August 13, 2012 News Links

Arizona Wildcats:

http://azstarnet.com/sports/football/college/wildcats/arizona-football-not-ready-for-big-stage-yet/article_0ec19bd2-6b4c-53e8-9299-33a212baa6dd.html

Based on that article, it appears that there is work to do before the game against Toldeo especially the defense.  At least the money coming from the new Pac-12 media contract will pay for extra scorekeepers in Tucson.

The Wildcats are now solid at not only starting QB (Matt Scott) but the backup position (B.J. Denker).  I'm sure Coaches Graham, Embree, and Wittingham wishes they were more solidified at the QB position at this point.  Denker faced the no. 1 defense most of the time in the 100 play scrimmage and did well.

Could J.T. Washington be the next Noel Devine?  Just like Devine, he is from Florida.  That could mean exciting times ahead for Arizona on offense as I recall the White-Devine duo in West Virigina.

http://www.azcentral.com/sports/ua/articles/20120811arizona-wildcats-running-backs-try-separate-from-pack.html

More stuff on the UA running backs.  Some speedsters and bruisers in that group.

Arizona State Sun Devils:

http://www.azcentral.com/sports/asu/articles/20120812arizona-state-could-play-quarterbacks-coach-todd-graham-says.html

ASU could play two QBs this season.  I wonder if Coach Graham is either kidding himself or is using this as a way to reduce the three man QB race to two QBs after they return from Camp Tontozona.

http://www.azcentral.com/sports/asu/articles/20120810arizona-state-offensive-line-looks-ramp-up-rushing.html

ASU's OL is looking to ramp up the running game.  This is interesting given that ASU is going from an Air Raid offense to a run heavy offense and given the number of returning starters, I could see ASU struggling this season...or maybe not.  This unit did pave the way for Cameron Marshall and his 18 rushing TDs last season so this unit can get it done if they have heart (according to their OL coach).

Colorado:

http://www.denverpost.com/cu/ci_21293023/colorado-tailback-tony-jones-beats-odds-be-starter

Tony Jones put 12 more pounds of muscle onto his 5'7" frame and is now at 192 pounds.  I have a good feeling about Jones picking up the load on offense as the Buffs will probably spend the 2012 season figuring out who the QB of the future is going to be.

http://www.buffzone.com/cu-news/ci_21298204

The Buffs are counting on DT Will Periack to be a stud on a CU DL that could be good this year.

Utah:

http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/sports/54678509-77/kicking-petersen-utah-whittingham.html.csp

I know Utah's Peterson was named to the 2012 All 4CSportsBlog Team but it was because there weren't any other good options.  If any of the 4C teams are to go bowling this year, the kicking game must be taken care of.  Peterson has been overtaken by Nick Marsh in camp.  Not good Utes...not good.

http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/sports/54667378-77/hays-wynn-utah-ball.html.csp

Gordon Monson's take on the Utah backup QB race which is between Jon Hays and Travis Wilson.  I'm thinking at this point that Wilson could win the #2 job behind Wynn.

This is the first blog without having to look at the Pac-12 Blog on ESPN.com for links.  Ted Miller and Kevin Gemmell do fine work on that blog and should be commended.  I'm more of an offense guy than a defense guy so don't be surprised if more of my links are on the offensive side.