Michael Lev
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Michael Lev
@michaeljlev.bsky.social
He/him. Senior writer/columnist for the Arizona Daily Star. Also: husband, father, softball pitcher, Gulf of Mexico stan. Got a story idea? Email me: mlev@tucson.com 🇨🇦🇲🇽🇺🇦
Football content incoming!

1. Five Takeaways from Arizona 41, Baylor 17, including the vibe in the building (pretty good and enhanced by the shirtless bros in the upper deck)

tucson.com/sports/subsc...
5 takeaways from Arizona football’s 41-17 victory over Baylor | Michael Lev
Michael Lev column: Breaking down Arizona’s resounding win over Baylor, including the Wildcats’ vastly improved depth; another defensive masterpiece; a new weapon wearing No. 4; and more.
tucson.com
November 23, 2025 at 5:30 PM
The latest "Lev it on the Field" column is online and available for your consumption! Topics include:

-Changing what "This is Arizona football" means
-Noah Fifita's assault on the UA record book
-Brent Brennan's "On to Cincinnati" moment

tucson.com/sports/subsc...
Breaking down Arizona football’s game at Cincinnati, other Big 12 happenings | Michael Lev
Quick hits, key themes, snarky commentary and more on Arizona football’s Week 12 game against Cincinnati and other happenings around the Big 12 Conference.
tucson.com
November 14, 2025 at 9:28 PM
Should Arizona run the ball more? You're not the only one thinking that.

But "balance" is in the eye of the beholder.

I examine what I call the Wildcats' "true" running rate and where they stack up against their Big 12 peers in the latest Cats Stats.

tucson.com/sports/subsc...
Cats Stats: Seth Doege believes Arizona’s offense is balanced; what do the numbers say?
As Arizona football treks to Cincinnati, the latest “Cats Stats” tackles a question on many UA fans’ minds: Do the Wildcats run the ball as much as they should?
tucson.com
November 13, 2025 at 5:16 PM
The latest @ArizonaFBall report card is LIVE. No subscription required to read/participate.

Sneak preview:

QB: B-minus
OL: C-minus
DB: ????
Coaching B-plus

speedway.tucson.com/reportcard/...
Report Card
speedway.tucson.com
November 9, 2025 at 7:47 PM
A little pregame reading for ya ... Lev it on the Field! Topics include:

-Can Arizona becomes something more than a basketball school?
-Evidence of real improvement
-The maturation of Bobby Wade

tucson.com/sports/subsc...
November 8, 2025 at 6:54 PM
New from me: It's the latest Cats Stats!

In this one, I examine how the passing game was different vs. Houston - more bubble screens, quick game, intermediate routes - and how that could be a formula for success for Noah Fifita & Co.

tucson.com/sports/subsc...
Cats Stats: Short, quick passes offer path to prosperity for QB Fifita, Arizona offense
Arizona’s offensive approach vs. Houston allowed quarterback Noah Fifita to flourish. The Wildcats would be wise to replicate it vs. Colorado and beyond, as we explain in “Cats Stats.”
tucson.com
October 31, 2025 at 1:52 AM
New one from me for @tucson.com subscribers on Brent Brennan and the overall state of affairs with Arizona football. This piece goes in some unexpected directions.

tucson.com/sports/subsc...
On Brent Brennan, the state of Arizona football and a lasting 1st impression | Michael Lev
Michael Lev column: Brent Brennan has Arizona football pointed in the right direction. But he’s reached point where close losses aren’t good enough. The Wildcats have to start winning.
tucson.com
October 25, 2025 at 4:50 PM
My good friend @pjbrown024.bsky.social recently launched a Substack about women's sports. I can think of no better person to tell those stories than PJ.

If you're into women's sports (or know someone who is), please check it out. Here's a sample:

theundercovered.substack.com/p/spend-a-fe...
Spend a few good minutes with ... former Arizona and pro basketball player Sam Thomas
Thomas on her life after playing basketball
theundercovered.substack.com
October 23, 2025 at 5:16 PM
Good morning! Here's some pregame reading for @tucson.com subscribers. Topics in this week's "Lev it on the Field" column include:

-Why the Houston game is so important for Brent Brennan
-Texas Tech's tortilla trouble
-ASU's throwbacks
-"19 seconds"

tucson.com/sports/subsc...
Breaking down Arizona’s game vs. Houston, other happenings in the Big 12 | Michael Lev
Quick hits, key themes, snarky commentary and more on Arizona’s Week 8 game against Houston and other happenings around the Big 12 Conference.
tucson.com
October 18, 2025 at 3:29 PM
Lunchtime read ...

