Arizona Wildcats Off to Superb Start Under Rich Rodriguez

TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) - Arizona coach Rich Rodriguez spent last week telling his players that to make the program relevant again, they'd need to beat a ranked team.

The Wildcats did just that, rolling over No. 18 Oklahoma State 59-38 Saturday and moving into The Associated Press poll the next day at No. 24, their first ranking in nearly two years.

Coaching a team that doesn't have a lot of size or depth, Rodriguez has coaxed the Wildcats into a 2-0 start by getting them to play hard and fast.

Led by fifth-year senior Matt Scott, Arizona's offense has been nearly unstoppable, ranking second nationally with 65 first downs and ninth in total offense at 562.5 yards per game. Rodriguez's 3-3-5 defense has given up some yards, but has been good at preventing touchdowns and creating turnovers.