Rich Rodriguez now faces the central task of making sure his players don’t lose faith after a classic Arizona stomach-punch loss against USC. The one original Pac-10 member without a single Rose Bowl appearance has to stay the course. If it does, the Pac-12 South is still there for the taking. The winner of this division will probably have at least two conference losses by season’s end. Arizona can overcome just about any scoreboard obstacle, but the Wildcats’ offense needs to be able to score more than 13 points through three quarters at home. The Wildcats were stuck on 13 after 45 minutes in home games against California and USC. The Wildcats overcame the Golden Bears. They weren’t able to make one last kick against USC. Start-to-finish consistency on offense is what Rich Rod has to cultivate over the next month and a half.

Talking Season: Rich “Lightning” Rod Strikes

Coaches don’t have much more time to speak candidly in these final few days before training camp. One coach who’s bolder than most of his colleagues when it comes to public statements is Rich Rodriguez of Arizona. If the Pac-12 Championship Game matched the teams with the most candid and outspoken coaches in the conference, Arizona would play Mike Leach’s Washington State Cougars every year.

Here’s Rich Rod on Nick Saban from Friday morning:

RRRRRRRRREAOW!

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About Matt Zemek

Editor, @TrojansWire | CFB writer since 2001 |

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