Arizona picks up 4 national TV games in early release
For the first time in five years, the battle for the Territorial Cup will be played under the sun.
As part of an early announcement for select TV contests, kickoff times were announced Thursday for five Arizona games - including a 1:30 p.m. MT start against archrival Arizona State at Arizona Stadium on Nov. 28 that will air on FOX.
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The Sun Devils have won three of the previous four meetings - including the last two since the respective hirings of head coaches Todd Graham and Rich Rodriguez. But the Wildcats came out on top in the last afternoon contest between the teams in 2009.
Also announced, Arizona's Aug. 29 season opener against UNLV is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. MT and will air on ESPN. The Wildcats recently picked up a commitment from ex-Rebels running back Adonis Smith, who will be eligible immediately and could provide a twist to the contest. The Wildcats scored a 58-13 win in Las Vegas last season.
The following week will be another weekday contest as UA travels to UTSA on Sept. 4. Kickoff is scheduled for 5 p.m. MT and will air on FOX. The Wildcats prevailed 38-13 at home last season.
The lone non-national TV contest in the announcement is Arizona's home contest against Nevada on Sept. 13. The game, scheduled for an 8 p.m. MT start on Pac-12 Networks, will be a rematch of the Wildcats' improbable New Mexico Bowl comeback victory two years ago.
Looking for payback on ESPN will be Oregon, which will host Arizona at 7:30 p.m. MT on Oct. 2. The Wildcats pulled off a memorable 42-16 win in their home finale last season.
Arizona, which begins fall camp in August, is looking to build off back-to-back 8-5 seasons. But Rodriguez must first find his third different starting quarterback in as many seasons and a replacement to Ka'Deem Carey, the program's all-time leading rusher who left for the NFL after his junior season.
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1" align="left" />Click Here to view this Link.Tracy McDannald
GOAZCATS.com Senior Editor