ESPN College Football

Arizona won't be Buggin' in 2011.

Senior receiver William "Bug" Wright has been dismissed from the team, according to the Tucson Citizen.

"Just a violation of team policies and rules,” coach Mike Stoops told the Citizen. “It’s been a chronic problem that hasn’t rectified itself.”

Wright caught 25 passes 294 yards and two touchdowns last season, but he was in and out of Stoops' doghouse throughout his career, including a suspension last season.

The good news for Arizona is receiver is the team's deepest position, with the top-five pass catchers back in 2011. Stoops told the Citizen that sophomore Richard Morrison, a converted quarterback, and speedy redshirt freshman Garic Wharton will get the first shot at replacing Wright at inside receiver. Morrison had 19 receptions last season, including six in the Alamo Bowl.

A squat grey building of only thirty-four storeys. Over the main entrance the words “Central London Hatchery and Conditioning Centre” and, in a shield, the World State's Motto: “Community, Identity, Stability”.

• Arizona has beaten a No. 1 team before. Receiver Bug Wright is suspended.
• Quarterback Brock Osweiler gets first-team reps, but coach Dennis Erickson says Steven Threet is still the starter.
• Will California say a happy goodbye to Memorial Stadium, which is being renovated, or will it finish with a losing record and fail to earn bowl eligibility? Grading Cal (it ain't good).
• Oregon's offense without wide receiver Lavasier Tuinei isn't just about passing, it's also about what he does in the running game. The senior Ducks want a special legacy.
• Oregon State aims for an upset at Stanford, which would bring bowl eligibility.
• Might Jim Harbaugh leave Stanford but stay in the Bay Area? Receiver Doug Baldwin has stepped up his game for Stanford.
• UCLA coach Rick Neuheisel won't commit to offensive coordinator Norm Chow for 2011.
• If USC beats Notre Dame and UCLA, it's a good season. If they don't, it's not. If you are an Anthony Davis fan, don't read this story. More on the child "agents" who are embarrassing USC: Trojans who went to party are cleared.
• Washington still feels good about its bowl chances.
• A clarification on what playing in Seattle means for Washington State season-ticket holders.

A year ago yesterday, Oregon and Arizona played an epic, double-overtime game that included a premature charging of the field by the 'Zona Zoo that was thwarted by one of the best individual performances of the 2009 season.

Suffice it to say, Arizona fans won't charge the field at Autzen Stadium on Friday until the clock reads zero and they have notched a shocking upset, and there will not be six touchdowns from Jeremiah Masoli (three passing, three running).

In fact, the general feeling is this one won't be anything like that one in that it won't be close -- see the top-ranked Ducks as nearly a three-touchdown favorite.

Hmm. Really? Anyone else think this one might be highly competitive?

The Ducks shouldn't take the Wildcats for granted, that's for sure, and exhibit A is the razor-fine margin that earned the Ducks a 44-41 win last year that knocked Arizona out of the Rose Bowl.

Sure, Arizona is coming off back-to-back conference defeats to teams the Ducks handled fairly easily -- Stanford and USC -- but the Wildcats had a bye week in which to get rested and refocused. Oregon did also, of course, but it's generally considered a substantial benefit to have extra time to get ready for Oregon's spread-option offense, particularly its up-tempo pace.

Moreover, they had that extra time after watching California's defense hold the Ducks to season-lows in points and yards. The Wildcats have the talent and speed on defense to incorporate many of the elements that the Bears used so successfully, starting with defensive ends Brooks Reed and Ricky Elmore, who can bring edge pressure and prevent Oregon from getting to the perimeter.

Arizona ranks 14th in the nation in run defense, 12th in scoring defense and 15th in sacks. While Stanford and USC mostly had their way with the Wildcats, those two offenses are more downhill, pro-style attacks. The Arizona defense might be better suited for the Ducks lateral movement and zone blocking.

Further, quarterback Nick Foles and the nation's No. 10 passing offense might be able to keep up with the Ducks scoring pace, though Oregon ranks fifth in the nation in passing efficiency defense.

Foles isn't the sort who will be rattled by crowd noise. He and many of his best weapons -- receivers Juron Criner, David Roberts and Bug Wright -- have been playing hurt. The bye should have helped that. And, oh by the way, it appears that backup Matt Scott, who was so good when Foles sat out with a dislocated knee cap, also should be ready to return from a wrist injury. The athletic Scott could see action in specific packages, giving the Ducks defense a different look.

