill’s players took the ball and ran away. The Bruins played a gutsy game and were never totally out of it; they looked much more like the team which upset Tennessee than the team that was sleepwalking the past few weeks. But in the end, a Fresno State 21-play, 8:55 drive—kept alive by a fourth down conversion–killed the clock and Bruin hopes for another upset at the Rose Bowl.

Colorado State @ California
The Golden Bears welcomed the visiting Rams but were not the friendliest of hosts, throttling the Rams 42-7. Special Teams Coordinator Pete Alamar had to be happy with the punt his squad blocked and returned for a touchdown and the 73-yard punt return Syd’Quan Thompson took to the house in the third quarter. The Bears also returned an interception for another touchdown. But the win came with a cost as sophomore Jahvid Best left the game with a dislocated elbow. Head Coach Jeff Tedford said that x-rays were negative, but they will be without the running back against Arizona State this Saturday. Another problem for the Golden Bears was the mediocre performance by quarterback Kevin Riley, who was replaced by senior Nate Longshore in the third quarter.

Stanford @ Washington
The Stanford Cardinal showed up to Husky Stadium with one thought in mind–keep Washington winless. With a replacement running back—former starter Anthony Kimble—they did just that, beating the Huskies 35-28. Kimble took over for starter Toby Gerhart, who left the game in the first quarter with a mild concussion, and put up a career-best 157 yards with two touchdowns thrown in for flavor. Adding injury to insult was the loss of Washington star quarterback Jake Locker with a broken right thumb. Coach Tyrone Willingham will have to find something to spark this team if he is to save the season, much less his job, any time soon. Meanwhile the Cardinal looked solid, especially at quarterback where Tavita Pritchard threw for 222 yards and three touchdowns without turning it over.

Oregon @ Washington State
The Ducks were the worst type of houseguests–unruly, unstoppable and uncaring as they spoiled Washington State’s homecoming to the tune of 63-14. The Oregon ground attack was the main culprit with Jeremiah Johnson and LeGarrette Blount each scoring three touchdowns. The Cougars were the unfortunate recipient of Oregon’s anger after the Ducks lost their last game to Boise State, and Washington State’s bottom-ranked defense was just no match for an offense averaging 43 points a game. Wazzu Coach Paul Wulff’s offense continued its bad habits, turning the ball over four times, including two interceptions by freshman quarterback Marshall Lobbestael.

Photo Credit: Collegiate Images

Pac-10 Preview - Week 5

By ANDREW GARDA - PAC-10 INSIDER

#25 Fresno State @ UCLA
When #25 Fresno State decided to have UCLA on its schedule, it probably thought that the Bruins might serve as a challenge, not the other way around. But the way both teams have been playing since opening day, it’s exactly that--the Bulldogs have survived a tough loss to then 10th ranked Wisconsin, while Rick Neuheisel’s Bruins have slipped down into the abyss after a stunning win against Tennessee. UCLA will have to pressure Bulldog quarterback Tom Brandstater and try to force mistakes, a tough thing to do to an experienced senior who has thrown only one interception this year. The Fresno State offensive line has allowed seven sacks, but UCLA has not been able to take advantage of any opportunities in their last two games. If Brandstater has problems getting started, Fresno State will turn to its ground game. Ryan Matthews has been the ‘big dog’ thus far in the backfield and he should do well against a UCLA defense, that has had issues against the run--even Tennessee was able to put up almost 200 yards on the ground while losing. The Bruins have more problems on offense. Quarterback Kevin Craft is still trying to find his way at the position and has limited his mistakes the last two games, but was almost completely shut down by the Arizona Wildcats last week. The Bruins’ run game has also been woeful, though when you are down by more than one touchdown early in games, the run game tends to fade away quickly. It remains to be seen if this unit has anything to offer, or if it will even get the chance against Bulldog coach Pat Hill’s defense.

