PLAYERS TO WATCH
–LB Colin Schooler continues to provide Arizona with a bright spot on defense each week, and coach Kevin Sumlin said he isn’t sure there is more his standout middle linebacker could be doing at this point. The sophomore is currently tied for the FBS lead in tackles for loss with 10.5, and his 11.4 tackles per game puts him near the top of that list nationally as well. He has 57 tackles this year to lead the Wildcats, and he has become the face of the defense while growing into the leader of the group.
–RB JJ Taylor came back down to earth against USC after having a 284-yard rushing performance against Oregon State the previous week. The redshirt sophomore ran for just 50 yards against the Trojans and had problems gaining a yard when the Wildcats needed it during a goal-line situation late in last week’s game. Eventually Taylor had to hand the challenge over to sophomore running back Gary Brightwell, and the bigger back responded with the score. Arizona needs Taylor’s production right now with the quarterback position a bit more uncertain.
–LB Kylan Wilborn was one of a trio of freshmen linebackers Arizona relied on in 2017, but this year has not been as productive for the California native. However, he looked like the freshman version of himself last week against USC finishing that game with a couple tackles, including a sack and forced fumble. It was the most active Wilborn has been this year and could be a turning point in his sophomore season.
–WR Shun Brown had some struggles early in the season, but he has moved on nicely from that point to become the team’s most targeted receiver up to this point in the year. He leads the team with 23 catches and three touchdowns to go with 304 yards. Against USC he was the top receiver once again catching five passes for 81 yards.
SERIES HISTORY: Arizona leads the all-time series with Cal 17-14-2 with the last meeting ending in 45-44 overtime victory for the Wildcats in Berkeley last season. The Golden Bears have lost four straight games to Arizona heading into Saturday night’s meeting.
QUOTE TO NOTE: “He is as good of a football player as there is in this league. He’s smart and his intensity is contagious. He just makes plays.” — Coach Kevin Sumlin on linebacker Colin Schooler’s production this season.