Wildcats pumped for 'big game' against OSU

Arizona Daily Wildcat Redshirt freshman quarterback Ortege Jenkins (16) is handcuffed by a Washington defender on this play, but burned the Husky defense for most of the day. Jenkins will start tomorrow night's game even with last year's starter Keith Smith recovered from a shoulder injury. Head coach Dick Tomey did say that Smith will see some playing time.

The Wildcats host the Beavers in a contest of two teams at the bottom of the Pacific 10 Conference standings, but despite the absence of luster in the matchup, Arizona head coach Dick Tomey maintains his team is approaching tomorrow's contest with a "big game" attitude.

"Anytime you get a chance to play and improve your situation I think it's a big game," Tomey said. "Every game is a big game for us."

Arizona once again has questions at quarterback now that sophomore Keith Smith is healthy and ready to play. Tomey said redshirt freshman Ortege Jenkins will start and get the majority of playing time, but Smith will see time as well.

Despite Smith's improved health, Arizona is still rattled by injuries to running back Trung Canidate, defensive end Mike Szlauko and offensive lineman Ryan Turley.

Canidate's injury was thought to have been healed by now, but the ankle has not improved as steadily as Tomey had hoped.

"An ankle injury for a running back has to be completely well or you're just going to go out and hurt it again," Tomey said.

As for the Beavers, they too have injuries to deal with including tailback DeShawn Williams, linebacker Nate McAtee and tight end Joe Kuykendall.

Although neither team is happy right now, both coaches remain optimistic about their teams play and chances this week.

"I believe in the way we do things," Tomey said. "The best team doesn't always win, the team that plays the best wins."

Oregon State head coach Mike Riley said his team has yet to reach their full potential.

"We've been close in some Pac-10 games where we've had real good opportunities," Riley said. "We haven't gotten over the hump. We have competed well and people recognize that."

The game will feature two of the conferences most exciting quarterbacks in Jenkins and OSU's Tim Alexander.

Jenkins has been near-perfect since taking over the starting role as the Wildcats' signal caller.

He has tossed 13 touchdown passes against two interceptions and ranks eighth in the Pac-10 in passing efficiency.

Alexander leads his team in rushing and passing with 408 and 1202 yards, respectively, but has thrown only three touchdown passes and seven interceptions.

The Beavers' offense as a whole has struggled, ranking no better than seventh in the conference's four offensive categories: scoring, rushing, passing and total offense.

The Beavers only average 19.8 points per game and are the only team not averaging 100 yards per game on the ground, leaving Riley to wonder whether his team will break through.

"It's been interesting, that's one thing I'll say about it," Riley said. "Up to last week I was really excited about the way our team played and competed each week and we gave ourselves the opportunity to be in games and win some games. And we have had some bonafide opportunities in some other games."

Homecoming '97

UA vs. OSU

(3-5, 1-4) (3-5, 0-5)

When: Tomorrow at 7:07 p.m.

Where: Arizona Stadium

TV/Radio: Televised by KTTU-TV (UPN-18) and broadcast on KNST (AM790).

What: Both teams try to avoid a last place finish in the Pac-10, Arizona is tied for seventh while the Beavers are 10th ... Arizona has won six straight against Oregon St. and is 17-2-1 overall dating back to 1966 ... The Wildcats have never lost to the Beavers in Tucson.