The stakes are huge for Oregon. It's unbeaten and two wins away from playing for its first national title. While the Ducks have been poised all year -- including the tight win at Cal -- it's not impossible to think that a few miscues could get them to tighten up.

Keep in mind that the biggest reason it never really felt like Cal was going to upset Oregon was the Bears' horrible offense. If the Ducks give Foles and company opportunities in the fourth quarter, they could take advantage.

Arizona is under little pressure. It's bowl eligible but out of the Rose Bowl race. A win would be good for the program. It would give the Wildcats a nice bounce in the national rankings. But it won't likely bolster their bowl position to a large degree. In fact, knocking the Ducks out of the national title game actually might send Arizona to a lower-rung bowl -- if Oregon and Stanford both earn BCS bowl berths the Wildcats would end up in the Alamo Bowl if they beat rival Arizona State at home on Dec. 2.

The overriding point is: Arizona has a chance. And not just because everybody has a chance in college football.

The Wildcats have a chance against the nation's No. 1 team in Autzen Stadium because they are a good and rested team with enough speed to keep up with the Ducks.

You start to play it and it's like somebody's nightmare. And then this woman comes on, smiling at you, right? Seeing you... through the screen. Then when it's over, your phone rings, someone knows you watched the tape... and what they say is, "You will die in seven days."

• Arizona receiver Bug Wright isn't bugging out. Checking in with former Wildcats great Rob Waldrop.
• Corey Adams is starting to contribute on the Arizona State defensive line. A report from practice.
• California is rested and, it hopes, rejuvenated as it gets ready for UCLA. A report from practice.
• Nice piece from all-around guru Ken Goe on Oregon renaissance man Spencer Paysinger. A report from practice.
• Getting to know Oregon State defensive tackle Stephen Paea. The Beavers are pretty healthy.
• What's up with Stanford cornerback Richard Sherman and other notes?
• UCLA's defense might switch things up. Breaking down Cal-UCLA.
• USC's kicking game is struggling. Debating the ins and outs of where USC is today.
• An interesting recap of Steve Sarkisian's radio show. A very thorough practice report.
• Washington State athletic director Bill Moos takes the high road when he talks about his former school, Oregon. This Cougars safety is a former center.
• Checking in on the Pac-10 ADs meetings.

ARIZONA

2009 overall record: 8-5

2009 conference record: 6-3 (tied for second)

Returning starters

Offense: 9, Defense: 4, punter/kicker: 2

Top returners: QB Nick Foles, WR Juron Criner, RB Nic Grigsby, C Colin Baxter, CB Trevin Wade, DE Brooks Reed, DE Ricky Elmore

Key losses: WR Terrell Turner, OT Mike Diaz, DT Earl Mitchell, LB Xavier Kelly, FS Cam Nelson, CB Devin Ross

2009 statistical leaders (*returning starter)

Rushing: Keola Antolin* (643)

Passing: Nick Foles* (2,466)

Receiving: Juron Criner* (582)

Tackles: Devin Ross (81)

Sacks: Ricky Elmore* (11.5)

Interceptions: Trevin Wade* (5)

Spring Answers

1. So far so good with four coordinators: It was only a first run through spring practices but the Wildcats new arrangement with both offensive and defensive co-coordinators seemed to work well throughout spring practices. For one, it appears they've got a plan for the press box and play calling. Further, it helps that coach Mike Stoops is familiar with sharing a coordinator job (he shared the defensive job at Kansas State). It also probably helps that all four guys seem to like each other.

2. There's a lot of skill here: Start with quarterback Nick Foles. Then there's Juron Criner, who is as physically talented as any receiver in the Pac-10. Then there's Bug Wright, David Douglas, Delashaun Dean, Travis Cobb and Gino Crump. And Nic Grigsby, Keola Antolin and Taimi Tutogi in the backfield. Lots of guys who can do things with the ball in their hands.

3. The ends are the beginning: Ends Ricky Elmore and Brooks Reed are a good start for a rebuilding defense that lost seven starters. If a defense can pressure the quarterback -- and Elmore and Reed can -- that makes things easier everywhere else.

