The Arizona Wildcats are set to kick off their football season this Saturday against Northern Arizona University (NAU), marking the start of a new chapter for the team. Following a comeback victory by NAU over Eastern Washington in Week Zero, the Wildcats are preparing to face their in-state rivals, aiming to secure their third win in the history of this matchup.
Defensive coordinator Danny Gonzales has been focused on NAU since January 4, right after the conclusion of the previous season with a loss in the Holiday Bowl against SMU. However, his preparations extend beyond just this game; Gonzales has his sights set on a larger goal: winning the Big 12 Championship. "The opportunity to chase a Big 12 championship starts on Saturday," he stated. "It started way back in January when Team 122 died. I’m excited as hell for this football team to play somebody else, and I can’t wait to watch them go out there and try and gut somebody else out."
While the rivalry with NAU may not carry the same intensity as the Territorial Cup, it remains significant as an in-state contest. The Wildcats are heavy favorites, but the Lumberjacks see this as a prime opportunity to make a statement. Arizona is treating this game with the seriousness it deserves, preparing for NAU as they would for any Big 12 opponent. Both Gonzales and offensive coordinator Seth Doege emphasize the need for high energy and execution on the field.
Doege remarked, "Game one is a little bit more consistent with us just going out there and competing and making sure that we’re playing a clean game of football. I know those guys are going to be excited to play, and that’s what we’ve talked about with our team. You should be excited to play this game." Senior wide receiver Tre Spivey echoed this sentiment, indicating that the team views every game, including this opener, with the same importance as a conference championship. "I think that for us, each game kind of carries the same weight," Spivey said. "Treat this week, the first week, like it’s the Big 12 championship."
A significant focus for the Wildcats this offseason has been enhancing their depth, particularly in the secondary, which saw many departures. Gonzales expressed confidence in the depth across all positions, believing that a strong rotation will allow his players to perform at their best throughout the game. "If we can get on a rotation where you’re in there for three, out for three, we’ll be violent as hell up front because they’ll be fresh," he explained. This strategic depth is crucial, especially as the Wildcats aim to improve upon last season's struggles.
Gonzales also praised defensive line coach Joe Salave’a for successfully building depth in the defensive front, while Doege acknowledged the contributions of receivers coach Bobby Wade in managing the wide receivers. The camaraderie among players has been fostered by a team-first environment, where selfishness is not tolerated. "There’s no room for any prima donnas in there. It’ll get called out," Doege noted.
As Arizona enters the game as a significant favorite, the coaching staff is determined to secure a victory against NAU, even if it means revealing more of their playbook. Doege emphasized his commitment to winning, stating, "I’m gonna call this game to win this game, period. You go into the game ready to win." Freshman linebacker Dash Fifita is expected to play a key role, with Gonzales predicting he will become a formidable presence on defense. "Dash Fifita is going to make his own legacy here because he’s a freaking badass," Gonzales declared.
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