First the good news about the Arizona football team: it scored on its first possession and looked impressive doing it against host Kansas State.
Now, the bad news: it fizzled the rest of the way … in every phase of the game. That first drive love was all Arizona could generate in an uninspiring performance against KSU, falling 31-7 in a non-conference game between two Big 12 schools. Arizona, the nation’s leader with nine consecutive wins going in, falls to 2-1.
Maybe they are who they are or who we all thought they were after the first two games – now three: a team trying to find its footing in a new season with a new coach and scheme.
After the first two weeks when many thought they underperformed – almost purposely just to not show KSU what it had – continued that trend in game three and showed KSU and everyone else very little.
Again, maybe that’s just who they are, well, outside of Noah Fifita and Tetairoa McMillan and the others.
“We had trouble moving the ball consistently,” UA head coach Brent Brennan said in his post-game interview on KCUB 1290. “There were so many times when there were penalties that stalled drives for us.”
The penalties – and there were a number of them (nine) – were a definite problem and have been so far this season. Again, maybe that’s who they are – which isn’t a good sign.
After that first drive – which gave hope to all involved, including the fans – Arizona was anemic and, once again, showed very little.
Moving
With 91 yards so far tonight, T-Mac is now 5th in program history with 2,510 career receiving yards! pic.twitter.com/RjGFEKQQA6
— Arizona Football (@ArizonaFBall) September 14, 2024
Then came this revelation from Brennan: “I’ve gotta coach this team better.”
He said it twice in the interview for emphasis.
“We have work to do,” he said, in talking about his team’s issues in trying to stop KSU quarterback Avery Johnson, who ran wild.
And he’s right. Penalties happen, but too many shouldn’t. And the offensive scheme is, um, well hasn’t been there outside of the Fifita-TMac connection. And how often can that work when everyone is looking for it?
Clearly, No. 21 Arizona got beat in every phase – including special teams, where it allowed a 71-yard return for a touchdown in the second half that gave KSU a 14-7 lead and a confidence it would have its way with Arizona.
And it did.
I’m sorry, but that’s absurd. He had three winning seasons in four years at a program that had three winning seasons in the 20 years before he arrived.
I’m frustrated too, and Brennan may or may not be the right guy, but for goodness sake, the man is three games into his tenure. https://t.co/27euD80LRj
— Shane Dale (@ShaneDaleAZ) September 14, 2024
Arizona did win the passing yardage (268 to 156) but that didn’t mean much in as much as KSU did all its damage on the ground with 235 rushing yards. QB Johnson had 110 yards on the ground.
Arizona must now find a way to forget the result over the next two weeks with a bye coming up next week and then a date with Utah, the Big 12 Conference favorite.
“We got work to do,” Brennan said. “We’ll get back to it right away … they are excited to get back together and find solutions. The biggest thing right now is that everybody has to focus on what each of us can do individually to get better. And that starts with the head coach.”
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