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Tuscon, AZ - The state of Arizona has not been kind to the Washington Huskies. The closest comparison I can come up with is a hangnail. It’s painful, uncomfortable, and no matter how much you bit at it, you just can’t seem to get rid of it. Well, the most effective way to get rid of hangnails, at least for me, is to get a hold of them, and rip them out sideways. Sure I lose a bunch of skin in the process, but then, at least I can move on and deal with the next nagging ailment I have.
Where: Arizona Stadium, Tuscon, AZ
When: 7:30 p.m. Pacific / 10:30 p.m. EST
TV Info: Pac-12 Network - Roxy Bernstein (play-by-play), Anthony Herron (color) and Lewis Johnson (sidelines) providing the commentary.
Radio Info: KOMO AM-1000/FM-97.7; Sirius (93) and XM (198)
Game-Week Previews: Our Game Week Coverage; and their Game Week Coverage for the game
How to Watch and Listen to the Huskies:
Audio Stream: TuneIn Radio
Video Stream: Pac-12 Live
History
There series between these two teams began in 1978, where the Huskies won 31-21 in Seattle. The Huskies cranked off 5 consecutive wins against the Wildcats, and didn’t lose until 1988, when Arizon came up to Seattle and beat the Dawgs 16-13.
In case you were wondering, the most consecutive wins Arizona has against the Huskies is two. Technically that’s a winning streak ... but not by much. These two teams have traded wins since 2008, with each team winning on its home turf. Washington won last year, and they are looking to legitimize their ranking (unless you believe Coach Petersen) with a solid win over a conference foe.
Numbers
5 - The total number of pass completions over 25 yards that Arizona has this season.
10.83 - Arizona’s kickoff return average per game, at home this season.
11 - The total number of rushing plays over 20 yards that Arizona has this season.
35.9% - Arizona’s third down conversion rate.
41:27 - The number times Arizona rushes the ball compared to passing.
50% - The average percentage of total points Brandon Dawkins has scored for his team each game this season. (He’s averaging 15 points per game, and the Wildcats are averaging 31.3 points per game.)
53.55 - Arizona’s opponents’ third down conversion rate this season. (50% for FBS teams; 60% for FCS teams)
54% - The percentage of times the Arizona offense runs the ball on third down.
57% - The percentage of times the Arizona offense runs the ball on second down.
72% - The percentage of times the Arizona offense runs the ball on first down.
Putting it all Together
Arizona’s strength is in its commitment to get yards on the ground. Their quarterback averages more rushing attempts than any other person on the team, and he’s not afraid to stick his nose in the pile. Like it’s been mentioned in other places, one of the keys to this game will be containing Arizona QB Brandon Dawkins. If that happens, this will be a very long game for Arizona.
However, the Husky offense needs to be careful as well. The Wildcats have forced 7 fumbles this season, in just three games, and recovered a whopping 4 of them. Combine that with 2 interceptions, and you’re looking at a very opportunistic Arizona defense.
I wager the Wildcats will come after Jake Browning early and often. He’s having a super efficient season, and Arizona’s priority will be to knock him off his rhythm. However, if they can’t get to Jake, they’ll get torched. It’s already happened a few times this season against teams much weaker than UW.
I think the Huskies win in a big way, and send a message to the rest of the Pac-12.
More Info
Vegas Odds
Washington is a 14 point favorite to win this game. That’s a lot of points. The point spread is sitting at 58, which means Vegas thinks this will be a low scoring game. With Washington’s defense playing the way it is, I’m not surprised. The score, assuming everything goes according to what Vegas thinks, will end up with a 36-22, 35-21 score line.
Check out the game notes for more useless facts to impress your buddies with.