WSU at Arizona

Time: 11 a.m. Saturday, Arizona Stadium, Tucson, Ariz.

TV: Pac-12 Networks

Records: WSU (4-5, 2-4 in Pac-12); Arizona (6-3, 3-3 in Pac-12)

Last time: Arizona defeated Washington State 24-7 in Tucson (2010)

The line: Arizona by 13

What it means for WSU: The Cougars are on a three-game losing streak and none of the losses have been close. With just three games left to get the two wins needed for bowl-eligibility this game is close to a “must-win” for WSU. The Cougars got an extra week to prepare for the game, and a road victory over a good conference opponent would put WSU back on the right track – if not in the driver’s seat – for postseason play.

What it means for Arizona: With games against No. 6 Oregon and No. 21 Arizona State remaining, this will likely be the last game in which the Wildcats are favored. With a victory, Arizona can improve to seven wins and make a case to bowl administrators that they are an interesting team with an elite running back. A loss would likely relegate the Wildcats to a lower-tier bowl and could send the team on a three-game tailspin heading into the postseason.

Key matchup: Ka’Deem Carey vs. WSU’s defensive line

Carey is the undisputed MVP of this Arizona team and ranks second in the country averaging 152 rushing yards per game. If the Cougars have to commit the entire defense to keeping Carey in check then quarterback B.J. Denker will make them pay through the air and on the ground. The Cougars’ defensive line will need to keep the linebackers clean by occupying blockers for WSU to have any chance at containing Arizona’s star running back.

JacobThorpe