Offense: QB Anu Solomon (No. 12, RS Freshman)
UCLA has faced a deluge of dangerous quarterbacks the past three weeks. Oregon’s Marcus Mariota, Cal’s Jared Goff and Colorado’s Sefo Liufau all rank among the conference’s elite. The Bruins won’t get a breather this week. Arizona quarterback Anu Solomon’s play this season has catapulted him right into that group.
“It does not get any easier in this conference,” said defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich with a groan.
Solomon ranks third in the Pac-12 in passing yards and fifth in passing touchdowns in just his first year, and his play energizes the Wildcats’ offense.
Solomon’s versatility – he is equally capable as a runner or passer – gives Arizona multiple options on every play. The Wildcats frequently run play action and read option plays that have a passing component built into them as well, putting extra pressure on opposing defenses.
“They are the epitome of a team that makes you defend the entire field every single play,” said coach Jim Mora.
Sophomore defensive end Eddie Vanderdoes said he was impressed by Solomon’s composure in the pocket for his young age, noting Solomon’s ability to scramble from the pocket to extend plays before throwing downfield as another strength.
Given the struggles UCLA has had against more mobile quarterbacks this year, the Bruins will need to show more discipline with their gap assignments this week to limit Solomon’s impact.
Defense: LB Scooby Wright III (No. 33, Soph.)
In his second season with the Wildcats, Wright has quickly emerged as the focal point of Arizona’s defense. A disruptive force in Arizona’s 3-3-5 system, his 78 total tackles are good for second in the conference and make him one of two players, alongside UCLA redshirt senior linebacker Eric Kendricks, to average double digit tackles per game.
The sophomore linebacker has been a terror for opposing offenses this season as his nine sacks place him third in the nation, and he enters Saturday’s contest as the reigning Pac-12 Player of the Week for his performance against Washington State. Wright posted three sacks and forced three fumbles while also chipping in with eight tackles in the Wildcats 59-37 win over the Cougars.
Slowing down Wright, whose strip of Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota in the fourth quarter sealed the Wildcats’ 31-24 win over the Ducks, will be priority number one for a UCLA offensive line that has improved its play as of late.
Compiled by Jordan Lee and Kevin Bowman, Bruin Sports senior staff.