Colorado State @ California
Jeff Tedford’s Bears have had two weeks to lick their wounds after the stunning loss to Maryland on September 13th. Whether they will dwell on this or use it as fuel to right the ship is a huge part of this match-up against a visiting Colorado State Rams team that would like to get a little respect. Cal quarterback Kevin Riley was red hot as he led his offense in a valiant comeback against the Terrapins, but his three fourth quarter touchdowns were not enough. The road back to legitimacy starts with Colorado State. Rams quarterback Billy Farris has been effective so far, but can turn the ball over and California’s defense can be opportunistic. If they can force mistakes and the offense can take advantage of the turnovers, the Bears have an excellent chance to get back on track this weekend in Berkeley.

Oregon @ Washington State
The Oregon Ducks may have dropped a close one to Boise State, but it makes them no less dangerous against Washington State. The key may be if freshman quarterback Darron Thomas gets a chance to continue the excellent play he showcased while appearing in the final quarter against the Broncos last week. If he gets the nod, he will find a Washington State secondary that can play well, though will likely be overmatched by a prolific Ducks offense. The Cougars’ offense suffers from making far too many mistakes. Between their two quarterbacks they have thrown nine interceptions. If their play continues like that, Washington State will not be able to keep up with an Oregon team that desperately needs to make some noise and get back on track.

Stanford @ Washington
This game finds two teams struggling. Both the Cardinal’s losses were on the road and although the Huskies haven’t exactly been stout at home, Stanford will have to prove they aren’t suffering from homesickness before they can be taken seriously. The difference may once again come down to turnovers. Stanford quarterback Tavita Pritchard has thrown at least one interception the last three games and the entire Cardinal offense has struggled in part because of it. Huskies’ quarterback Jake Locker hasn’t been turning the ball over, but he hasn’t been able to make much headway through the air either. Where he does excel is on the ground, totaling 163 yards and three touchdowns. If he can keep the ball moving with his feet and the occasional pass to receivers like D’Andre Goodwin, Stanford will be hard pressed to keep up with Washington this weekend.

Photo Credit: Collegiate Images

O'Brien Quarterback Award Marquee Match-up for Week Three

FORT WORTH, Texas (September 10, 2008) - The 2008 Davey O'Brien National Quarterback Award® (The O'Brien) Match-ups for week three feature six O'Brien Watch List candidates. Throughout the season, The O'Brien will highlight weekly match-ups featuring O'Brien candidates as they compete for the prestigious award honoring the nation's best quarterback in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS).

Marquee Match-up: University of Kansas at University of South Florida
Friday, September 12 at 7 p.m. (CST) on ESPN2
Todd Reesing and the Kansas Jayhawks head into Tampa to face Matt Grothe and the USF Bulls in this premier quarterback match-up, marking the first time in history that the Bulls of the Big East host a Big XII team at home. Reesing completed 32 of 38 passes for 412 yards and three touchdowns last Saturday against Louisiana Tech and looks to carry the momentum from the Jayhawks shutout victory into this week's game. Grothe completed 23 of 40 passes for 346 yards and three touchdowns, the last of which clinched an overtime victory against the University of Central Florida last weekend. Both teams enter Friday's contest with a 2-0 record, and the junior quarterbacks will fight to maintain their undefeated status as they continue their bid for The O'Brien.

Head-to-Head O'Brien Match-ups (based on start times)
These O'Brien Watch List quarterbacks will clash in this week's game.

· University of Oklahoma (Sam Bradford) at University of Washington (Jake Locker)
Saturday, September 13 at 6:45 p.m. (CST) on ESPN

· The Ohio State University (Todd Boeckman) at University of Southern California (Mark Sanchez)
Saturday, September 13 at 7 p.m. (CST) on ABC

O'Brien Quarterback Award Marquee Match-up for Week Two

FORT WORTH, Texas (September 4, 2008) - The 2008 Davey O'Brien National Quarterback Award® (The O'Brien) Match-ups for week two feature four O'Brien Watch List candidates. Throughout the season, The O'Brien will highlight weekly match-ups featuring O'Brien candidates as they compete for the prestigious award honoring the nation's best quarterback in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS).

