UCLA Football vs. Arizona 2017: 5 questions for Zona Zealots about the Wildcats

TUCSON, AZ - NOVEMBER 25: Head coach Rich Rodriguez of the Arizona Wildcats watches from the sidelines during the Territorial Cup college football game against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Arizona Stadium on November 25, 2016 in Tucson, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
TUCSON, AZ - NOVEMBER 25: Head coach Rich Rodriguez of the Arizona Wildcats watches from the sidelines during the Territorial Cup college football game against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Arizona Stadium on November 25, 2016 in Tucson, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

You know what to expect of the UCLA Football team from Go Joe Bruin, now go behind enemy lines to get the Arizona perspective from Zona Zealots.

The UCLA Football team is ready for action against the Arizona Wildcats, but what should the Bruins expect from this duel in the Desert?

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To get the lowdown on Arizona, we presented 5 questions to Zona Zealots site editor, Shareen Rayan. Here is what she had to say about the Wildcats going up against the Bruins.

Related Story: UCLA Football vs Arizona 2017: 3 keys to victory

Go Joe Bruin: There was definitely a QB battle between Brandon Dawkins and Khalil Tate, but after Tate’s record performance last week, has he locked down the starting spot?

TUCSON, AZ – SEPTEMBER 02: Quarterback Khalil Tate
TUCSON, AZ – SEPTEMBER 02: Quarterback Khalil Tate

Zona Zealots: Rich Rodriguez has to play Khalil Tate after his performance, breaking the FBS QB rushing record last week. He also completed 12 of 13 passes for over 150 yards and averaged 23.4 yards on 14 carries for 327 yards and five touchdowns. He could have put in Brandon Dawkins but said he couldn’t pull Kahlil because he was playing out of his mind. So most believe he has locked down the starting position for now.

GJB: If UCLA manages to slow down Tate/Dawkins, who else will Arizona look to for help on offense?

ZZ: JJ Taylor and Nick Wilson can both do some damage in the run game. If the rushing isn’t happening for the Cats, Tate can pass the ball. He can pass it long, short, to the side and on the run. So I wouldn’t think that the Cats just run the ball, although if it is working against the Bruins, why not?

GJB: Both UCLA and Arizona’s defenses are not horrible, but they are not great. Does UA’s defense worry you going up against Josh Rosen?

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ZZ: I have complete confidence in Arizona’s defense at this point in the season. The freshman like Scottie Young and Colin Schooler and more are stepping it up wearing their big man cleats. In each game, a different player has made an impact. Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles has racked up more turnovers so far this season than all of last season. This team never gives up, and the defense has been working hard to create more turnovers. Let’s hope the Cats defense sacks Josh Rosen more than the four times they sacked the Colorado quarterback.

GJB: UCLA doesn’t have a knock out run game. Who will be the biggest threats up front to keep it that way?

ZZ: Look for Scottie Young up front, a freshman who has impressed so far this season, as well as Tony Fields II. If they miss, then look for Jace Whittaker who has also had some success. With Luco Bruno out with a concussion we may see some inspired second string player make his mark to day.

GJB: UCLA doesn’t have a good track record at Tucson but Mora has not lost to Rich Rod. What do you see happening?

ZZ: If there was a year that Rich Rodriguez’s Wildcats could beat Mora’s Bruins, it would be this year. Both coaches have a high admiration for the other and these games are always exciting. Arizona’s youth are on a mission to prove everyone wrong and they truly want to win the Pac-12 South. It’s parent weekend, the team has a winning record, and with Tate’s performance last week, all the fans that have not yet come to a game for sure bought tickets! I think it will be a close but high scoring game and the Wildcats finally win one of these.

Next: PODCAST: What's Bruin Show - Talking UCLA Football with former Arizona DB Brandon Nash

Thank you to Shareen Rayan for giving insight on the Wildcats. Be sure to check out all of her information at ZonaZealots.com.

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