QB Nick Foles is showing complete command of the UA offense/Photo by Rick Osentoski-US PRESSWIRE

NOTE: This part of the weekly “Nothin’ But The Notes” column at WildcatSportsReport.com, written by me and Javier Morales. Follow the link for more football and loads of basketball recruiting.

One of the many encouraging things about Arizona’s opening game against the Toledo was the absolute control, the calmness, that quarterback Nick Foles showed.

Even when the offense sputtered in the first half, there was absolutely no panic, and first-year quarterbacks coach Frank Scelfo said that comes from Foles being a dedicated student of he game in the offseason.

“The thing with Nick is that he’s knowledgeable,” Scelfo said. “He knew what he was doing. He felt comfortable with the game plan. It’s like taking a test and knowing the answers. He had a great offseason.”

One thing Scelfo and head coach Mike Stoops mentioned as an area of improvement is getting to the line and getting the ball snapped fast.

“We have a chance to put the defense at a little bit of a disadvantage is we can pick up the tempo a little bit more,” Scelfo said.

Trivia question
Did you know that there are seven former Arizona football assistants who are now head coaches at some level of college football? Probably not. Question is, how many can you name? Answer below.

More Matt
Backup Matt Scott has been earning positive offseason reviews from coaches and media for his improvement over last season. Here is Scelfo on how Scott did against Toledo: “We got the same guy in the game that we have been getting in practice which is what we wanted to see.”

Scott should get ample time Saturday night against The Citadel (perhaps Bryson Beirne, too, which would be good to see). The thing about Scott is that it looks as if he has a great chance to be more than just a running change-up when he comes in the game, which will keep defenses honest.

Run, Nic, run
The 36-yard touchdown run against Toledo was vintage Nic Grigsby, using his great change-of-direction kills to cut past defenders on the way to the end zone. He said that run felt a bit like it was in slow motion, as he was able to pick up the defenders and make adjustments to avoid them.

“When I first got here, it was going 110 miles an hour,” he said. “The next year it slowed down. The next year, it slowed down again. Now, it’s like I can feel everything. I can feel guys flowing on the field, and that’s just part of experience.”

Trivia answer
Trivia answer about former UA assistant coaches: Seven. They are (with years at Arizona in parentheses):

Sonny Dykes (2007-09), Louisiana Tech; Rich Ellerson (1992-1995; 1997-2000), Army; Pat Hill (1990-91), Fresno State; Rob Ianello (1993-2002), Akron; Ron McBride (1987-1989), Weber State; Mose Rison (2003), North Carolina Central; Eric Wolford (2004-06), Youngstown State.

Much, much more at WSR’s “Nothing But the Notes”.