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The UA football team didn't make a bowl in 2007, didn't even have a winning record. But say this for the Wildcats: They were never boring, especially on offense.

The pass-happy Air Zona offense averaged 385 yards and 28 points per game, a vast improvement over a 2006 season ruined by the Cats' offensive ineptitude. Quarterback Willie Tuitama set UA single-season records for most passing yards (3,683), attempts (524), completions (327) and touchdowns (28). Wide receiver Mike Thomas scored 11 touchdowns and finished with one of the best seasons in UA history. Tight end Rob Gronkowski caught six touchdowns, each a rumbling, three-guys-on-his-back affair.

Sonny Dykes said he expects even more from his team in 2008. In an interview with the Star on Monday, the Wildcats' offensive coordinator spelled out his expectations for next season, ranging from the basic — the Wildcats need a new left tackle — to the more nebulous. The Wildcats, Dykes said, must learn the intimate details of the attack before they can truly find comfort — and success — in the system. Arizona isn't there yet — the offense struggled in Saturday's 20-17 loss at Arizona State.

The Wildcats finished the season 5-7 overall and 4-5 in the Pac-10; as a result, they will miss the postseason for the ninth consecutive season.

"You're always going to have the most improvement from Year 1 to Year 2," Dykes said. "We'll play better next year than we did this year. The biggest thing is that we've got to get the guys we have better. That's going to be critical for us."

Luckily, Dykes and the Wildcats' other offensive coaches have a foundation to build on. Ten offensive starters, including Tuitama, are expected to return in 2008.

Tuitama is coming off a breakthrough season, one that saw him break or tie 17 offensive records while avoiding the injuries that plagued his first two seasons under center.

Thomas will try to build on a career season catching the ball. Delashaun Dean, Terrell Reese and Terrell Turner are coming off breakthrough seasons, and Earl Mitchell appears set as the fullback. Arizona's biggest improvement could come from its youngest players.

Nicolas Grigsby will be asked to gain 15-20 pounds this off-season after rushing for 704 yards as a true freshman. Gronkowski, another freshman, caught 28 pass for 525 yards and six touchdowns this season. The 6-foot-6-inch, 260-pound Gronkowski is expected to get better — and maybe even bigger — in 2008. The improvement of those two, and the expected arrival of tailback Ryan Bass, wide receiver Juron Criner and quarterback Matt Scott, could change the way Arizona approaches the spread offense.

The Wildcats' 385 yards per game placed them 67th nationally. A year ago, the Wildcats finished 115th out of 119 teams.

"Our opportunities are endless" next season, Gronkowski said. "I think our whole offense returns besides two or three guys. We should be real powerful next year."

To get there, Arizona must continue to show growth in the offense. Tuitama stayed healthy in 2007 but struggled with consistency and decision-making. He turned the ball over three times against ASU.

"We were kind of shooting ourselves in the foot the whole time," Tuitama said.

Thomas was a force, but tired out because of lack of depth at wide receiver. Grigsby was a big-play runner, but often struggled to pass-block. The Wildcats have yet to fully find a way to utilize Mitchell as the fullback.

"I think there isn't any question that we're further along as a program because we have an offense to build off that can really take us to another level," head coach Mike Stoops said. "I don't think we're there yet, by any stretch of the imagination. The offense has a long way to go, but we're on the right track."

How the Wildcats respond could mark the difference between a bowl game and another December spent at home.

"We need to become more detail-oriented," Dykes said. "That's what makes the whole thing work — the little details."