On closer inspection this could be a closer game than it might appear. The Huskies are still somehow ranked at #12 despite having one of the worst offenses in the Pac-10. This is not to say they're bad, just inexperienced. It will depend on how intent Arizona is on saving the season.

This is a team possibly without it's starting QB, who has 4 games under his belt. This team has no running game. As a team they average 3 yards per carry. The receivers consist of one senior, two freshmen and a converted running back. The option does not work any more. They are averaging somewhat over 100 yards per game on the ground. The days of 150+ yard games >for the running back< are long over. We have become a (shudder) passing team.

Anyway being ranked at #12 is ridiculous. This team will probably finish hovering around the bottom of the AP poll, which is not an insult at all. I expect them to be a 7-4 team still, especially with Stanford and Oregon State and Miami on the horizon. I will not even mention the Coogs because losing to them is not an option.

Arizona on the other hand is tanking. I saw them hang in the first quarter with Oregon and they were able to score 14 points and made it look easy. After that the Ducks put it into cruising gear and sailed away. I saw part of the Oregon State game too, and they looked like the Beavers of the Fiesta Bowl. I wonder if they're really good or if Arizona just made them look that way.

Zona's non-existent defense is exactly what this young Husky offense needs right now. I am not concerned about the passing game but I hope the running game takes off. Willie is due for a breakout game. I think he's one of the better backs in the Pac-10, but he's minus experienced blocking. He's not quite fast enough to turn the corner but he has good moves and always puts in the extra effort to move the ball. Rich Alexis is not having great games, but it's typical for young RB's to do that. In a few years he will be up there. He has the same sort of athleticism as Mr. Foster.

Apparently the Arizona QB is from the Western WA region so this is sort of a homecoming. I have to predict it won't be a good one. The Huskies are not a #12 team but they'll want to avenge the loss from last week. Arizona will have to be "up" for this game since I think the Dawgs will play hard. At home, the Huskies will play harder and turn in a victory.

Prediction: Washginton 32, Arizona 21. - Greg

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