What's going on with Arizona softball? Get the lowdown from the head coach herself, Caitlin Lowe, in this Q&A:

tucson.com/sports/colle...
UA softball coach Caitlin Lowe on portal, rebuilt pitching staff, finding ‘right people’
A Q&A with Arizona softball coach Caitlin Lowe, who discusses the Wildcats’ busy offseason, what she’s seen from the newcomers this fall and more.
tucson.com
October 16, 2025 at 7:32 PM
I guarantee you won't find a more thorough breakdown of Arizona football's red-zone issues than right here in the latest "Cats Stats."

(big thanks to my research department - i.e., me)

tucson.com/sports/subsc...
Cats Stats: Dissecting Arizona’s red-zone woes entering difficult matchup at Houston
Why has Arizona football struggled so much in the red zone? We break down where it’s gone wrong — and how to make it right — in “Cats Stats.”
tucson.com
October 16, 2025 at 5:08 PM
Although the home debut of the Tucson Baseball Team has been delayed, the club is scheduled to open its season Wednesday at Hermosillo. Here's a primer I put together on the Tucson Baseball Team and the Mexican Pacific Winter League:

tucson.com/sports/colle...
Primer on Tucson Baseball Team, Mexican Winter League as club awaits home debut
Although its home debut has been delayed, the Tucson Baseball team is scheduled to play ball Wednesday at Hermosillo. Here’s a primer on the club and its league.
tucson.com
October 14, 2025 at 10:24 PM
Two new items for you ...

The first, for @tucson.com subscribers, is 5 Takeaways. I get into everything, including the second-half coaching decisions and the play-calling in the red zone.

tucson.com/sports/subsc...
5 takeaways from Arizona football’s 33-27 double-overtime loss to BYU | Michael Lev
Michael Lev column: Breaking down Arizona football’s double-overtime loss to BYU, including a positive development for the Wildcats, some dubious decisions, red-zone struggles and more.
tucson.com
October 12, 2025 at 8:16 PM
A *flood* of Arizona football content is coming your way today. Here are my two pieces for @tucson.com subscribers:

1. Cats Stats. I tried to determine whose defense has actually been better, UA or BYU. A case can be made for the Wildcats.

tucson.com/sports/subsc...
Cats Stats: Arizona vs. BYU is a battle of elite defenses; which one is better?
In the latest “Cats Stats,” we break down the battle of elite defenses between Arizona and BYU. Who has the edge? An analysis of the numbers reveals a surprising outcome.
tucson.com
October 10, 2025 at 6:43 PM
The latest Arizona football football report card is LIVE. No subscription needed to read/participate.

Sneak peek:

WR/TE: A-
DL/LB: A-
DB: A

speedway.tucson.com/reportcard/...
Report Card
speedway.tucson.com
October 5, 2025 at 5:18 PM
Morning reads ...

1. What's the latest with the Tucson Baseball Team? How did Arizona Baseball fare at the Mexican Baseball Fiesta? Full report from Kino Stadium.

tucson.com/sports/colle...
Mexican Baseball Fiesta: Tucson Baseball Team makes Kino debut; U of A rallies
Mexican Baseball Fiesta notebook: On the Tucson Baseball Team’s ongoing preparations and plans for opening night, Arizona’s emphatic rally against Hermosillo and more.
tucson.com
October 4, 2025 at 3:32 PM
Two new pieces from me today for
@tucson.com subscribers:

1. On Brian Hook building a culture of discipline and accountability at Flowing Wells, where the long-downtrodden football team is off to a 5-0 start

tucson.com/sports/subsc...
Culture, discipline elevate unbeaten Flowing Wells football team | Michael Lev
Michael Lev column: Flowing Wells football is off to a 5-0 start, matching its win total from last season. A culture of discipline and accountability has fueled the Caballeros’ turnaround.
tucson.com
October 2, 2025 at 10:28 PM
Latest from me: An Arizona women's basketball notebook! Featuring:

