WVU Prepares for Arizona | Rich Rodriguez Faces Former Program
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West Virginia returns home looking to bounce back from consecutive Big 12 losses as the Mountaineers welcome Arizona to Milan Puskar Stadium.
Head coach Rich Rodriguez says the recent struggles have been humbling, particularly after WVU allowed 577 yards at Iowa State one week after surrendering 609 against Oklahoma State. Rodriguez believes the problems are correctable, but says there must be urgency, better communication among the coaching staff and a clearer plan to put the Mountaineers in position to succeed.
The next challenge won't be easy.
Arizona enters Morgantown at 4-1 under head coach Brent Brennan and features one of college football's most experienced quarterbacks in Noah Fifita. The fifth-year starter is Arizona's career leader in both passing yards and touchdown passes and has started 39 consecutive games entering the matchup.
Rodriguez praised Fifita's ability to extend plays, create throwing lanes and use his legs, calling him a unique challenge for a WVU defense searching for answers.
Arizona also presents problems on the other side of the ball. The Wildcats enter the matchup ranked among the nation's leaders in sacks and rushing defense, and Rodriguez described them as one of the most aggressive blitzing defenses WVU has faced.
Saturday also carries a personal connection for Rodriguez, who coached Arizona from 2012-2017, leading the Wildcats to a 43-35 record and several memorable seasons in Tucson.
West Virginia and Arizona kick off Saturday, October 10 at noon at Milan Puskar Stadium. The game will air nationally on TNT, truTV and HBO Max.
Hear from Rodriguez as he discusses fixing WVU's recent issues, the challenge presented by Fifita and Arizona's defense, and his memories from six seasons leading the Wildcats.
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