Marquee Match-up: BYU at Washington
Saturday, September 6 at 2 p.m. (CST) on FSN
Max Hall and the Cougars will face Jake Locker and the Huskies on Saturday in this Mountain West versus Pac-10 duel. Hall hopes to produce a similar outcome as he did in the 41-17 victory over Northern Iowa where he threw for 486 yards and two touchdowns. Locker will try to lead Washington to a win in Husky Stadium with the home crowd cheering behind him. The Huskies will attempt to shut down the Cougar offense to rebound from their loss on the road in week one.

Head-to-Head O'Brien Match-up
These O'Brien Watch List quarterbacks will clash in this week's game.

· Central Michigan (Dan LeFevour) at Georgia (Matthew Stafford)
Saturday, September 6 at 2:30 p.m. (CST) on ESPN GamePlan / PPV

Photo Credit: Collegiate Images

Locker's neck, sense of humor just fine as first Apple Cup approaches

By TIM BOOTH
AP Sports Writer

SEATTLE (AP) - Jake Locker sat stiffly, rotating his entire body in the direction of his questioner.

It looked much the same as it did a week earlier, when Locker painfully held his head upright, days removed from a crushing blow that sent Washington's star quarterback to a Corvallis, Ore., hospital on a stretcher.

Suddenly, a big smile appeared on his face.

``I'm just joking around with you guys. It feels fine,'' Locker said as the room erupted in laughter. ``I was actually thinking about wearing the neck brace for you guys.''

Yes, Locker is ready for his first Apple Cup. His sense of humor is perfectly tuned, and if Locker has his say, he'll be starting behind center in Saturday's game against Washington State.

``It was tough to stand and watch.''

It was only a week ago that Locker could barely rotate his head, the result of the helmet-to-helmet blow from Oregon State's Al Afalava.

Locker was scrambling on a third-down play in the second quarter of Washington's 29-23 loss on Nov. 10 at Oregon State, knowing he needed to get about 4 more yards for a first down. He ducked his head just before he was hit by Afalava. Locker stayed down for about 15 minutes and did not appear to move while emergency workers attended to him.

Locker was immobilized and taken off the field on a stretcher as a precaution. He was later diagnosed with a stinger and a muscle strain.

The range of motion in his neck improved significantly throughout last week, to the point that Locker was in uniform and going through warmups on Saturday against California. But the plan was never to use Locker and he enjoyed seeing backup Carl Bonnell lead the Huskies (4-7) to an impressive win over California.

Now Locker wants back on the field.

``One of the big reasons I chose to come here is because I trust the coaches that I play for. I know they're not going to put me in a situation I'm not ready for,'' Locker said. ``Along with that trust comes the trust that I'm going to tell them the truth. If I feel that I'm ready to play I hope they'll trust me and I'm fully confident they will.''

Perhaps as a sign of gamesmanship, coach Tyrone Willingham hedged on Monday from declaring Locker his starter against the Cougars, but admitted a healthy Locker would have him leaning heavily in that direction. Offensive coordinator Tim Lappano said Tuesday Locker would start.

Even after missing more than 1 1/2 games, Locker still accounts for nearly 59 percent of Washington's total offense this season. Locker's 807 yards rushing ranks third in the country by a quarterback, getting passed by West Virginia's Pat White during his absence.

Two big performances on the ground against the Cougars and in the finale versus Hawaii, could have Locker joining running back Louis Rankin in the 1,000-yard club. Washington has never had two 1,000-yard rushers in the same season.

Taking a major step toward that mark against the Cougars would be sweet for Locker.

``These are the kinds of games I enjoy, personally, because of the atmosphere,'' he said. ``It makes it so much fun.''

But the hit against Oregon State has the entire Washington program wanting the hard-nosed Locker to take a safer approach when on the run. Lappano admits there is nothing that can be done when Locker takes off running in the middle of the field, other than Locker deciding to slide - a rarity this season.

When running near the sideline, though, Lappano wants Locker to simply step out of bounds. When he was injured against Oregon State, Locker was near the sideline and cut back inside trying to get a first down.

