Author | Lightnews

Michael Lev

Michael Lev

@michaeljlev.bsky.social

2.2K followers 84 following 220 posts

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: [email protected] 🇨🇦🇲🇽🇺🇦

Posts Media Videos Starter Packs

Michael Lev @michaeljlev.bsky.social · 7h

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.”

Michael Lev @michaeljlev.bsky.social · 5d

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.

Michael Lev @michaeljlev.bsky.social · 7d

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

Michael Lev @michaeljlev.bsky.social · 12d

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.

Michael Lev @michaeljlev.bsky.social · 14d

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.

Michael Lev @michaeljlev.bsky.social · 14d

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.”

Michael Lev @michaeljlev.bsky.social · 16d

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.

Michael Lev @michaeljlev.bsky.social · 18d

The second is my weekly Arizona football
report card. This one requires no subscription of any sort.

speedway.tucson.com/reportcard/...

speedway.tucson.com

Michael Lev @michaeljlev.bsky.social · 18d

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.

Michael Lev @michaeljlev.bsky.social · 20d

2. Lev it on the Field. My weekly preview column touching on not only Arizona but whatever's going on in the Big 12. Topics include:

-"Hurricane Danny"
-Brent Brennan's coaching style
-The Texas Tech logo
-Wishing Coach Prime good health

tucson.com/sports/subsc...

Breaking down Arizona’s game vs. BYU, other happenings in the Big 12 | Michael Lev

Quick hits, key themes, snarky commentary and more on Arizona’s Week 7 game against BYU and other happenings around the Big 12 Conference.

Michael Lev @michaeljlev.bsky.social · 20d

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.

Michael Lev @michaeljlev.bsky.social · 25d

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/...

speedway.tucson.com

Michael Lev @michaeljlev.bsky.social · 26d

3. The latest "Cats Stats" takes a deep dive into Noah Fifita's season so far. What is he being asked to do? Is he being put in the best possible position to succeed?

tucson.com/sports/subsc...

Cats Stats: How Noah Fifita’s coaches, teammates can help the Arizona QB play better

Why has Arizona quarterback Noah Fifita been so inconsistent this year? Why hasn’t he been the best version of himself? We explore some possibilities in this week’s “Cats Stats.”

Michael Lev @michaeljlev.bsky.social · 26d

2. It's the latest "Lev it on the Field" column. Topics include:

-Side effects of in-season firings
-Last time UA was this big a favorite
-Cyclones vulnerable?
-My take on "Sandstorm" unis

tucson.com/sports/subsc...

Breaking down Arizona’s game vs. Oklahoma State, other happenings in the Big 12 | Michael Lev

Quick hits, key themes, snarky commentary and more on Arizona’s Week 6 game against Oklahoma State and other happenings around the Big 12 Conference.

Michael Lev @michaeljlev.bsky.social · 26d

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.

Michael Lev @michaeljlev.bsky.social · 28d

2. The latest "Cats Stats" dives into QB Noah Fifita's numbers and offers some ways that his support system - in particular OC Seth Doege - can help Fifita be the best version of himself.

tucson.com/sports/subsc...

Cats Stats: How Noah Fifita’s coaches, teammates can help the Arizona QB play better

Why has Arizona quarterback Noah Fifita been so inconsistent this year? Why hasn’t he been the best version of himself? We explore some possibilities in this week’s “Cats Stats.”

Michael Lev @michaeljlev.bsky.social · 28d

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.

Michael Lev @michaeljlev.bsky.social · 29d

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.

Michael Lev @michaeljlev.bsky.social · Sep 29

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.

Michael Lev @michaeljlev.bsky.social · Sep 28

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/...

speedway.tucson.com

Michael Lev @michaeljlev.bsky.social · Sep 27

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.

Michael Lev @michaeljlev.bsky.social · Sep 26

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.”

Michael Lev @michaeljlev.bsky.social · Sep 24

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.

Michael Lev @michaeljlev.bsky.social · Sep 21

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.”

Michael Lev @michaeljlev.bsky.social · Sep 19

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.