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Arizona Wildcats fans saw more sevens in the first half Saturday than a lucky slot machine player.

While the 49-point outburst should be tempered by the opponent — Idaho went 1-11 last season — it did have its surprises.

The Wildcats had more rushing yards — one more, to be exact — than passing yards in the first 30 minutes. Arizona totaled 180 ground yards, to 179 through the air.

The Wildcats finished the game with 265 rushing yards, nine more than their 256 passing yards.

How rare is that?

● Never once last year did the Air Zona attack post more rushing yards than passing yards in a game.

● Eight times last year, the Wildcats threw for at least 200 yards more than they ran.

● Twice, the difference was more than 400 yards.

● On the season, Arizona had 2,781 more passing yards than rushing yards.

In the first half Saturday, Arizona rushed for almost one-fifth of its total from all of last season (921 yards).

Running back Nic Grigsby baffled the Vandals in the first half, rushing 19 times for 169 yards and two touchdowns. The two scores matched the sophomore's total from all of last year.

Grigsby — whose career high remains a 30-carry, 186-yard showing against Washington State last year — might have helped calm some concern. The Whittier, Calif., native was ejected from the team's first scrimmage for fighting.

Those who stayed for the second half got a glimpse of the Wildcats' future under center.

Freshman Matt Scott had a flashy but uneven debut after entering the game at quarterback and playing most of the second half.

The Corona, Calif., native muffed his first college snap, but it was recovered by the Wildcats. He lost another exchange with 5:06 left in the third quarter to turn the ball over on downs.

Scott scrambled for a 5-yard touchdown a minute and a half later to give the UA a 56-0 lead. He added a 7-yard passing touchdown in the fourth quarter.

"I thought he was sloppy early," offensive coordinator Sonny Dykes said. "But what he can do is he can really make plays."

Scott, who figures to be the heir apparent to quarterback Willie Tuitama, totaled eight carries for 48 rushing yards and was 6-of-10 passing for 77 yards.

Bryson Beirne replaced Scott with about five minutes left in the game.

Dykes said Scott doesn't owe him sit-ups or laps for the fumbled snaps.

"Just a lot of work," he said. "He'll be after practice Monday through Thursday."

● At least one Gronkowski made his presence felt Saturday night. H-back Chris Gronkowski caught a 12-yard touchdown pass from Tuitama in his first game as a Wildcat

The junior's little brother, Rob, missed the game with strep throat — and could be lost for another few weeks if the team determines he has mononucleosis.

● Alex Zendejas Jr. made his first career appearance, converting two extra points and also serving as the backup punter. Zendejas — whose uncle Max is a UA kicking legend — redshirted last season.

● Former Sunnyside High School star Xavier Smith ran for his first career score — a 1-yard touchdown — to give the UA a 70-0 lead.

● Starting defensive tackle Lolomana Mikaele was suspended for Saturday's game for personal reasons, Stoops said. The coach is optimistic Mikaele will be able to play next week.