Fall questions

1. How will Matt Scott be used: While Scott lost the starting quarterback job to Foles early last season, the coaches still think he's capable of helping the offense, particularly with his speed. Scott also looked like a more confident and refined passer this spring -- guidance from new QB coach Frank Scelfo helped -- so he figures to have a few personal packages inserted into the game plan. And if Foles falters or gets hurt, Scott is a nice plan B.

2. How quickly will the new LBs pick things up? It's not easy to replace seven starters, but it seems particularly burdensome to have voids at all three all LB spots. Things are even more difficult when you're counting on a pair of JC transfers -- Derek Earls in the middle and Paul Vassallo on the weak side -- to immediately step into the starting lineup. The Wildcats will be fine in the secondary -- watch out for incoming freshman Marquis Flowers to get into the mix -- because that's Stoops' specialty. And there's some intriguing talent at defensive tackle, including redshirt freshman Sione Tuihalamaka. But the linebacker question wasn't answered this spring.

3. Paging Nic Grigsby: Grigsby can be a dynamic player with the ball. He's got home run speed and 2,424 career rushing yards. He averages 5.3 yards per carry. He's a good receiver out of the backfield. But he needs to find a way to stay healthy, which he didn't this spring or much of last year. With capable players like Antolin, Tutogi, Greg Nwoko and Daniel Jenkins eager for touches, at some point coaches might just sit Grigsby and go with guys who can stay on the field.

The second of a 10-part series that looks at where Pac-10 teams are strongest and weakest as they begin spring practices.

Arizona.

Strong: Offensive skill positions.

Why it's a strength: The Wildcats welcome back just about all their top skill guys -- their top-two quarterbacks (Nick Foles and Matt Scott), top three rushers (Nic Grigsby, Keola Antolin and Greg Nwoko) and five of their top six receivers (Juron Criner, Delashaun Dean, Bug Wright, David Douglas and David Roberts). The only loss is 2009's leading receiver Terrell Turner. Even the early departure of TE Rob Gronkowski is eased by the fact that he didn't play in a single game last year.

Weak: Up the middle defense.

Why it's a weakness: It's a weakness because the Wildcats must replace both defensive tackles, all three linebackers and free safety Cam Nelson. Moreover, they head into spring without a lot of obvious answers at those position, seeing that the defense's top four tacklers and five of the top six are all gone. Lolomana Mikaele was listed as the backup at both DTs positions at the end of last year, but he finished with just 12 tackles. Two junior college transfers, linebackers Derek Earls and Paul Vassallo, are expected to earn starting positions. Toss in new co-coordinators -- though Tim Kish was promoted from linebackers coach -- and there are a lot of questions on this side of the ball.

Posted by ESPN.com's Ted Miller

Just four games again this weekend, with No. 6 USC's visit to Notre Dame for its annual showdown with the Fighting Irish leading the slate. The three Pac-10 games, however, may establish season trajectories for teams trying to moving up in the conference pecking order. All three games are interesting because they are matchups of teams entering under similar circumstances, ergo some of the redundancy in our "What to watch."

1. Barkley vs. Clausen on the big stage: Both were the No. 1 quarterbacks of their respective recruiting classes. Both entered school early in order to participate in spring football. Both became starters as true freshmen. And they are friends who, while growing up in southern California, shared a quarterbacks coach. Clausen's career didn't get off to as fast a starter as Barkley's, but that was mostly because his supporting cast didn't approach the talent that presently surrounds Barkley. Clausen is now a leading the Heisman Trophy candidate. If he beats USC, he might become the leading Heisman Trophy candidate. And Barkley would like nothing more to steal the stage from his buddy, which would inspire talk about Heismans in his future.

2. Stanford back on track: Stanford suffered a dispiriting loss at Oregon State, falling behind 31-7 before rallying to make things respectable in the second half. The Cardinal seemed overwhelmed with the Beavers team speed, particularly the Rodgers brothers. Arizona is a fast team, but it doesn't have any offensive playmakers comparable to the Rodgers brothers, particularly with running back Nic Grigsby nursing a shoulder injury. Will the Cardinal, once on the cusp of a national ranking, recover their mojo?

