Washington Huskies: Scouting October 22nd Opponent Arizona
The Washington Huskies are on a two-game losing streak. A trip to Tucson should be just the trick to turn things around.
It’s a battle of two teams going in the wrong direction. While the Washington Huskies have staggered to a 2-4 record, their upcoming opponent Arizona is a miserable 0-6, including 0-3 in the Pac-12. UW lost two games in a row, and they look to right their ship Friday night in Tucson, AZ, against the Wildcats.
Arizona Offense
The Arizona Wildcats are struggling, averaging 14 points a game. So far, they started three different quarterbacks in their six games. Two of them are out for the season due to injury. Last week they lost redshirt freshman Gunther Cruz to a thumb injury. He transferred in from Washington State, started the first two games, then started again last Saturday but couldn’t finish. Jordan McCloud started a few games in Cruz’s absence. He hurt his ankle against UCLA a few weeks ago.
That leaves only one scholarship passer on the roster. True freshman Will Plummer started Arizona’s third game, a loss to Northern Arizona 21-19. Plummer threw 34 passes, completing 19 for 191 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions. Friday is Plummer’s second career start. It will be important for the Washington Huskies defense to rattle him and cause some turnovers.
‘Zona is averaging 115 yards rushing a game. For them to beat Washington, they need to get the running game going early. So far, UW has a hard time stopping the run. Arizona’s primary running backs are sophomore Drake Anderson, a transfer for Northwestern, who has 63 carries for 239 yards with a touchdown. Redshirt sophomore Michael Wiley is second. He has 58 carries for 185 yards and also caught a touchdown pass against UCLA.
Junior Stanley Berryhill leads all Wildcats’ receivers with 48 catches for 445 and a touchdown. Next is Junior BJ Casteel with 21 catches for 204 yards and a touchdown, and senior Tayvian Cunningham, 4 catches for 177 yards and a TD. At tight end is senior Bryce Wolma with 6 receptions for 42 yards and one score.
Arizona Defense
On the defense side of the ball, Arizona gives up 202 yards rushing and 170 yards in the air. It’s misleading because some teams like UCLA run the ball more while Colorado passes the ball more. Washington can do both.
The Wildcats are led in tackles by Linebackers Anthony Pandy leads the Wildcats with 44 tackles; 10 stops behind him is Treshaun Hayward. Last week, Hayward sat out against Colorado for personal reasons; however, he is expected back on the lineup Friday night.
The next three top tacklers are safeties Jaxen Turner, Christian Young and Gunner Maldonado. Arizona’s top defensive lineman this year is senior Trevon Mason with 25 tackles and two sacks.
All Time
The Washington Huskies lead the series with Arizona with a 23-11-1 record. Winners of four straight head-to-head matchups, last year Washington won 44-27. The last time Arizona beat the Huskies was a home game in 2014 by one point, 24-23.
More motivation
If the Huskies lose this game, will the fans want Head coach Jimmy Lake‘s head in addition to offensive coordinator John Donovan? Even winning the game, some of the Husky faithful may still want Donovan out if it’s close and the offense struggles again.
Washington is a 15 point favorite on the road. To finish with a winning record, reach a bowl game, and not have changes made to their coaching staff, the Huskies must leave Tucson with a victory. Go Dawgs!