2008 OUTLOOK: The spread offense does work in the Pac-10. Arizona has all but one starter returning from a unit that will add a deeper arsenal to the attack with two-plus year starting quarterback Willie Tuitama getting more comfortable. Having a bunch of returnees back from a year ago on defense didn't work out for the Wildcats, who gave up 27 points and 373 yards. Arizona coach Mike Stoops is battling complacency on offense. The defense is anything but going through the paces -- only safeties Nate Ness and Cam Nelson, along with linebacker Ronnie Palmer, are back. The backups are quicker but lack any sort of playing experience.

SCOUTING THE OFFENSE
The Wildcats were 10th nationally in passing a year ago, throwing for 309 yards per game while scoring 28 points. Those numbers were far better than expected considering it was the first year in the Texas Tech-like spread attack. Arizona has the receivers to go with four or five wideouts, plus possibly the best tight end around in Rob Gronkowski. Sophomore tailback Nic Grigsby rushed for over 700 yards, but the Wildcats were 114th in rushing, a stat the coaches stress needs improvement.

SCOUTING THE DEFENSE
A completely new front four does not have a lot of size or experience. Add two linebackers who have not earned starting time and a pair of brand new corners, and there is a lot of room for concern. Arizona coaches are relying on competition, and youthful exuberance can help improve production. Not having four-year starting cornerbacks Antoine Cason and Wilrey Fontenot might make that the more headline-making position of worry, but avoiding being pushed around up front will be critical.

SCOUTING THE SPECIAL TEAMS
The Wildcats entered the 2007 season knowing little about punter Keenyn Crier and placekicker Jason Bondzio. They both flourished. Crier led the Pac-10 with a 43.4-yard average, while Bondzio made 21 of 26 field goals. Mike Thomas returned punts but will add kicks to his list of duties.

ROSTER REPORT

--Arizona suspended defensive end Johnathan Turner from team functions for the last two weeks of spring for undisclosed reasons, while walk-on defensive tackle Josh Lewis was indefinitely kicked off for violation of team rules.

--Offensive tackles Phillip Garcia and Adam Grant both watched from the sidelines throughout the spring while rehabbing knee injuries. Both are expected to compete for starting action in the fall.

--Receiver B.J. Dennard was on crutches and not on the field the last three weeks of spring for an injured knee.

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