TUCSON, Ariz. -- There's no debate this time -- Willie Tuitama played well enough in relief to be Arizona's starting
quarterback.
Wildcats coach Mike Stoops wrestled all last week with the idea
of ending the freshman's redshirt season with only five games to
go. But Tuitama ended up playing the final 3½ quarters against
Oregon and nearly led the Wildcats to an upset with an 18-of-34
performance for 182 yards, two touchdowns and an interception.
"Willie will be our starting quarterback," Stoops said Monday.
"He made some great throws and really showed some signs of being a
tremendous player."
Stoops is desperate for some help turning around the Wildcats
(1-6, 0-4 Pac-10), who have lost five straight and are guaranteed
another bowl season at home after the 28-21 loss to No. 14 Oregon.
Tuitama's first start will come against Oregon State in
Corvallis, Ore.
The freshman from Stockton, Calif., saw his first college action
after Richard Kovalcheck threw his 11th interception.
Kovalcheck, who has thrown for 10 TDs while completing 57
percent this season, will be the backup, the coach said.
"It got to the point we were not going to take it any longer,
enough was enough," Stoops said. "I got totally frustrated with
some of the decision-making with Richard. We had a guy wide open,
and he threw an interception. You have to be accountable and
responsible for the way you play."
Athletic department officials also have to be eying the fan base
-- only 48,052 attended the game -- and Tuitama drew chants of
"Willie, Willie" when he rallied the Wildcats from a 21-0
deficit.
Using a roll-out pass formation much of the time to take
advantage of Tuitama's mobility, the freshman threw touchdown
passes of 12 and 17 yards.
"I thought I did all right," Tuitama said. "I could have
gotten us in better situations but I was worried about the play
clock."