By Anthony Gimino
FOXSportsArizona.com
TUCSON -- Arizona quarterback Matt Scott threw an interception in the end zone last week. Nick Foles has done that, too, this season. Twice.
The Wildcats have been good on offense -- averaging 32.6 points and 453.4 yards per game -- but that first number could be even better if not for the team's struggles in the red zone.
"We have to maximize the chances that we get when we get down there," said quarterbacks coach Frank Scelfo.
Now more than ever.
Arizona is getting ready to face the three highest scoring teams in the Pac-10 in successive weeks -- Stanford (42.4 points per game, No. 5 nationally); USC (36.8, No. 15) and Oregon (54.9, No. 1) -- so turnovers and field goals won't cut it.
"When we get down there, we're going to have to score seven," said coach Mike Stoops.
Arizona is tied for 85th nationally in red zone efficiency, having converted 28 of 36 opportunities. That's 22 touchdowns and six field goals.
Last week, Scott lost a fumble at the UCLA 14. Scott, in relief of an injured Foles at Washington State, was also picked off at the WSU 13. Running back Nic Grigsby lost a red zone fumble against Iowa.
Nobody's perfect, but those kind of plays could be back-breaking missed opportunities in an arduous final month of the season for the Wildcats. Each of their final four foes, including Arizona State, are in the national top 25 in converting red zone chances into points.
Last week, Arizona was unable to put the game out of reach and let UCLA have multiple opportunities to take the lead in the fourth quarter because of its red zone turnovers and having to settle for three field goals.
The Wildcats probably won't be so lucky at Stanford this Saturday if they are that inefficient.
"Going on the road, getting (only) three points in a lot of those situations against a real good team, will hurt you," Stoops said. "Just being more efficient will be critical in this game, because these guys are going to score some points."
GRIGSBY A GO?
Running back Nic Grigsby, who suffered a sprained ankle at UCLA, was able to participate some in practice Monday and Tuesday, and coach Mike Stoops has said he expects the senior to play this week.
But if Grigsby is limited or can't go, that will mean more time for sophomore Greg Nwoko, a bigger back who has carried 32 times for 162 yards and three touchdowns this year.
"Greg is always an option if we go that far," Stoops said. "Greg needs to continue to learn how to protect the quarterback. There are more things than just running the football. He needs to continue to play with a physical presence."
PAT PROBLEMS
Junior Alex Zendejas has missed two extra point attempts in the past two games, and he has failed to convert three PATs this season. He said it is a focus issue. He has been solid on his field goal attempts, hitting 9 of 11, including a 47-yarder this season.
"I just need to do the same thing on field goals, and I'll be fine," Zendejas said about the extra points. "It's more mental than steps and technique."
