5 Keys For Washington To Leave Arizona With a Win

Even though Washington is going into its final conference matchup with the Arizona with a six-game winning streak over the Wildcats, playing in the desert hasn't been the easiest thing, no matter who's at the helm for the Huskies.

Since 2000, Washington is a combined 6-14 (not including bowl games) when playing in the state of Arizona and is 4-6 against the Wildcats.

Here's what coach Kalen DeBoer do to get out of a sold-out stadium in Tucson with a win.

Attack the Secondary

Arizona's secondary hasn't had to face a major test yet this season. Defensive coordinator Johnny Nansen's group has given up 219.3 passing yards per game, but it also hasn't faced an offense like Washington's.

The Huskies are averaging 467 yards per game through the air, the highest mark in the nation by over 60 yards — and Washington's receiving corps, led by Rome Odunze, could have its way with the Wildcats on Saturday.

Get after the Quarterback

While tackles Jonah Miller and Jonah Savaiinaea have been very good, the Wildcats have had some trouble along the interior of the offensive line. It appears that Arizona starting quarterback Jayden de Laura might not play because of an ankle injury he suffered in the Wildcats' win over Stanford — so putting pressure on backup Noah Fifita could throw off Arizona's offensive game plan.

Contain Arizona's Receivers

Whether Fifita or de Laura is under center to start the game, the secondary will face its biggest test of the season against Arizona's receiving corps. Led by sophomore receiver Tetairoa McMillan, senior receiver Jacob Cowing and senior tight end Tanner McLachlan, the Wildcats are averaging 284 yards per game through the air.

The Husky defense has been undervalued so far this season and has a great chance to prove itself in the desert.

College Football Week 4 Team of the Week: Offense pic.twitter.com/opTo41atrn
— PFF College (@PFF_College) September 25, 2023

Dominate the Trenches

Despite sustaining multiple injuries, Washington's offensive line has been stellar. The Huskies have allowed just one sack through the first four games of the season and should remain strong against the Wildcats.

Arizona's pass rush has recorded 11 sacks in the early portion of the season and, even if left guard Julius Buelow doesn't play because of an injury that held him out of Washington's last game against Cal, the offensive line has been one of the best in the country.

Continue Establishing the Run

While offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb has leaned into his offense morphing into a pass-first team this season, a running game is still important. The Huskies rushed for a season-high 177 yards at Michigan State and followed that up with 140 yards on the ground against California.

Senior running back Dillon Johnson said he's gotten a lot healthier over the first month of the season and he looks like a different running back. After the coaching staff decided to rest him for the Tulsa game, he gained 137 yards on the ground and found the end zone against Cal.

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