Arizona duplicated last season's 58-13 victory over UNLV in last week's 2014 season opener -- winning by the exact same score as a year ago.
Suffice to say the Wildcats would settle for a similar outcome in Thursday night's non-conference rematch against UTSA in San Antonio (5 p.m. Pacific, FOX Sports 1). The two teams played one another early last season, with Arizona winning 38-13 in Tucson. The Wildcats know what they're up against, but this time it's on the road.
UTSA is a veteran group with 18 starters back from last season. Last week's 27-7 manhandling of Houston gave the Roadrunners six consecutive wins dating back to last year -- the nation's third longest streak among FBS teams. Its offensive line has combined for 143 starts; its secondary for 133 starts. Few things will shake them.
After rolling to a school-record 787 yards offense last week, Arizona won't be easily contained. Redshirt freshman Anu Solomon proved his readiness to take control of the offense, passing for 425 yards, and a star-studded wide receiver group gives him a multitude of options when he drops back to pass. Expect more big plays from UA with the quick strike and long ball.
Arizona's defense: Arizona's defense didn't do a poor job against UNLV last week, but it wasn't in top form. The Rebels moved the ball plenty but didn't score much. The front line will have to be better, but there's not much depth if the starters tire or falter.
Poise alert: It's the first road game of the season, and all eyes will again be on Anu Solomon and how he handles the adversity. Last week was too easy for the first-time starter. The Wildcats are a young team overall, so how they respond to what should be a good crowd at the Alamodome will be interesting.
Arizona's running game: Arizona's Ka'Deem Carey-less backfield looked pretty good against UNLV. Starter Terris Jones-Grigsby and true freshman Nick Wilson both topped 100 yards. But Jones-Grigsby is listed as questionable (ankle), and Jared Baker is still rounding into shape from a knee injury.
-- Eight different wide receivers caught passes in Arizona's opener. They are shuttled in and out constantly. And all are capable of big plays.
-- UTSA is considered a preseason favorite for the Conference USA title. School officials have called for an Orange Out, so the Alamodome could be pumpkin shaded.
-- Arizona has only two players who are from Texas. Tight end Josh Kern is from San Antonio, and wide receiver Cayleb Jones is from Austin. While his predecessor Mike Stoops has deep recruiting ties to the Lone Star Stare, it's not a prime recruiting territory for Rich Rodriguez.
DaVonte Neal, WR, Arizona -- The Notre Dame transfer had a so-so debut as one of Arizona's big-play threats. Here's another chance. Everyone expects he'll break a big one sooner or later. How does a punt return for a touchdown sound?
ARIZONA AT UTSA
FOX Sports 1, Thursday, 5 p.m. (PT)
Replay on FOX Sports Arizona: Friday, 10:30 pm; Saturday, 6 a.m.; Monday, 1:30 pm
Samajie Grant, WR, Arizona -- One of the smallest of Arizona's loaded receiving group has proven to be one of its most exciting play makers. He runs great routes and has the ability to shake tackles.
Jens Jeters, LB, UTSA -- He was the conference player of the week for UTSA after registering five tackles, a fumble recovery and a forced fumble in UTSA's 27-7 win against Houston.
Casey Skowron, K, Arizona -- At some point this season -- maybe two or three -- Skowron will have to hit a field goal with the game hanging in the balance. It's clear he has a big leg and can hit from long distance, but can he show consistency on the relatively easy ones? He was 3 for 4 last week.
UTSA surprised many with a big win against Houston last weekend. Either Houston was unprepared or the Roadrunners are pretty good. With Larry Coker as their coach, the guess is the latter. You know his teams are prepared. This won't be as easy for Arizona as last week's homefield romp over UNLV.
Arizona 38, UTSA 30
