Saturday is big game for Wildcats

Going into Saturday’s game against UCLA, Arizona head coach Mike Stoops knows that his team can play better.

He also knows how big of a game it is.

"Every win is going to be important this year,” he said. "This game is a huge game for us, to beat UCLA and to go 3-1 in conference, a place we've never been and more importantly to continue to control your own destiny is what you play for.

"We can play a lot better than we have been playing and I think we will. These are all one week seasons. As good as that win was over Stanford it really all just comes down to this week against UCLA. One loss can put us right back in a tough position and we can't afford any more losses. I think our kids understand that."

In order to avoid a loss, the defense is going to have to step up in a major way.

"We missed some assignments and there were tactical errors on our part obviously, as well as some fundamental errors,” Stoops said. “That's obviously something we need to address and work out.

"Obviously the pass coverage takes a lot of abuse for missed assignments, but pass coverage takes 11 guys just like run defense takes 11 guys, so pressure has to be better, coverage has to be better, underneath coverage has to be better, so it all kind of ties together."

One part of the team that definitely does not need to improve and is starting to get national attention is the offense.

"Offensively we really seem to be finding our rhythm with what we're doing," Stoops said. "You can see our ability to run is huge, our two biggest plays were probably the run by Nic and the run by Greg (Nwoko).

"Obviously Nic's versatility gives us a dimension that we've missed the last couple of weeks. His speed and elusiveness sometimes goes underrated and his ability to make people miss in the open field allows him to make big plays."