Watch: Arizona Wildcats on Houston preparations, 'challenge' of Ed Oliver

The Arizona Wildcats are tasked with a difficult bounce-back game at Houston this week after dropping the home opener to BYU in surprising fashion.

Some of the Wildcats' struggles in Kevin Sumlin's debut looked reminiscent of those from a season ago. The defense struggled to put pressure on the quarterback (UA was seventh in sacks among the Pac-12 in 2017) and looked vulnerable on third-down conversions (11th in the Pac-12 in 2017). The offense failed to cash in on the big play and couldn't get Khalil Tate into a groove.

With Arizona's home loss to BYU, it's worth noting the Wildcats haven't started a season with consecutive losses since 1981, when they fell to UCLA and Cal at home in coach Larry Smith's second season.

After a disappointing start to said "new era" of Arizona football, five Wildcats players met with media Tuesday and talked about preparations for Houston and potential No. 1 draft pick Ed Oliver.

Tony Ellison on how Arizona can be more efficient, and how Khalil Tate’s legs open things up on offense pic.twitter.com/PZY5hnhIS8

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) September 4, 2018

So, Houston talks a lot of trash per UA receiver Tony Ellison. He wouldn’t call it a must-win though. pic.twitter.com/gOdUoza0jd

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) September 4, 2018

Senior Tony Ellison evaluates Arizona’s passing game and talks about the third quarter against BYU. Says Khalil Tate wasn’t able to find a groove. pic.twitter.com/xZ8bCeEDKV

— Dominic Baciocco (@DominicBaciocco) September 4, 2018

Business as usual. CB Tim Hough is feeling confident and says the Wildcats will be ready for Houston after a Week 1 loss. pic.twitter.com/O5acnCMsX4

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) September 4, 2018

J.J. Taylor talks about his first game as Arizona’s return man. “I want to be on the field as much as possible.” pic.twitter.com/IgRPqADNUt

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) September 4, 2018

J.J. Taylor says teams are going to realize Arizona has more than one threat on offense pic.twitter.com/NgBSwPY7YY

— Dominic Baciocco (@DominicBaciocco) September 4, 2018

Tony Fields notes Houston’s first-year offensive coordinator Kendal Briles, but says the Cougars still run a spread and UA will plan accordingly pic.twitter.com/yPAUVo2Xjt

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) September 4, 2018

Arizona’s defense on third down in 2017 ranked 11th in the Pac-12. ’17 opponents: 46.7 pct. convertedBYU in Week 1: 41.6 pct. convertedTony Fields says it will be great having Scottie Young Jr. and Jace Whitaker return this week at Houston. pic.twitter.com/uVAbd8QIKs

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) September 4, 2018

Tucson has been good to OL Tshiyombu Lukusa. He grew up in Traverse City, Michigan, and redshirted the 2016 season before transferring from Michigan State. pic.twitter.com/cSPlUaWrXK

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) September 4, 2018

Tshiyombu Lukusa says he learned to appreciate life during his year away from football while working at an adult foster care home in Traverse City, Michigan. pic.twitter.com/MOvmahNMyP

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) September 4, 2018

Nerves definitely played a factor for Arizona’s young offensive line and Tshiyombu Lukusa in his first game since 2016 pic.twitter.com/6YOGfAwWnS

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) September 4, 2018

Tshiyombu Lukusa called Houston’s potential No. 1 draft pick Ed Oliver a “challenge.” “Come 11 o’clock, know that you did everything you could to be ready for him.” pic.twitter.com/KuTxh5cj8I

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) September 4, 2018