Quarterback Bobby Watters of the University of...

Quarterback Bobby Watters of the University of Arizona, a transfer from SMU, will miss the rest of the season because of a fractured right thumb suffered during the Wildcats’ 34-24 loss to UCLA Saturday, Wildcat Coach Dick Tomey said.

Tomey said Arizona will petition the Pac-10 for restoration of this season’s eligibility under the hardship rule.

Freshman Ronnie Veal becomes the Wildcats’ starter. Tomey said the new backup will be either second-string freshman safety Jeff Hammerschmidt, who was a high school quarterback at La Mesa, Calif., or junior walk-on Stuart Betty, a transfer from Cerritos College who formerly starred at La Mirada High School.