On Friday night, Arizona jumped off to a strong 7-0 lead over Kansas State, but that would be the only points Arizona would score as Kansas State triumphed 31-7.
Arizona head coach Brent Brennan stated, “There were times in the first half where we had some good chunk plays, had some momentum, and stalled out with penalties.” “While some are beyond of our control, others are like football penalties. The toughest thing about it, in my opinion, is that those wounds were self-inflicted.
We were moving the football well, but we were unable to convert those drives or the late interception. I believe we are capable of playing that better. We can play the football more aggressively and notice it a bit sooner. Ultimately, I must improve as a coach for this team. Everything begins with me.
The Wildcats’ inability to both establish and stop the run had a significant role in the outcome.
Brennan made the statement, “I don’t think we’re the first team to have an issue with an athletic quarterback, but this guy is something different,” in reference to quarterback Avery Johnson. He runs a 10.4-meter sprint. He’s special, and while we’re attempting to contain him in the pocket, it was evident that his ability to get beyond one player and make a big play was detrimental to our goal.
“Running the ball and stopping the run are essential skills in every high-stakes football match. In those two areas, we have work to do. We have a week and a ton of work ahead of us, which is wonderful news.
Brennan provided some explanation for why Arizona’s wide receivers might not have been able to maintain consistent separation during the game.
“In some ways I think we have to get them to do a better job of fighting through collision,” he stated. We need to be more forceful out on the perimeter because the previous two teams we have faced are strong at it. I still believe T-Mac has been useful. He did a good job tonight. As a coaching staff, we need to discuss the best ways to assist them carve out some space and allow them to function in the secondary.”
Arizona got penalized for too many penalties once more, and they are still among the worst teams in the nation when it comes to penalties. Brennan realizes after three games that this is a serious problem that requires attention.
“The biggest thing we learned as a football team is we have to be more disciplined,” he stated. “I believe that the penalty issue has been detrimental. I believe that as instructors, we should hold ourselves to a higher standard when it comes to the minor technical details, which can help you avoid some of those fines.
“Every player has to look at that and say what am I doing with my technique and my footwork to give me a chance to block correctly or release as a receiver correctly or defeat a block correctly.”
After the Kansas State loss, Brennan made it obvious that he was not pleased and pushed his players to become better over the bye week.
“The biggest thing is we have a lot of football left to play,” he stated. We must never forget that. I am the most enraged person there is. How can we address this? How can we deal with this loss’s disappointment?
“As a coaching staff, we must rely on one another and work tirelessly to create a fantastic strategy for Utah. That is something we can promote, and we need to go to work on it. These boys aspire to be excellent football players. They think we are capable of more than what we shown tonight, and I agree.
“Every football team is a developing organization. It makes no difference if you’re winning and playing excellently or if you’re sitting at 2-1 with plenty of work ahead of you heading into conference play. Yes, I believe it is fixable. I am familiar with this club and the young guys in that locker room, and they are eager to get to work right now to make things right.”
