PACIFIC 10 FOOTBALL / DAN HAFNER : Stanford Should Provide Test for Arizona

From day one, this has been a big year for Arizona football. Beginning with a resounding 29-0 victory over powerful Miami in the Fiesta Bowl, everything good has happened to the Wildcats.

That surprisingly easy victory over a national power thrust Arizona football into prominence for about the first time. The only Pacific 10 Conference team that hasn’t played in the Rose Bowl is now the favorite to win the conference title.

“This hasn’t just been something good for our football program, it has given a big lift to the entire state,” Coach Dick Tomey said. “You can see the pride in the state.”

In fact, the biggest problem Tomey had before the season was to get his players’ minds on football.

“I had to keep reminding them that all we have accomplished won’t mean a thing unless we again prove ourselves on the football field,” Tomey said.

“But if there was a problem, the Georgia Tech game took care of it. We played pretty well, but we kept making mistakes and made it difficult to win. It showed us everyone wanted to beat us. It turned out to be a good opener.”

The Wildcats followed the tough comeback victory over Georgia Tech with an impressive romp over New Mexico State.

They figure to get their first real test Saturday when they go visit high-scoring Stanford. After a tie with Northwestern, Stanford was impressive last week against San Jose State.

It will be a matchup of the best offense, Stanford’s, and the best defense, Arizona’s, in the Pac-10.

Last year, in a disappointing season for Coach Bill Walsh, the Cardinal had no defense, almost no running attack, and a tremendous quarterback in Steve Stenstrom. Stenstrom is back, better than ever, the running attack is much improved and the defense is coming along.

“We have a very promising young team,” Walsh said. “I am excited about the future. I’m just not sure if we are ready for a team as good as Arizona yet.

“While Mike Mitchell is much improved over last year, the sophomore tailback has never seen anything like the Arizona defense.”

Stanford used the romp over San Jose State to build on the running game. In an unusual turn for Stanford, Stenstrom didn’t throw his first pass until the 18th minute of the game. Mitchell carried 21 times for 179 yards and a touchdown.

“We will try to run,” Walsh said. “But we know if we have a chance to win, it will be Stenstrom’s passing.”

Until well into 1993, Arizona was known strictly for its defense. But Danny White began to improve and the Wildcats developed a strong running game. In their last six games, the Wildcats have averaged 30 points.

“You can no longer treat them as a defensive team,” Walsh said. “White has improved and they have fine runners. This is a tough team.”

Tomey says that Arizona, the only Pac-10 team ranked in the top 10, hasn’t given a good effort yet.

“I don’t think either of the teams we beat are in the class with Stanford,” he said. “Last year Stanford was down, but it gave us a major scare. We know better than to underestimate Bill Walsh.”

The Wildcats are No. 8 in both national polls, but they made a big impression on New Mexico State Coach Jim Hess. His Aggies played No. 1 Florida and Arizona on successive Saturdays, losing to Florida, 70-21, and to Arizona, 44-0.

Asked to compare the two teams, Hess said, “I really like the Arizona defense. Defensively, there’s no question who’s better. But both teams moved the ball so well, how could you tell on offense?”

Tomey acknowledges concern with one part of his defense. In recent years, the Wildcat defense caused many turnovers. In the first two games, the defense has caused none.

“But that’s quibbling,” Tomey said. “I like this team.”

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Early season disappointments abound in the conference. When Arizona State and California play Saturday, one of them figures to be back on the right track.

The Bears, boasting a top quarterback in Dave Barr, were stunned by San Diego State and Hawaii in their first two games after being touted as a candidate for the Rose Bowl. They need to open Pac-10 play with a victory.

The Sun Devils are 1-2. They opened with a victory over Oregon State. After the expected loss to Miami, they played host to Louisville last week. The Cardinals tried to give it away with five turnovers and penalties totaling 161 yards. Yet, Louisville won, 25-22, on a late field goal.

The Sun Devils should be primed for a major effort, because it will mark the return to Strawberry Canyon of Coach Bruce Snyder, who left the Bears to go to Arizona State.

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Napoleon Kaufman takes his Heisman Trophy run into Miami when Washington takes on the Hurricanes on Saturday. He needs another outstanding game to remain a candidate.

Miami is a solid favorite, having routed Arizona State two weeks ago. But the Huskies, who beat ranked Ohio State, could provide a tight game, especially if quarterback Damon Huard plays as he did against the Buckeyes. When Huard is passing well, it makes it much tougher to defend against Kaufman, who has gained 363 yards in two games.

Miami and Washington shared the 1991 national championship, but this is their first meeting.