Stupid...ballsy...but stupid

Week Three: Arizona v. Stephen F. Austin
W (28-10)

Impressions
Arizona pushed all-in playing Willie Tuitama in the fourth quarter – just one week removed from a concussion – and survived. An extraordinarily ballsy move by Mike Stoops and company paid off, and the Wildcats walked away with a 28-10 victory Saturday night. It was a must-win win.

Fortunately, Tuitama did not take another hit to the head. Imagine going up against USC with Adam Austin as your starting quarterback.

No disrespect to Austin, of course. He did exactly what he was supposed to do. He was solid, but didn’t really do much to get excited about. Austin went 11 for 16 passing with one (tipped) interception, but no touchdowns.

Chris Jennings introduced himself as Mr. Reliable, continuously running for solid gains (without fumbling), and seems to have earned himself another start next weekend. He was shifty without losing forward momentum, and kept his legs churning while protecting the ball. Stoops called him “electrifying” and will put him on scholarship Monday. Smart move coach.

Said Jennings: “I’m grateful and happy that I’ve been given this chance, this opportunity. It was there for me tonight, and I took advantage of it, and ran with it.”

He’s got a great opportunity next Saturday with USC in town, a game that will air on ABC.

The good:
Jennings’ 201 rushing yards on 26 carries. That's 7.7 yards per carry. Oh yeah, he had two touchdowns, too.

Willie Tuitama stayed healthy, didn’t look afraid to sit in the pocket, and made precise passes. He looked liked himself for a change.

Adam Austin put Arizona in position to win the game. He needed some help, but hey, it’s a team sport.

The not-so-good:
Arizona needed a win and got one. But there will be those who say the Wildcats should have scored more, and given up less. Doubts about Arizona’s ability to hang with a top-25 team for a full game have not yet been put to rest. We'll see on Saturday.

Next week:
USC. 5 p.m. Arizona Stadium.