KING

TUCSON, Ariz. -- Arizona's spread offense is a year older and quarterback Willie Tuitama is ready to air it out.

The Wildcats open their season Saturday night against Idaho, which was 1-11 last year and ranked 118th ranked nationally in passing efficiency defense.

"I think we will have a lot more firepower. We are going to move the ball," Tuitama said about being in the second year of the Texas Tech-modeled spread attack. "That is how we all feel and that is what we should do."

Arizona, 5-7 last year, return 10 offensive starters but will be without a big threat in tight end Rob Gronkowski, who is out at least this week with strep throat.

His absence likely will force the Wildcats to go with more of a four and five receiver set as coaches had thought Gronkowski could catch between 50 to 100 passes this season.

Tuitama led the Pac-10 last season with 28 touchdown passes and threw for 3,683 yards.

Arizona averaged 28 points and 372 yards in 2007, up 12 points and nearly 130 yards from the previous season.

Idaho gave up 37 points and 419 total yards per game in 2007.

"Defensively, they have struggled stopping people consistently, but I believe they will be a much improved team," Arizona coach Mike Stoops said. "I know they are excited about improving. We are going to worry about us and prepare for everything we can."

The Vandals are looking for a turnaround in coach Robb Akey's second season. Idaho has had to fill in holes on defense, and is relying on quarterback Nathan Enderle to get off to a better start.

Enderle struggled in his collegiate debut a year ago at USC.

"He has grown up a lot since then," Akey said. "He is taking command of our offense and putting the ball where it belongs. The fact we are playing a Pac-10 opponent will be a good test for him and for us to find out where we are and see if I have reason to have confidence."

Idaho will be facing an Arizona defense with only three starters returning, including a brand new front line.

That might open up a few holes for Deonte Jackson, who rushed for 1,175 yards as a freshman in 2007.

"He is a guy you have to be aware of all the time. He can crease you and is an excellent runner," Stoops said of Jackson. "He is a big time player who really makes them go."