``When he's on the sideline, I think he will be more apt to get out of bounds then stick his foot in the ground and go back inside and take somebody on,'' Lappano said.

Source: ncaafootball.com; Photo Credit: COLLEGIATE IMAGES

Talented QBs on display when No. 7 Oregon visits Washington for first time since 2003

By TIM BOOTH
AP Sports Writer

SEATTLE (AP) - Dennis Dixon went down this path a season ago.

Dixon, Oregon's talented quarterback, was outstanding for the first six games of 2006, only to see the Ducks fall apart when he struggled in the second half of the season.

Fast-forward 12 months and Dixon is again running the Ducks' spread offense with the precision and potency coach Mike Bellotti envisioned when he implemented this offense three years ago.

``He put up these numbers in the first half of last season. A lot of people tend to forget that in the turmoil that was the second half of the season,'' Bellotti said. ``He's much more confident, much more consistent now.''

Now the seventh-ranked Ducks (5-1, 2-1 Pac-10) come to Seattle on Saturday for the first time since 2003 to face slumping Washington (2-4, 0-3) in what Oregon hopes isn't a trap. The Ducks host No. 13 USC to Eugene next week and No. 12 Arizona State the following weekend.

``It's about keeping it rolling and trying to get to one of those January bowl games,'' Oregon's Jaison Williams said.

For Washington, it's yet another ranked opponent on a brutal schedule. Each of the Huskies' last four opponents - all losses - has at one point this year been ranked in the top 12.

Last week, it was Arizona State, which blitzed the Huskies for 21 points in the third quarter of a 44-20 win. In its last four games, Washington has been outscored 56-0 in the third quarter and 105-41 in the second half.

It's the 100th meeting between the two schools, and Oregon will be trying for a fourth straight win over Washington for the first time since 1928 to 1931.

``It doesn't get any easier,'' Washington coach Tyrone Willingham said.

The Huskies are still trying to capitalize on the versatility of their quarterback, redshirt freshman Jake Locker. Sometimes the Huskies run a spread offense similar to Oregon's. Sometimes it's a traditional two-back set, and other times it's a variation of both trying to maximize Locker's ability and keep defenses off-balance.

``I'm comfortable enough with the offense that I understand where I need to go with the ball,'' Locker said. ``So I feel like I've made some pretty good growth in that area through game experience.''

Last week against the Sun Devils, there wasn't much growth. Locker completed just 10 of 28 passes for 142 yards and was held to a season-low 48 yards rushing. Even though Locker has thrown for more than 200 yards only once this season, he accounts for more than 70 percent of Washington's offensive production.

``Right now, he's pretty much their team,'' Oregon linebacker Jerome Boyd said. ``We have to stop him, we have to contain him and if we can do that, I think we'll be pretty good.''

If the Huskies need a prototype of how to best use on a quarterback who can run and pass, Dixon provides a fine example.

Dixon is completing more than 70 percent of his passes, leading the top-scoring offense in the Pac-10 (45 points per game) that ranks fifth nationally. Dixon has thrown only two interceptions this season - both in the Ducks' lone loss, to California. Last week against Washington State, Dixon completed 21 of 28 passes, threw for three touchdowns and led the Ducks to 40 first-half points.

``I mean, with experience comes confidence,'' Dixon said. ``As long as the team stays together and we play within ourselves, everyone feels comfortable. But that's easier said than done, too. We still have to go out there and play execution football.''

Last year, Dixon's first six games were almost equal to this season - 63 percent completions, more than 1,400 yards and 10 touchdowns. But that start was overshadowed by the Ducks' season-ending collapse, and Dixon lost his starting job for the final two games of the regular season.

Oregon doesn't look to be on the verge of a similar collapse, although there are new challenges to overcome. Saturday's game will be the first without running back Jeremiah Johnson and wide receiver Cameron Colvin, both of whom were lost for the season with injuries in last week's rout of Washington State.

``We have a lot of depth on this side of the ball and we know what we're capable of getting done,'' Dixon said. ``Now it's all about doing it.''

Source: ncaafootball.com; Photo Credit: Collegiate Images