A Win is a Win

Week One: Arizona versus Brigham Young

W (16-13)

Impressions
Arizona has some work to do on offense. The running game never got going, and quarterback Willie Tuitama struggled a bit through the air. The defense stymied BYU's offense - which averaged 33 points per game in 2005 - giving up one touchdown and two field goals. Nick Folk made the biggest kick of his career with a last-second, game-winning field goal from 48 yards.

The good:
- Arizona's defense kept the Cougars out of the end zone after a first quarter score, and didn't give up a game-changing big play.
- No fumbles. Even though Arizona managed just 67 yards rushing, running backs Chris Henry and Chris Jennings took care of the ball.
- Louis Holmes. The prized junior college transfer lived up to the hype with two sacks – one resulting in a fumble.

The not-so-good:
- Tuitama. Arizona’s golden boy completed 19 of 39 passes for 186 yards with one touchdown and an interception.
- Michael Thomas. The team’s best receiver caught one pass for 14 yards early in the first quarter and disappeared for the rest of the game.
- The (non-existent) running game. 54 of the 67 total rushing yards came on one play. What
does that tell you?

Player of the game: Nick Folk/UA defense

The Experience
Where you watch the game is almost as important as who you watch it with. This weekend I decided to forgo my seat in Arizona Stadium for one at Sam Hughes Place Championship Dining (446 N Campbell Ave) with some friends who couldn't get tickets. Instead of being surrounded by screaming fans in the student section, I was surrounded by screaming fans in a semi-private room with two high-definition TV’s and a projection screen taking up practically the whole wall.

There were food and drinks aplenty, and a good time was had by all. We didn't - couldn't - miss a minute of the game. Hi-def TV's are scattered throughout the restaurant and even in the bathroom.

Next week: Arizona at LSU