The win improves the Arizona record to 3-1 and 1-0 in Pac-12 play, but the Wildcats are +18.5 home favorites when they host the 4-0 Huskies on Saturday at 10:00 p.m. ET.
The Wildcats snuck past a determined Stanford football team last Saturday in their 21-20 away victory over Stanford. Still, starting QB Jayden de Laura suffered an ankle injury late in the 3rd quarter and didn’t return to action. de Laura is listed as questionable when they welcome the Huskies to Arizona Stadium.
Who Will Start at QB on Saturday?
Arizona Head Coach Jedd Fisch hasn’t named a starter as of Thursday. de Laura is listed as questionable, but Fisch told reporters earlier this week that he is comfortable with de Laura or frosh QB Noah Fifita making the start, telling reporters,
“I don’t even flinch with Noah,” Fisch said. “Noah did a great job, great job handling everything, and I would have no concern whatsoever if he started for us on Saturday night. But I’d really like to see how Jayden’s ankle is.”
Fifita replaced de Laura Saturday and led the Wildcats on their 4th-quarter drive, resulting in the game-winning field goal. He was 4-4 on the day for 69 yards, with an additional nine rushing yards. Fisch was impressed with his young signal caller, telling reporters after the game.
“I think that the control he showed was the most important and impressive thing,” Arizona coach Jedd Fisch said.
Wildcats Defense Holds Stanford to Four Field Goals
Arizona’s defense bent but didn’t break Saturday against Staford. The Wildcats defensive group surrendered 358 yards but managed to stall four potential TD-scoring drives that ended with two made field goals and two missed tries. The Wildcats’ five sacks were the most in a single game since 2018, and they also racked up 11 tackles for a loss in their 21-20 win.
Washington vs. Arizona Betting Analysis
No. 7 Washington brings the nation’s third-best scoring offense to Tuscon, Arizona, but my best bet would be to play Under 67.5 (-105) at BetMGM Sportsbook Arizona.
Washington QB Michael Pennix Jr. is one of the best in the game, and his offense has beaten up some bad defenses so far. I believe the Wildcats improved defense can get enough stops to keep the Huskies from reaching their 49.8-point total.
Arizona’s defense has forced a turnover in seven of the last eight games dating back to last season. Arizona has forced three turnovers this season with 11 sacks without an interception. The Wildcats have played well defensively at home and should get enough stops to hold the potent Huskies offense well under their nearly 50-point average.
The Wildcats will struggle if de Laura doesn’t suit up, but even if he does, the Washington defense has seven interceptions this season. de Laura has already thrown five picks this season and 31 throughout his four-year career, and this could be an issue if he does but is still hampered by the ankle injury.
Finally, Saturday night will be the toughest test for both teams. I like the respective defenses to get enough stops to keep what should be an exciting contest Under the 67.5 (-105) at BetMGM Sportsbook.
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