By Joel Flom
Arizona Daily Wildcat
September 24, 1997

Offensive line receives a passing grade against Ohio St.

Robert Henry Becker Arizona Daily Wildcat At the hike, the offensive line moves forward as Keith Smith (12) tries to make a running play at Saturday's Ohio State game.

Lost in Arizona's failed come-from-behind effort against Ohio State was the play of the Wildcat offensive line, which allowed only one sack and gave quarterback Keith Smith good protection in the pocket.

The line, which is manned by seniors Jose Portilla, Rusty James and Ryan Turley, junior Edwin Mulitalo and sophomore Yusuf Scott, averages 6-foot-5 and 318 pounds.

Since the Oregon game when the offense was heavily criticized for its lack of output, rushing for only 92 yards, the line has made steady improvement.

"Rusty James has been pretty consistent," UA head coach Dick Tomey said. "And Portilla. They would be the two most consistent."

Smith was also appreciative of the offensive line's play after Ohio State.

"I can say this about our offensive lineman...that was the best protection I have ever seen," Smith said. "They knew their assignments and they busted their butts."

Arizona had nearly 400 yards of total offense against the Buckeyes in the process of racking up 19 first downs.

"We still have a ways to go, but things are coming together," Portilla said.

Interestingly, four of the starting offensive linemen - Portilla, James, Turley, and Mulitalo - have all been on Mormon missions and are married.

Freshman Bruce Wiggins also made a solid contribution off the bench.

"Wiggins has given us some good minutes as a freshman," Tomey said. "But, he still has a lot to learn."

Projected backup defensive tackle Todd Thompson started the Arizona State game last season, but missed UA's opener at Oregon after a training camp concussion. He has since switched sides to join the offensive unit. Chima Ugwu, the Nigerian Olympic shot putter who played sparingly late last season has also been moved from the defense to the offensive line.

No injuries too serious

Although a few players were banged up Saturday, Tomey expects most of his players to be back in action for UCLA.

"I think everybody that got hurt will be fine," Tomey said. "I think we will be all right."

Sophomore wide receiver Dennis Northcutt suffered a bruised left leg after colliding with the Buckeyes' Andy Katzenmoyer.

Senior defensive end Mike Szlauko strained a calf muscle and has been limited in practice, but will play. Junior Offensive Tackle Edwin Mulitalo has a sore right foot and sophomore Brad Brennan suffered a strained right shoulder.

Defense anchored by in-state duo

Phoenix native Szlauko and Lakeside resident Jimmy Sprotte have been successful in taking over for NFL players Armon Williams and Van Tuinei on UA's defense this season. Szlauko, after enduring three years of various injuries, is healthier and playing some of his best football at defensive end - where now-San Diego Charger Tuinei played last year. He is currently second on the team with seven tackles for a loss and 5.5 sacks, including two against OSU. In the first game of the season, his three sacks tied his career mark.

"It's nice to be able to make an impact again," Szlauko said.

Sprotte - who has been playing the whip or 'flex' linebacker position where Williams, an All-Pacific-10 Conference selection last year who now plays with the Tennessee Oilers, played - is tied for fourth on the squad with 13 tackles. However, Sprotte's job has not been to make tackles, but to break up plays before they occur.

Return of Desert Storm???

After limiting OSU to 70 yards rushing last week, the Buckeyes' lowest total in four years and 152 under their average, Arizona is allowing an average of 61.3 yards per game on the ground. That average puts them first in the Pac-10, with their opponents gaining only 1.8 yards per carry.

"So far, our defense looks better than a year ago," Tomey said. "We will find out more about ourselves this week."

The Wildcats are also on top of the Pac-10 and fifth in the nation in total defense, giving up just 227.7 yards per game.

Led by Pac-10 Defensive Player of the Week Joe Salavéa's six sacks and Szlauko's 5.5, Arizona also ranks first in the Pac-10 with 14 sacks.