Notes and takeaways from the Arizona Wildcats’ media availability after practice Tuesday morning as the team prepares to face UCLA:
* Much of the talk again centered around quarterback Khalil Tate. UA coach Rich Rodriguez suggested that Tate is just getting started. "His best football is still way ahead of him,†Rodriguez said.
* Rodriguez on Tate now vs. a year ago: "He’s so much more comfortable with what we’re doing offensively."
* Tate had some misreads vs. Colorado, per QB coach Rod Smith. But they "ended up turning into touchdowns because they couldn’t catch him, so it isn’t all bad."
*Â Rodriguez said he didn't change Arizona's scheme or approach when Tate replaced Brandon Dawkins. So what was the difference then? Tate "made a 10- or 15-yard run into a 40- or 50-yard run," Rodriguez said.
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*Â Several times the past two days Rodriguez has praised Tate's "field vision." All quarterbacks, whether dual threats or pocket passers, must have that.
*Ìý¸é±ð³¦±ð¾±±¹±ð°ù Shawn Poindexter on facing the Bruins, who have beaten the Wildcats five straight times: "Everyone wants to beat UCLA. Today’s focus and energy in practice were better than other Tuesdays, that’s for sure."
* Rodriguez on Arizona receivers embracing their blocking duties: "When one guy scores on offense, they all score, and they all get to celebrate together." I’ll have more on this topic later today.
* Rodriguez said he expected Arizona’s young defense to have "some moments" like the Colorado game. It’s important, he added, to make sure the freshmen aren't being overloaded with information.
* Rodriguez said having senior “Stud†DeAndre' Miller back helps from a leadership standpoint. The linebacker/defensive end group consists predominantly of freshmen.
*Â Rodriguez said Miller looked a little rusty in his 2017 debut but expects him to get better as the season goes along
* I asked Rodriguez if he could relate to all the injuries UCLA has endured on defense. "They’re probably getting some of them back for us, unfortunately," Rodriguez said. The Bruins had a bye last week.
*Â ÃÛÌÒÓ°ÏñAV opened as a two-point favorite over UCLA. The Bruins are now favored by one. The over/under is 79.5.