3. Arizona back on track: Arizona suffered a dispiriting loss at Washington, allowing a 12-point lead with just over four minutes left disappear, the game-winning TD scored controversially on a fluke deflection. The Wildcats dominated the game but struggled to convert in the redzone, which left an opening for the stunning finish. The Wildcats may get a number of starters back -- Grigsby, defensive end Brooks Reed, receiver Bug Wright, among others -- which should help the cause. Will the Wildcats, once on the cusp of a national ranking, recover their mojo?

4. Wounded California looks for some offense: California, once No. 6 in the country, has lost two consecutive conference games by a combined count of 72-6. The Bears haven't scored a touchdown in nearly a month. Oregon and USC ganged up along the line of scrimmage to thwart running back Jahvid Best, and UCLA is sure to do the same. That means Cal needs quarterback Kevin Riley to recover his early-season sharpness following a bye week. Otherwise, it's hard to imagine the Bears scoring many points.

5. Wounded UCLA looks for some offense: UCLA, once poised to jump into the top-25, has lost two consecutive conference games by a combined count of 48-26. No, it doesn't sound as emasculating as Cal's numbers, but the Bruins don't have any impressive early-season performances they can point to as proof that the offense is capable of clicking. Quarterback Kevin Price played in his first game since breaking his jaw at Tennessee but was benched for a spell in favor freshman Richard Brehaut. Prince remains the starter, but he needs to be sharper against a Bears defense that has plenty of talent but has underachieved this year.

6. Jake Locker vs. the Sun Devils D: Arizona State ranks third in the nation in total defense and it solved pass rush problems last week at Washington State by piling up 12 sacks. Washington quarterback Jake Locker leads the conference in total offense with 270 yards per game. His offensive line figures to struggle against the Sun Devils front, so Locker's charge will be to get the ball off quickly or to create plays with his feet. The winner of this game is thinking bowl berth. The loser probably falls short.

7. How good is this USC defense? The rebuilt Trojans defense ranks among the national leaders in just about every statistical category. It doesn't seem like replacing eight starters from 2008 has caused much of a drop-off. But Clausen and Notre Dame will offer the best offense the Trojans have faced. The Fighting Irish rank 10th in the nation with 470 yards per game, and Clausen has been particularly good in the clutch. If this one stays close, will the Trojans D or Clausen make the final statement?

8. It's time for Danny Sullivan to step up or step aside: Some Sun Devils fans have been agitating almost since last spring for true freshman Brock Osweiler to replace senior Danny Sullivan. Sullivan has done little thus far to quiet his critics. He ranks eighth in the conference in passing efficiency after throwing three interceptions last week at Washington State. The Huskies defense is a bend-but-don't break unit that has been solid in the red zone. If Sullivan doesn't lead his team to victory -- it shouldn't take too much scoring with ASU's defense -- he might sit down and Osweiler might take over.

Posted by ESPN.com's Ted Miller

Some injury notes based on news reports.

Arizona
Guard Conan Amituanai sprained his knee against Washington. He won't play against Stanford. Defensive tackle Earl Mitchell was hurt in a freak accident on Oct. 9 -- he was knocked out by a door and required stitches -- and didn't play Saturday, but he might return this week. Receiver Bug Wright (knee), defensive end Brooks Reed (ankle), running back Nic Grigsby (shoulder), running back Keola Antolin and defensive end D'Aundre Reed (hand) are all questionable.

Arizona State
The Sun Devils got two player back at Washington State -- guard Garth Gerhart and safety Ryan McFoy -- and didn't suffer any additional injuries. Receiver Kerry Taylor (hamstring), guard Matt Hustad and cornerback Omar Bolden (knee) each missed the Washington State game and are questionable this week.

California
After taking the weekend off, the Bears may get guard Matt Summers-Gavin (shoulder), wide receiver Nyan Boateng (foot) and tight end Spencer Ladner back for the UCLA game. On the downside, receiver Verran Tucker is battling a calf injury and backup nose tackle Kendrick Payne, who didn't play against USC, is doubtful with plantar fasciitis.

Oregon
The Ducks only practice Wednesday and Friday during their bye week. It's unclear if quarterback Jeremiah Masoli (knee) or safety T.J. Ward (ankle) will be ready to participate. Offensive tackle C.E. Kaiser sat out all last week with a shin injury but he played against UCLA.

