The Arizona Wildcats are currently the 26th ranked school in the country, just narrowly missing out on a coveted spot within the top 25.
The Wildcats are currently 3-1 and are fresh off a big 23-10 win over the #10 Utah Utes away from home. Currently, the lone loss for Arizona has come against the then-ranked #14 Kansas State Wildcats, who have since dropped to #20 in the rankings. Kansas State suffered a bad loss to BYU, but that does not necessarily make the loss for Arizona to Kansas State a bad one.
However, Arizona has yet to do enough as a team on the field to fully convince the voters and land a spot in the top 25.
These teams are on the outside looking in 👀
Which team that is just outside of the AP Top 25 deserves to be ranked the most? pic.twitter.com/1pQYHzWlGQ
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) September 30, 2024
The Arizona Wildcats were expected to display a high-powered offense this year, but have struggled at times to fully launch. Quarterback Noah Fifita has been playing solid football, but not necessarily the type of football the staff and fans expected. The quarterback currently has 1,065 yards passing, seven touchdowns, and four interceptions with a quarterback rating of 53.3.
Along with Fifita is the star wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan, a preseason favorite to win the Biletnikoff Award, has also been struggling to produce. McMillan recorded four touchdowns and 304 yards against New Mexico to kick off the 2024 season. Since then, the receiver has recorded 199 yards and no touchdowns through three games.
What Does the Arizona Wildcats Football Team Need to Do to Be Ranked?
While many fans are upset with the Arizona Wildcats being snubbed, the main reason seems to be the quality of the wins and production.
Arizona made a statement on the road after not being up to the task the first time.
— TomasBeisbol 🤑🤑 (@Mr_Ron_Mota) September 30, 2024
Arizona!!! They just beat a top 10 team on the road!
— Louis Johnson 🌾🌾 (@louisdjKSU) September 30, 2024
Hands down, Arizona deserves to be ranked. No worries we know it’s not about what the talking heads and the outside noise! It’s about the boys on the team and the coaches. 🐻⬇️📈🌵🔥 #backthe/A\ @uscj @Tim_Prangley @TheVOCFB @CatCountryAZ @Chesterburnett
— Andrew Pinto (@AndrewPinto39) September 30, 2024
Arizona is currently 3-1, but scored just 22 points against Northern Arizona and put up one touchdown against the Kansas State Wildcats. Additionally, Arizona also allowed 39 points to be scored by New Mexico in the first game of the season. While Arizona may have won, the defense allowed New Mexico to score more against them than Montana State, Auburn, and Fresno State allowed the Lobos to score.
Arizona is playing Texas Tech next, a conference opponent that can score the ball at will but struggles to defend the ball. If the Arizona Wildcats are able to pull off a dominant win and score a bit against the Red Raiders, it might be enough to secure a spot in the rankings.
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