Early in the college football preseason, the Wildcats of Arizona were not expected to amount to much, with a realistic expectation at four games. Rich Rodriguez and his team threw away those predictions of not even making a bowl game and even turned a few heads. From crushing NAU in the first game of the year to build confidence, UofA could have easily started the year 8-0, but instead went 6-2 due to two close home losses versus Houston and Utah.

Right around the time of UofA’s hot start, a surprise Heisman hopeful Khalil Tate took the nation by storm. Getting his first start of the season versus Colorado, he rushed for an FBS quarterback record 327 yards. The Wildcats followed that up with wins over UCLA, Cal, and Washington State and the young signal caller won the PAC-12 Offensive Player of the Week award for four straight weeks, setting a conference record. That definitely was not expected from Arizona this season, but they may have found a miracle.

UofA would then finish the regular season 1-4, including their thrilling Foster Farms Bowl game that would end up in Purdue’s favor. Ending the year at 7-6, the Wildcats were three games above what was expected. With a group of talent coming back, including their electrifying QB, hopes were high for next season. However, the aspirations UofA had going into 2018 come back to earth a little bit now due to the unexpected firing of coach Rich Rodriguez.

That firing comes amidst a $7.5 million claim that went directly to the Attorney General’s office. The alleged sexual harassment by Rodriguez led to his dismissal from the team. UofA ended his contract, but the university will honor his separation terms and his buyout of about $6 million. Rich Rod leaves behind a promising group of young talent on offense and a hard-headed defense, along with his own son, Rhett Rodriguez, in the quarterback group. Does anyone hear Chuck Cecil’s name being chanted in the halls?

– Nathan Peterson @NPetey10