Oregon State
Offensive guard Gregg Peat bruised his knee against Stanford but he should be able to play after the bye week at USC. Running back Ryan McCants (knee) has yet to play this season but he is questionable for the USC game. Receiver Darrell Catchings (ankle) isn't expected to be ready by Oct. 24.

Stanford
Defensive end Erik Lorig didn't play at Oregon State because of a groin injury. Safety Delano Howell is nursing a quad injury. Both are questionable for the visit to Arizona.

UCLA
Linebacker Reggie Carter played through a sprained knee against Oregon but he's questionable for the Cal game. Tailback Johnathan Franklin and safety Glenn Love are both nursing sprained ankles. Defensive end Korey Bosworth bruised his ribs but is probable for Saturday.

USC
Receiver Ronald Johnson (collarbone) and defensive end Armond Armstead (foot) are expected to be cleared to play at Notre Dame.

Washington
Offensive guard Greg Christine broke his fibula against Arizona and is likely done for the year. He was replaced by sophomore Nick Wood. Running back Chris Polk played through a sprained shoulder against Arizona. Linebacker E.J. Savannah and defensive tackle Cameron Elisara are nursing stingers.

Washington State
It's good news and bad news for the Cougars. Cornerback Daniel Simmons may be done for the season after breaking his leg against Arizona State. On the plus side, guard Zack Williams (ankle) should be ready for the visit to California after the bye week. Tackle Steven Ayers (ankle) and guard B.J. Guerra (knee) are questionable, as are defensive tackle Bernard Wolfgramm (hip) and linebacker Alex Hoffman-Ellis (staph infection).

Posted by ESPN.com's Ted Miller

Updating the worst part about the game.

Arizona
Arizona is banged up but it has a chance to get much healthier during its bye week and before it visits Washington on Oct. 10. Receiver Bug Wright is out after knee surgery, but running back Nic Grigsby (shoulder), running back Keola Antolin (ankle), defensive end Brooks Reed (ankle), offensive tackle Mike Diaz (concussion), offensive guard Vaughn Dotsy (concussion) and receiver Delashaun Dean (thigh bruise) all could be ready to go after the bye.

Arizona State
The Sun Devils get defensive end James Brooks back from a three-game suspension, which means senior end Dexter Davis can move back to the weak side, where he has a better chance to get to the quarterback. On the downside, the struggling offensive line has issues. The top two centers, Garth Gerhart (toe) and Thomas Altieri (knee) are banged up, as are guards Jon Hargis (shoulder), Zach Schlink (knee) and Matt Hustad (knee). Hustad is doubtful for Oregon State's visit, while the others are questionable. Also, tight end Jovon Williams (knee) is questionable.

Oregon
Oregon cornerback Walter Thurmond is likely out for a few games with a knee injury. Coach Chip Kelly may provide more specifics during his news conference today, but he typically calls every player "day-to-day" and forces reporters to read between the lines. Kelly did say Saturday that he didn't believe Thurmond would be done for the season. Safety T.J. Ward (ankle) and receiver Rory Cavaille (shoulder) are both questionable.

Oregon State
Receiver Darrell Catchings, who just came back from a wrist injury, is now out for 2-3 weeks with an ankle sprain. Also, linebacker Keaton Kristick suffered a stinger against Arizona and probably won't practice much this week.

Stanford
Backup tailback Jeremy Stewart hurt is right knee against Washington. It's unclear how serious the injury is.

USC
Defensive tackle Hebron Fangupo (broken leg) and end Marshall Jones (neck) suffered season-ending injuries against Washington State. Linebackers Jordan Campbell and Nick Garratt sprained their ankles and are questionable for the Cal game as is linebacker Malcolm Smith (ankle), who sat out against the Cougars.

Washington
The Huskies might get receiver Devin Aguilar back for the visit to Notre Dame. Aguilar sat out the Stanford game with a sprained knee.

Washington State
The Cougars can't stay healthy. They probably lost a starting offensive and defensive lineman against USC: Steven Ayers (ankle) and defensive tackle Josh Luapo (knee). Starting guards B. J. Guerra (knee) and Zack Williams (ankle) aren't expected to be ready to play at Oregon. Defensive end Kevin Kooyman (knee) missed the USC game but might be ready for the trip to Eugene.