TUCSON, Ariz. – No one needs to tell the Arizona Wildcats how big their game is against No. 9 Southern California on Saturday.
It’s been the talk of campus all week.
“You see other students wear Beat SC T-shirts around campus,’’ defensive end Reggie Gilbert said.
The town? We’ll see what the attendance is.
No question it’s been on the radar – no matter what anyone says – for some time. The fact that the Trojans currently aren't in the hunt for a national championship – although still could be – hasn’t diminished the magnitude of the game.
Adding some anticipation is the fact UA has been able to play USC close the last few years, losing by seven points or fewer in each of the last five years.
Is another one in store? Arizona fans are aching for a big game and here it is.
“We want to get to the point where all the games are big,” Arizona coach Rich Rodriguez said. “Our crowds have been good, but we want to get to the point where there is a buzz about everybody.”
Clearly, Matt Barkley & Co. are buzz-worthy. It’ll be Arizona’s mission to stop the potential Heisman Trophy winner with a sound attack from the line and linebackers. And if last week's effort against Washington is any indication, it’s possible. UA had four total sacks on Washington’s mobile Keith Price.
“We’re going to have to get after him with more than three guys up front,’’ Rodriguez said. “We haven’t been able to do that all year.
"He’s a quarterback that is as smart as any of them.”
Saturday afternoon will be another check of Arizona’s defense, but it has some momentum and some desire after last week.
It also was helped by the return of Reggie Gilbert, who had 1.5 sacks. He returned from a two-week absence after suffering an ankle sprain.
“Not sure if he’s been 100 percent all year, but he’s a strong guy who has good athletic ability,’’ Rodriguez said. “When he’s healthy, he’s one of our better pass rushers.”
Gilbert is a 6-foot-3, 255-pound end from Laveen, Ariz.
“Football is a man’s game, and if you can walk you can play," Gilbert said. “It was so great to be back. I was so hungry. I know we’re going to come out ready to play. When everybody is hungry, everyone pretty much wants to eat.”
The appetite will have to be much bigger this week. Washington turned out to be a morsel, compared to USC’s meal-sized stature.
“It should be a great atmosphere, and hopefully we have a sellout and our fans can give us a boost,” Rodriguez said. “It’s a great challenge for our guys. Hopefully we can come out and play well for four quarters.”
The fact that USC is the opponent should ensure that, Gilbert said.
“It’s going to be a huge game with a great environment,” he said. “Everyone is super excited to play them right now. We’re a program on the rise. Everybody is excited about every game. But that starts with the players; we have to believe in ourselves.”
Rodriguez said even bigger games loom. But this season?
“Sure … it could happen,’’ he said. “At least you’d hope so.”
