Arizona at Washington State

Written by Jack Jones

After reaching the Top 10 for the first time in more than a decade, the Arizona Wildcats were upset at home last week against Oregon State. Now humbled, the 17th-ranked Wildcats hope to avoid a letdown this Saturday when they travel to Washington State to take on the Cougars. Odds makers don’t believe a letdown is in store, listing college football lines that show Arizona -23 over Washington State with a total set of 62 points.

Arizona’s defense can take most of their blame for their 29-27 loss to Oregon State last week. The Wildcats stop unit allowed 486 total yards, including 393 through the air which was the most they’ve allowed in nearly two years. This was somewhat surprising considering Arizona ranks first in the Pac-10 in scoring defense (14.6) and rushing defense (99.6). They are also second in total defense (281.8) and pass defense (182.2). I certainly expect this unit to rebound.

Though Washington State is 1-5 this season, they gave then-No. 3 Oregon a scare last Saturday. The Cougars had a chance to get within a touchdown late in the third period, but Jeff Tuel threw an interception on the Ducks’ 2-yard line. They eventually lost 43-23, but Tuel had a solid game overall by throwing for 245 yards and a touchdown. He has two studs at wide receiver that could give this Arizona defense some fits.

Freshman Marquess Wilson ranks 13th in the FBS with 515 receiving yards, and Jared Karstetter is averaging 7.7 catches per game along with 88.3 receiving yards per contest in three conference games. The Cougars lost to Arizona last year by a final of 48-7, with Karstetter scoring their lone touchdown pass on a 64-yard bomb late from Marshall Lobbestael. He entered the game after Tuel went out with a knee injury after being sacked four times and knocked down several others.

Arizona features the 26th-ranked offense in the land at 445 total yards per game. Junior QB Nick Foles is having a tremendous year, completing 74.9 percent of his passes which ranks second in the FBS. Despite losing to the Beavers, Foles set a career-high with 440 passing yards to go along with three touchdowns. Once again, junior WR Juron Criner was his favorite target. He caught 12 balls for 179 yards and a touchdown, and leads the Pac-10 with 531 receiving yards. Look for a big effort from this offense considering Washington State ranks dead last in the FBS in total defense, allowing 517.5 yards per game.

BetUS Projected Score: Arizona 43 – Washington State 20

Comments

Got something to say?