Names to know

Keola Antolin Arizona running back

Hardly anyone knew who Nic Grigsby was last season going into Arizona’s game with WSU. But 30 carries and 186 rushing yards later, everyone did. Hardly anyone knew who Antolin was this season going into the Wildcats’ game with California. But 21 carries and 149 yards – and three touchdowns – later, everyone did. The 5-foot-8 freshman exploded onto the Pac-10 scene against the Bears and is now sharing time with Grigsby, a sophomore.

Toby Turpin WSU defensive tackle

The 6-foot-6, 279-pound redshirt sophomore wasn’t expected to see much action this season and fell further out of the picture when he injured his thumb and needed surgery before the season. But a lack of productivity on the defensive line allowed Turpin to showcase his skills despite playing with a cast on his hand. It’s off now and Turpin’s play has taken off.

Nate Ness Arizona safety

Ness redshirted a year after coming to Tucson in 2006 from El Camino College in Southern California and played a reserve role the first six games of last season. But starter Dominic Patrick went down with an injury and Ness stepped in, picking off five passes and recording 32 tackles. He’s continued to shine this season, leading a less-experienced UA secondary with 50 tackles (second on the team).