Sixth-year coach Mike Stoops was able to keep his job after last season's win in the Las Vegas Bowl, his first bowl appearance since coming to Tucson from his brother's Oklahoma staff. Will an encore appearance in a bowl be in the cards? Lots of signs point to yes: the Wildcats were 8-5 in 2008 but never lost a game by more than 10 points, and despite losing star QB Willie Tuitama, a veteran defense that returns everyone up front should give the Wildcats time to get strong, as they play three out-of-conference games before a trip to Corvallis to open league play.

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Tuitama threw for 23 scores and just eight INT's last fall, and Stoops is unsure of who might take his place. Two guys figure to possibly even alternate series in early September until either proves capable. The Wildcats scored 37 ppg last fall (!) and have most of their weapons back, including a couple of stud RBs and one of the best tight ends in the nation. The offensive line could be a weakness, as the RT graduated and the LT went early into the NFL Draft. But a defense that has established playmakers at each level and speed at the linebacker spot could be very helpful in helping keep foes at bay while the new quarterback(s) figure their way out. Remember, it took Tuitama a good long while to figure out the complexities of Sonny Dykes's Texas Tech-type spread.

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