Saturday Blitz
Fansided

Pac 12 Football: Preseason 2016 Conference Power Rankings

By Ryan Young

Dec 5, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal running back Christian McCaffrey (5) scores a 28 yard reception and touchdown against the Southern California Trojans in the fourth quarter of the Pac-12 Conference football championship game at Levi
Dec 5, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal running back Christian McCaffrey (5) scores a 28 yard reception and touchdown against the Southern California Trojans in the fourth quarter of the Pac-12 Conference football championship game at Levi /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 13
Next
Dec 19, 2015; Albuquerque, NM, USA; Arizona Wildcats quarterback Anu Solomon (12) drops back to pass during the first half against the New Mexico Lobos in the 2015 New Mexico Bowl at University Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 19, 2015; Albuquerque, NM, USA; Arizona Wildcats quarterback Anu Solomon (12) drops back to pass during the first half against the New Mexico Lobos in the 2015 New Mexico Bowl at University Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports /
  • Last Season Record: 7-6 Overall, 3-6 Pac-12
  • Season Opener: BYU | Sept. 3
  • Key Games: Washington, USC, Arizona State

When the Arizona offense is good, it’s good.

The Wildcats, who finished 7-6 last season, have averaged more than 33 points per game over the past four seasons. That shouldn’t change this year, either. With quarterback Anu Solomon and running back Nick Wilson returning, the offense has potential to be just as strong as it has been.

The defense, though, needs some work. After taking over as defensive coordinator this past offseason Marcel Yates is focused on rebuilding his season. The Wildcats, though, have struggled. They allowed more than 45 points five different times last season, and lost its three best players.

So while the Arizona offense may have an okay year, the defense may struggle. And that could severely plague the Wildcats.

Next: Number 9

Home/Pac-12