Washington Huskies opponent preview: Week 7 – Arizona Wildcats
Herb Nightengale
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After two straight road losses, The Washington Huskies look to get back on track as they host Arizona on Saturday.
It was a disappointing road loss for the Washington Huskies at Arizona State last week. They are clearly a better team at Husky Stadium, which is where UW squares off with Arizona on Saturday.
The Wildcats had their troubles last week as well. Arizona was blown out at home, 49-22, by Oregon last week.
Arizona by the Numbers
Record: 3-3
Offensive production
Points per game: 30.7 (7th in Pac-12).
Rushing yards per game: 132.5 (10th).
Passing yards per game: 322.5 (2nd).
Defensive production
Points allowed per game: 34.2 (11th).
Rushing yards allowed per game: 228.8 (11th).
Passing yards allowed per game: 201.8 (3rd).
History
The Washington Huskies lead 25–11-1 and have won five straight games against Arizona.
Arizona Offense
Quarterback
Arizona starts sophomore Jayden de Laura, a transfer from Washington State. Last week against Oregon, de Laura completed 24 of 42 passes for 241 yards with 1 touchdown and 1 interception.
Against Colorado the previous week, JDL had his career-best game. The native Hawaiian completed 71.7% of his passes for 484 yards and 6 touchdowns, with no interceptions.
Washington must pressure de Laura to make it easier for their young cornerbacks. It won’t be easy, Arizona gives up only 1.33 sacks per game, and JDL is a mobile QB.
Running back
Michael Wiley, Jonah Coleman, and DJ Williams have been close to a running back by committee, although Wiley is the starter. Last week Wiley left early due to an oblique injury. His status for Saturday is unknown.
If the junior is a no-go, the Wildcats still have talent in the backfield. Coleman, a freshman, has 45 carries for 217 and 2 touchdowns. Meanwhile, the Florida State transfer, Williams, has 38 carries for 235 yards and 2 touchdowns.
Receivers
Like most of the Pac-12 teams, the Wildcats use three receivers.
Tetairoa McMillan starts as the “X” receiver. The freshman has 21 catches for 338 yards and four touchdowns.
At the “Z” receiver is sophomore Dorian Singer. So far, he has 35 receptions for 506 yards and a touchdown. Arizona’s most productive receiver lines up at the “F” position. Jacob Cowling leads the Wildcats in catches (46), yardage (643), and touchdowns (7).
The tight end is junior Tanner McLachlan. A transfer from Southern Utah, McLachlan has 19 receptions for 242 yards and a touchdown.
Washington’s defensive backs will need to keep their heads on a swivel against this unit. But keep in mind that 28 catches, 433 yards, and 4 TDs came in one game.
Arizona Defense
The Wildcats go with a 4-2-5 base defense.
Defensive Line
A pair of seniors start on the ends. Jalen Harris has 29 tackles and 1.5 sacks. USC transfer Hunter Echols has 29 stops, 3.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and 1 recovery.
The interior linemen have also been busy. Sophomore Paris Shand has 2.5 sacks from his nose tackle position and Second-Team All-Pac-12 DT Kyon Barrs has 20 tackles (2 for loss).
Linebackers
Redshirt freshman Kolbe Cage and senior Jerry Roberts are the starters. The duo has 70 tackles and a pair of fumble recoveries.
Defensive Backs
Junior Jaxen Turner and senior Christian Young are Arizona’s safeties. Turner has 37 tackles and a forced fumble and a recovery on the season. Young has 38 tackles, and his 4.5 for loss leads the team.
The Wildcats’ cornerbacks are sophomore Treydan Stukes and junior Christian Roland-Wallace. This season Stukes has 17 tackles and 1 of Arizona’s 2 interceptions. Roland-Wallace, a two-year starter, has 31 tackles, 3 passes defended, and a forced fumble.
Sophomore Gunner Maldonado has 16 tackles and one forced fumble from the “Star” (nickel) position.
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Arizona gives up more yards on the ground than they do via the air. Look for the Washington Huskies to start running the ball early to open up the passing lanes. This would keep Arizona’s pass-heavy offense off the field. Go Dawgs!