Pac-12 reveals 2018-19 conference schedule pairings

Now we have a better idea when and where Arizona will be playing during conference season

The Pac-12 released the weekly matchups and site designations for the 2018-19 conference season on Monday, so now we have a better idea of what the Arizona Wildcats’ conference schedule looks like.

Note that the specific dates and times for each game will be announced later this summer after selections by the league’s television partners are finalized. All 108 Conference games will be televised by either Pac-12 Network, ESPN/2/U, FOX/FS1 or CBS.

As we already knew, Arizona does not host USC or UCLA this year, and it does not face Washington or Washington State on the road due to the nature of the Pac-12’s rotating schedule.

While the Wildcats’ non-conference schedule has not been officially announced yet, some notable games include a home game against Baylor, a road game at Alabama, a road game at UConn, and then the Maui Invitational which will pit Arizona against the likes of Duke, Gonzaga, Xavier, Illinois, Iowa State, San Diego State, and Auburn.

Without further ado, here is how Arizona’s conference schedule shakes out, along with some very brief analysis.

Week of Jan. 2-6

Colorado/Utah at Arizona/Arizona State

Arizona opens at home against the Mountain schools, which is a great opportunity to begin conference play 2-0.

Week of Jan. 9-13

Arizona/Arizona State at California/Stanford

Cal and Stanford are expected to be two of the weaker teams in the conference — especially since Reid Travis left Palo Alto — so it’s easy to imagine Arizona starting 4-0 in the Pac-12. The Bay Area is never an easy place to get a sweep, though.

Week of Jan. 16-20

Oregon/Oregon State at Arizona/Arizona State

The Arizona-Oregon game will be big. The Ducks are perceived as the most talented team in the conference and can really assert their dominance in the Pac-12 with a road win in McKale Center.

It will also be a chance for the revamped Wildcats to show that they are a force to reckoned with.

Week of Jan. 23-27

Arizona/Arizona State at UCLA/USC

USC and UCLA are both expected to be top-25 caliber teams, so this will be the most difficult road trip of the season.

Week of Jan. 30-Feb. 3

Arizona at Arizona State

If the L.A. road trip doesn’t go well, Arizona won’t have an easy weekend to rebound from it. It seems like this three-game stretch will define Arizona’s conference season.

Week of Feb. 6-10

Washington/Washington State at Arizona/Arizona State

Washington State is bad, but UW is expected to take a major step forward since it returns all of its key contributors.

Maybe the Huskies can steal a win in McKale Center?

Week of Feb. 13-17

Arizona/Arizona State at Colorado/Utah

Another dangerous road trip. If Arizona avoids a sweep, it will be a success.

Week of Feb. 20-24

California/Stanford at Arizona/Arizona State

Probably the easiest weekend of the conference season. Have to win both.

Week of Feb. 27-March 3

Arizona/Arizona State at Oregon/Oregon State

This weekend should feature two challenging games for the Wildcats. Obviously Oregon will be difficult to beat (probably unlikely), but don’t forget UA had trouble in Corvallis last year. And the Beavers should be better this season, since most of their top players are back, including potential Pac-12 Player of the Year Tres Tinkle.

Week of March 6-9

Arizona State at Arizona

Arizona ends conference play with a rivalry game against the Sun Devils. Those games are always heated, but it could be a must-win for Arizona if it finds itself on the NCAA Tournament bubble.

Also, having one game in the final regular-season weekend means Arizona should be a little extra rested before the postseason.

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