Washington at Arizona – Preview and Prediction
WASHINGTON 9.5 ARIZONA (OFF)
Implied Projected Score: Washington Arizona (no total yet)
MEGALOCKS LINE – Washington 10
The Game
The Huskies and Wildcats get it on Saturday night to open PAC 12 play. Washington has won their first three games by a combined score of 148-30 against weak competition while the Wildcats have only one loss on their resume, a week one defeat at the hands of BYU.
The Match-Up
Washington offense vs Arizona defense
Let’s get this out of the way. Washington has played three tune-up games at home. The statistics look very favorable. That being said, QB Jake Browning leads the FBS in passing efficiency and has thrown 12 TD passes vs 1 INT. The ground attack has been disappointing so far as they only managed to really get things going last week vs Portland St.
The Arizona defense, if they are able to field a unit this week due to injuries, is going to have their hands full all night. They give up a lot in the size and speed department and have not managed to shut down anyone yet this season. They were outgained by BYU, outgained by GRAMBLING ST, and then gave up over 400 yards to a Hawaii team that has already travelled the equivalent of to Pluto and back 14 times in 2016. Prognosis for Arizona: Pain.
Arizona offense vs Washington defense
Will it be Solomon at QB or will it be Dawkins ? Solomon has more experience and is probably a better option in the passing game. Brandon Dawkins is less of a threat to MATRICULATE down the field in the passing game but is a dangerous runner. The upside is probably greater with Dawkins but we will probably not know the plan until later in the week. The Huskies will have to prepare for both guys.
There are too many injuries on the list to go through but another big ticket item is RB Nick Wilson who is their #1 offensive weapon. Sure, it is a system-driven offense, but Wilson is a special talent when healthy. The offensive line has not been stellar so far and that is bad news for the Wildcat offense. Washington only allowed 18.8 points per game last season and they are ranked #15 right now in the FBS in total defense. We have a hard time imagining Arizona moving the ball consistently against a very talented Huskies stop unit.
MEGA Minutia
TREND FOLLOWING GUY will tell you that Washington is 0-4 SU in their last four visits to Tuscon….Huskies are 9-3 to the under in their past 12 conference games…..It is worth mentioning again that Arizona struggled with Grambling St despite being +6 in turnovers and playing a good chunk of the game against their backup QB……Washington will be glad to hear the Wildcats are giving up 53% 3rd down conversions on defense.
Summary
Washington has not been tested yet but Arizona is a hot mess right now. Double digit home dog in a conference game is hard to ignore but the numbers (not to mention the coaching) definitely favor the Huskies.
Conclusion
Official play: None
Lean: None: Lean to Washington at any number -10 or better.