If It Comes Down To A Kick…

Arizona survived in overtime against Toledo, winning 24-17 in its home and season opener Saturday.

Some drama might have been avoided, however, had Wildcats kicker John Bonano not missed short field goal tries from 24 and 25 yards in the second half. Bonano, a senior, finished the night 1-for-3 on field goals, making a 26-yarder.

How will Bonano bounce back? Arizona coach Rich Rodriguez prefers practice over psychology.

“I’ve never been one to sit down and have a Dr. Phil moment with any of the players, kickers or otherwise,” Rodriguez said. “If there’s something not right and you’re not doing something as well as you can, then go practice it more.

“If you’re not making your free throws, go shoot free throws. If you’re not making kicks, go kick. John and the rest of our guys go out and do that.”

Arizona endured kicking problems a year ago, leading to Bonano taking over those chores in the fourth game. He finished with eight makes in 12 attempts, with a long of 47 yards at Washington.

In a kick-off, so to speak, the Cowboys would figure to have an edge with Quinn Sharp, although Sharp missed his only try against Savannah State, a 46-yard attempt.