It’s fair to say that the Kevin Sumlin era has not gotten off to a good start at Arizona.
Sumlin and offensive coordinator Noel Mazzone were heavily criticized Saturday as the Wildcats fell behind Houston early, in large part because quarterback Khalil Tate continued to struggle mightily. Though Tate went 5-of-10 in the first quarter for 61 yards, throwing a key interception. The dual-threat quarterback also got nothing going on the ground, running just three times for a total of negative five yards, struggling on the ground for the second week in a row. The Cougars ended up with a 21-0 lead after just one quarter of play.
Twitter immediately blasted Sumlin and Mazzone for their game plan, with many arguing their offense was neutering one of college football’s most dynamic players.
What in the world is Noel Mazzone doing? He’s turning Khalil Tate into a guy who throws screens and hands it off.
— Dan Wolken (@DanWolken) September 8, 2018
WTH is Sumlin doing with Khalil Tate???
— Dave Softy Mahler (@Softykjr) September 8, 2018
The only coach in America who has stopped Khalil Tate is Kevin Sumlin. What on earth is happening there?
— Gregg Doyel (@GreggDoyelStar) September 8, 2018
After seeing what Sumlin is doing with Khalil Tate it’s no wonder so many QBs transferred from his Aggie team.
— C&C Machine – Oklahoma SB Nation (@CCMachine) September 8, 2018
Based on Kevin Sumlin’s track record, Khalil Tate will announce his transfer at halftime
— Justis Mosqueda (@JuMosq) September 8, 2018
It is quite surprising that Kevin Sumlin and Noel Mazzone are ruining a good quarterback.
— Robert O'Neill (@RobertONeill31) September 8, 2018
Maybe it was a bad sign that Sumlin got his new quarterback’s name wrong upon taking the job. Tate was listed as a preseason Heisman contender, but that looks increasingly unlikely with each passing snap. Tate has played terribly, but many will argue that his coaches aren’t putting him in position to succeed.
