First look

Tue., Sept. 25, 2007

The Spokesman-Review

Time: 7 p.m. Saturday. TV: FSN

The records: WSU, 2-2, 0-1 in Pac-10; Arizona, 1-3, 0-1.

Last week: WSU lost to USC 47-14 in Los Angeles; Arizona lost to California 45-27 in Berkeley.

Last time: Arizona won 27-17 in Pullman last season.

The line: Arizona by 2 1/2

What it means for WSU: It means the same for both teams, really. The Cougars need a win if they want to keep alive their quest for their first bowl game since 2003. After traveling to Tucson, WSU’s next four opponents (Arizona State, Oregon, UCLA and Cal) are a combined 15-1. Thus far this season the Cougs have followed form, losing to Wisconsin and USC, defeating San Diego State and Idaho. This is their first true toss-up game. A road win would move them that much closer to a postseason contest.

What it means for Arizona: The Wildcats haven’t been as consistent as WSU, with only a win over the Big Sky’s Northern Arizona in what was supposed to be a promising season. Head coach Mike Stoops, in his fourth year, has felt the heat, especially after a disappointing loss to New Mexico two weeks ago. The offense has been potent the past two weeks (averaging 407 yards in losses to the Lobos and Cal), but a defense that started the year with 10 starters back has been seen as a failure (yielding nearly 370 yards a game).

Key matchup: WSU defensive front vs. Arizona quarterback Willie Tuitama.

Washington State’s inexperienced secondary can’t be left on its own against an Arizona offense that will put as many as five receivers into patterns. The front seven needs to confuse Tuitama, who is running the spread for the first time, forcing bad reads and hurried throws. They also need to contain him within the pocket because, though he hasn’t shown a propensity to run, he does like to scramble around and find receivers who have worked free. If WSU can make him a pocket passer, it should be able to limit the damage, especially within the red zone.

Vince Grippi

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