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It was one of those days to forget with Arizona allowing the most points to an opponent in its Pac-10/12 existence. In fact, you have to go back to 1949, when Michigan State drubbed Arizona 75-0 in Tucson, for an opponent to score more than what Washington State posted in a 69-7 win at Pullman, Wash., today.
The Cougars, although on a six-game winning streak and 7-2 overall, are not a traditional power in the Pac-12. Their largest margin of victory over Arizona previously was 27 points, a 48-21 win at Arizona Stadium in 2001, John Mackovic’s first season of a failed tenure.
Washington State’s largest win over Arizona in Pullman previously was 23 points, a 30-7 win in 2003, the first game after Mackovic was fired.
Many Arizona fans are becoming frustrated with Rich Rodriguez with the Wildcats’ losing streak reaching six games with today’s embarrassing loss. That was reflected in some of their tweets during the course of the game.
My contention: Arizona’s running back corps is so depleted with injuries and personnel matters that wide receiver Samajie Grant is taking the majority of reps and new defensive coordinator Marcel Yates is not coaching a unit entirely with his players. If Arizona struggles mightily again next season, then the criticism is justified. With how Rodriguez brought Arizona a Pac-12 South title only two years ago, he deserves a year or two to work this thing out.
Here are some of the notable social media reactions:
Jared Tevis sticking up for his former coach …
That's not an issue, he's a great Coach and leader. They're going to accomplish big things with the current staff. Need more depth https://t.co/HkWvE4vrTV
— Jared Tevis (@TucTownTevis) November 5, 2016
Nightmare is an apt word. It’s up to Rodriguez to make this the rock-bottom game and build up from here. …
Somber RichRod after worst loss of UA career: "It was a nightmare."
— Michael Lev (@MichaelJLev) November 5, 2016
Anu Solomon’s first extensive amount of playing time reflected in 122 yards passing, completing 9 of 13 passes with a touchdown and no interceptions …
Arizona QB Anu Solomon: "We’re not going to lay down and quit. We’re going to continue to fight with these three games. We can’t be 2-10."
— Michael Lev (@MichaelJLev) November 6, 2016
Another Wildcat defiant …
Head up, keep fighting and move on to the next one.
— Anthony Mariscal (@anthonymarisca2) November 6, 2016
Solomon trails only Nick Foles and Willie Tuitama, each who produced 67 passing touchdowns.
That might be stat of year in a season of dubious ones: Anu Solomon's first TD pass in ninth game of season. He's No.3 in UA history with 49
— Javier Morales (@JavierJMorales) November 5, 2016
Former Salpointe standout Cam Denson lives …
#AnuSolomon targeted #CamDenson THREE straight plays. Nobody has targeted #Salpointe grad like that all season. #ArizonaWildcats #KOLDCats
— David Kelly (@DavidKellyTNN) November 5, 2016
Samajie Grant was a warrior, taking a lot of hits out of position as a running back. He finished with 77 yards on eight carries. …
I do want to give a shout out to Samajie Grant. He's a trooper.
— Michael Luke (@ironmikeluke) November 6, 2016
The scoreboard operator was busy … on one side at least. …
Not over yet. pic.twitter.com/2BD5KX3axF
— Anthony Gimino (@AGWildcatReport) November 5, 2016
Most points allowed by Arizona in Pac-10/12 game is 66 against UCLA in 2012.
— Anthony Gimino (@AGWildcatReport) November 5, 2016
Michigan fans are loving the struggles of Rich Rod. … (of course they were silent in 2014) …
Is Arizona not supporting RichRod too? pic.twitter.com/MlSH2FIT3C
— Intent to Deceive (@nezzy21) November 5, 2016
Luke Falk’s performance was not met with much resistance from Arizona’s beleaguered defense. …
WSU QB Luke Falk will finish the day 32 of 35 (91.4%). Highest completion percentage for a QB with 35+ attempts since at least 2004.
— Kyle Bonagura (@BonaguraESPN) November 5, 2016
South Carolina’s fans and media followers having a field day after Rodriguez reportedly rejected the Gamecocks’ offer last year …
South Carolina is on the cusp of a bowl game after a 3-9 season. Meanwhile in @CoachRodAZ and @Greg_Byrne country: pic.twitter.com/XnSUIHslWn
— Gamecockology (@Gamecockology) November 5, 2016
Shoutout @CoachRodAZ and @Greg_Byrne!!! Match made in heaven. https://t.co/MUX25lqK0r
— Gamecockology (@Gamecockology) November 5, 2016
So much to blame from fans (although this is humor) …
This season was doomed from the start with the OURHOUSE slogan and the 'Are you not entertained?' RichRod video.
— Saul Bookman (@Saul_Bookman) November 5, 2016
This kind of trend leads to a hotter seat …
Arizona has gone from the Fiesta Bowl to the New Mexico Bowl to no bowl game this season. That's not a good trend, Rich Rodriguez.
— Kevin McGuire (@KevinOnCFB) November 5, 2016
For those with long memories, you know it could be worse. …
In John Mackovic's three seasons, Arizona had skids of 5, 6 and 8 games, plus a player revolt. This season is not that.
— Anthony Gimino (@AGWildcatReport) November 5, 2016
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ALLSPORTSTUCSON.com publisher, writer and editor Javier Morales is a former Arizona Press Club award winner. He is a former Arizona Daily Star beat reporter for the Arizona basketball team, including when the Wildcats won the 1996-97 NCAA title. He has also written articles for CollegeAD.com, Bleacher Report, Lindy’s Sports, TucsonCitizen.com, The Arizona Republic, Sporting News and Baseball America, among many other publications. He has also authored the book “The Highest Form of Living”, which is available at Amazon.
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