-A homecoming for Achol Magot
-Another comeback for Montaya Dew?

tucson.com/sports/colle...
Redshirt sophomore returns home to Tucson with Arizona women’s basketball
Arizona women’s basketball notebook: On center Achol Magot’s return to Tucson and improvement as a player; forward Montaya Dew’s loyalty and determination; and more.
tucson.com
October 1, 2025 at 10:16 PM
ICYMI ... 5 Takeaways from Arizona-Iowa State:

-Defensive breakdowns
-Fifita's issues
-Special-teams woes
-Dubious decisions
-Optimism despite all of the above

tucson.com/sports/subsc...
5 takeaways from the Arizona Wildcats’ 39-14 loss to No. 14 Iowa State | Michael Lev
Michael Lev column: Breaking down Arizona’s 39-14 loss at Iowa State on Saturday, including defensive lapses, Noah Fifita’s accuracy issues, special-teams blunders and more.
tucson.com
September 29, 2025 at 2:47 AM
The latest UA football report card is LIVE.

Offensive line: B+
Special Teams: D
Coaching: ???

Check it out here. No subscription needed.

speedway.tucson.com/reportcard/...
Report Card
speedway.tucson.com
September 28, 2025 at 5:34 PM
Every week during the Arizona Football season we "Lev it on the Field" for @tucson.com subscribers. Topics include:

-The Summer They Turned Gritty
-UA and BYU in exclusive club
-Depth-chart deniers
-Those sweet West Virginia throwbacks
-UA upset = Top 25?

tucson.com/sports/subsc...
Breaking down Arizona’s game at Iowa State, other happenings in the Big 12 | Michael Lev
Quick hits, key themes, snarky commentary and more on Arizona’s Week 5 game against Iowa State and other happenings around the Big 12 Conference.
tucson.com
September 27, 2025 at 3:45 PM
My latest for @tucson.com subscribers ... Cats Stats!

This week's edition is an in-depth breakdown of the critical matchup between Iowa State's offense and Arizona's defense on third down. Lots of tasty nuggets in here.

tucson.com/sports/subsc...
Cats Stats: 3rd downs will decide winner between Iowa State offense, Arizona defense
Iowa State is proficient at converting third downs. Arizona excels at thwarting them. Who will have the edge in Ames? We explore that topic in the latest “Cats Stats.”
tucson.com
September 26, 2025 at 9:37 PM
My latest for @tucson.com subscribers: It's the fall debut of News + Views!

I've got items on all of the "Big 5" UA sports:

-Football (NFL Cats)
-Men's hoops (ceiling)
-Women's hoops (recruiting)
-Baseball (top FR)
-Softball (present v future)

tucson.com/sports/subsc...
On NFL Wildcats, Becky Burke’s recruiting, men’s hoops’ ceiling, more | Michael Lev
Michael Lev column: News and views on Arizona Wildcats in the NFL, women’s basketball coach Becky Burke’s recruiting efforts, UA baseball newcomers and more.
tucson.com
September 24, 2025 at 5:14 PM
My latest for @tucson.com subscribers ...

Baseball? Football? Why not both?

Oct. 11 will be an epic sports day in Tucson with the Arizona Fall League coming to town and Arizona fooball playing BYU.

Column:

tucson.com/sports/subsc...
Double-dipping encouraged with Arizona Fall League tripleheader on tap | Michael Lev
The Oct. 11 Arizona Fall League tripleheader at Kino falls on the same Saturday as an Arizona football home game. It’s an opportunity to experience “the ultimate sports day.”
tucson.com
September 21, 2025 at 9:33 PM
My latest for @tucson.com subscribers ...

@ArizonaVBall plays at No. 1 Nebraska on Saturday. Kind of a big deal!

The Wildcats head to Lincoln on a 3-game losing streak.

On the matchup with the Cornhuskers and what it could mean for the UA program:

tucson.com/sports/subsc...
UA volleyball set to visit No. 1 Nebraska; are the Wildcats ready for this? | Michael Lev
Michael Lev column: Arizona’s women’s volleyball has a major opportunity to prove itself with a match at No. 1 Nebraska, which has the best home-court advantage in the sport.
tucson.com
September 19, 2025 at 8:32 PM