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The Daily Wildcat

The Daily Wildcat

 

Three ways to win, three ways to lose against Washington

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Quarterback Jerrard Randall (12) pumps a pass downfield at Arizona stadium on Saturday, Oct. 24. Randall has been in a steady flow of good plays for most of the season.

Three Ways to Win

Randall run and gun

It has been proven over the past few weeks that the Arizona offense has had success with quarterback Jerrard Randall at the helm. Anu Solomon has been decent, but has failed to capitalize on the rest of his offensive threats. Randall, on the other hand, provides a clear advantage towards the running game, and makes the defense question what is going to happen next. Should Randall start, Arizona wins its upcoming game.

Defensive secondary wakes up

Arizona lost against Washington State because their defensive secondary failed them. The Cougars’ quarterback carved up the Wildcats on all platforms and the comeback was nonexistent by the end. That cannot happen against Washington. If Arizona wants to win, they are going to be forced to have someone on the defensive side of the ball step up.

Vengeance

It’s amazing to see what happens when teams are riled up. The Wildcats are angry—their press conference after the loss at Homecoming 101 confirmed that. The last time Arizona was embarrassed on the national stage, Will Parks gave the hit of his life. I expect that to happen again. The Wildcats don’t want another embarrassing loss on their plate.


Three Ways to Lose

No confidence in the quarterback

With all due respect, a quarterback competition during week nine in the college football season should not be happening. It’s a complete distraction. Bottom line, Solomon and Randall are in exactly that. Emotions will run high on Saturday and someone might leave with their feelings hurt. It very well may be Arizona.

Too many road games

The Wildcats are prepping for two straight road games, which is an emotional battle in the schemes of college football. The road team hasn’t won this game since 2007 and the Wildcats are 11-19-1 all-time against the Huskies. Definitely won’t help Arizona in that category.

Bowl hungry

The Wildcats are just one-win shy of becoming bowl eligible for the seventh time in eight years. Although Arizona comes in with a better record, Washington has the 46th-ranked defense in the FBS. That’s not something to mess with and speaks volumes on their program. If the Wildcats overlook the Huskies, I could see the UA losing this game.

Predicted Final Score: Arizona 28, Washington 24


Follow Matt Wall on Twitter.


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