Tuitama has case as top Pac-10 QB

Gee! · October 8th, 2008, 08:39 AM

Tuitama has case as top Pac-10 QB

by Doug Haller - Oct. 7, 2008 04:19 PM
The Arizona Republic

As quarterbacks around the Pac-10 suffer and recover from injuries, the one down in Tucson might be developing into the conference's best passer.

Arizona's Willie Tuitama has the Wildcats atop the Pac-10 entering Saturday's showdown at Stanford. Through five games, he is completing a career-best 66.2 percent of his passes. He's also thrown 13 touchdowns and just two interceptions, both coming in a loss at New Mexico.

"He's a really good ball player," Stanford co-defensive coordinator Ron Lynn said during Tuesday's Pac-10 teleconference. "You can see tremendous development, and while I didn't see him play in person last year, I watched a lot of his games. He's just continued to develop to the point where, when he doesn't have something, he's much more patient."
At times, Tuitama has seemed determined to show off his arm strength, which is considerable. But this season he has shown restraint. Last Saturday against Washington, Tuitama completed 14 in a row, finishing 17 of 21 for 193 yards and three touchdowns.

"He played some of the best football I've seen him play, in terms of his accuracy and being precise with the football," Washington coach Tyrone Willingham said.

Tuitama, limited two years ago because of head injuries, ranks 16th nationally in passing efficiency. USC's Mark Sanchez, questionable this week with a knee injury, ranks seventh. In four games, Sanchez has 13 touchdown passes and three interceptions.

http://www.azcentral.com/sports/coll...t-pac10nb.html

Skkorpion · October 8th, 2008, 12:42 PM

Tuitama has blossomed in this new offense.

By the way, when was the last time a UA team was the betting favorite (-3) on the road at Stanford?

TJ UofA2004 · October 8th, 2008, 04:31 PM

Carpenter has regressed tremendously and Sanchez at USC hasn't proven himself yet. I think this article treds water.

Chaplin · October 9th, 2008, 12:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TJ UofA2004

Carpenter has regressed tremendously and Sanchez at USC hasn't proven himself yet. I think this article treds water.

So? I don't understand why you can't accept that Tuitama is possibly the best passer in the Pac.

TJ UofA2004 · October 9th, 2008, 12:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chaplin

So? I don't understand why you can't accept that Tuitama is possibly the best passer in the Pac.

I do think Willie is the best QB in the Pac-10. At the beginning of the season, I had Carpenter ahead of him, but he is just awful now, and Sanchez would have had to prove himself.

Arizona's Finest · October 9th, 2008, 01:07 PM

His outstanding numbers are a product of the system and that will be a knock on him when he comes out - but I think that will be a mistake.

I think his accuracy, arm, and mobility are going to make him a fine QB in the NFL. And for now the tops in the PAC which traditionally has been no faint praise.

The ultimate test will be when they play USC. I will look forward to seeing how he performs.

TJ UofA2004 · October 9th, 2008, 04:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arizona's Finest

His outstanding numbers are a product of the system and that will be a knock on him when he comes out - but I think that will be a mistake.

I think his accuracy, arm, and mobility are going to make him a fine QB in the NFL. And for now the tops in the PAC which traditionally has been no faint praise.

The ultimate test will be when they play USC. I will look forward to seeing how he performs.

Got my tickets and my USC buddies on speed dial