Senior staff writer
Ortege Jenkins doesn't know if he'll be starting at quarterback for Arizona in the Holiday Bowl on Dec. 30.
He doesn't really care.
Either way, he knows he'll be splitting time under center with Keith Smith - a system the Wildcats have used all year.
Jenkins, a sophomore, started five games; Smith, a junior, started seven. The duo generally alternates quarters after that. It sounds a little wacky, Jenkins said, but it works.
"We both can run, and we both have really strong arms," Jenkins said. "I work the pocket a little bit different than he does, but he throws the ball a little bit better on the run. We read defenses the same, and we both have great attitudes.
"The team feeds off both of us. Our team is 100 percent behind us - no matter who's in." Arizona finished the regular season 11-1, ranked fifth - arguably the best team in school history.
The Wildcats' only loss came Oct. 10 to UCLA. Jenkins threw for 260 yards in the losing effort.
"We failed one time," Jenkins said. "That was a big loss looking back. If we would have won, we probably would have been in the Fiesta Bowl. But that's just the way it goes."
Arizona appeared destined for the Rose Bowl to face a top-10 opponent until UCLA lost to Miami in its final game of the regular season. The Wildcats were then forced to accept a bid to play No. 14 Nebraska (9-3) in San Diego.
But all was not lost for Arizona, Jenkins said.
"We were hoping to get to the Rose Bowl," Jenkins said, "but its not about the bowl, it's who you play. We will face a strong, physical team. We have a big giant test on our hands.
"If we can wrap this win up, it will be good on our résumé. I don't believe in the saying, 'down year,' and stuff like that. Nebraska's a good team year in and year out."
Smith finished the regular season completing 107 of 161 passes for 1,679 yards, while Jenkins completed 70 of 142 for 1,011. In an offense that uses a fairly balanced attack, both quarterbacks also ran for nearly 200 yards.
The Wildcats rank 14th in the nation in rushing offense and 36th in passing offense.
"It's going to be a fast-moving game," Jenkins said. "In order to win the game, I think we have to win up front. If we establish the run, that will give us a good chance to win."
Team chemistry, Jenkins said, will also help Arizona. Jenkins said he and Smith both understand their roles on the team - and don't feel like they're in competition with each other.
"Since I got here he took me under his wing," Jenkins said. "We just developed as a whole on and off the field - me putting some of my game in his game and vice versa.
"After the games, during the week, we go eat lunch sometimes and kick it like that. Once we're around campus, it's just me and him. We're always trying to strive and work together."
And Jenkins expects it to stay that way next season.
"I think if you're 11-1, and the best team in school history, there's no reason to change anything."
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