Arizona State running back Daniyel Ngata (4) is tripped by Washington safety Alex Cook (5) and cornerback Jordan Perryman (1) during the first half of a game Oct. 8 in Tempe, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Arizona State running back Daniyel Ngata (4) is tripped by Washington safety Alex Cook (5) and cornerback Jordan Perryman (1) during the first half of a game Oct. 8 in Tempe, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Preview: Arizona at Washington

The Huskies host the Wildcats looking to snap a two-game losing streak.

Associated Press

Who: Washington (4-2, 1-2 Pac-12) vs. Arizona (3-3, 1-2 Pac-12), 2:30 p.m. PT (Pac-12 Network)

Line: Washington by 14 1/2 according to FanDuel Sportsbook.

Series record: Washington leads 24-11-1.

WHAT’S AT STAKE?

Washington is facing its first significant adversity in the first season under coach Kalen DeBoer. The Huskies have dropped two straight, including last week’s 45-38 loss at Arizona State that knocked Washington out of the Top 25. The Huskies are also dealing with a thin secondary that was left exposed in the loss to the Sun Devils. The Wildcats have alternated wins and losses and are coming off a home defeat to No. 12 Oregon. Arizona has lost its last 12 conference road games, its last win coming in 2019 at Colorado. The Wildcats have not won in Seattle since 2007.

KEY MATCHUP

Arizona QB Jayden de Laura vs. Washington’s secondary. The last time anyone saw de Laura inside Husky Stadium, he was planting a giant flag featuring the Washington State logo in the turf at midfield after leading the Cougars to an Apple Cup rout last November. And while de Laura is no longer with the Cougars, the Huskies haven’t forgotten. Stopping de Laura is going to be just as tough as it was in the Apple Cup with the issues in Washington’s secondary. The Huskies have allowed 12 passing touchdowns and an average of 291 yards passing over the past four games. De Laura threw for 484 yards and six touchdowns two weeks ago against Colorado.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Arizona: WR Jacob Cowling. The top wide receiver for the Wildcats has not been stopped even as the focus of most defenses. Cowling has 46 catches and seven touchdowns through six games, including a career-best 12 receptions for 180 yards two weeks ago against Colorado.

Washington: QB Michael Penix Jr. Penix threw a baffling interception against Arizona State that bounced off a lineman’s helmet and was returned for a touchdown, and three times the Huskies turned the ball over on downs. Arizona’s pass defense has allowed only one opponent to throw for more than 250 yards.

FACTS & FIGURES

Washington has won five straight in the series. … De Laura is 7-0 in his career when throwing at least three TD passes. … Washington is second nationally in passing offense and 10th in total offense. The Huskies and Wildcats are the only Pac-12 teams averaging more than 300 yards per game passing. … Arizona has been held under 30 points nine times during its 12-game conference road losing streak. … Penix has thrown for at least 300 yards in all six games.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Shorecrest’s Olivia Taylor celebrates after scoring during the 3A district game against Monroe on Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024 in Shoreline, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Shorecrest girls soccer downs Monroe, 4-1

Olivia Taylor’s two goals help Scots earn fourth-straight state berth.

Prep volleyball roundup for Thursday, Nov. 7

Everett, Monroe win district playoff openers

X
Prep roundup for Thursday, Nov. 7

Mountlake Terrace soccer headed to state after third upset.

Stanwood’s Michael Mascotti relays the next play to his teammates during football practice on Monday, Aug. 29, 2022 in Stanwood, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Experts make their Week 10 predictions

Our trio takes a crack at picking the winners for this week’s gridiron games.

Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for Oct. 27-Nov. 2

The Athlete of the Week nominees for Oct. 27-Nov. 2. Voting closes… Continue reading

Arlington’s Kaid Hunter and Chase Deberry celebrate Hunter’s touchdown during the game against Lake Stevens on Friday, Nov. 1, 2024 in Arlington, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Eagles move up to No. 6 in final football poll after big win

Glacier Peak checks in at eighth heading into this weekend’s playoffs.

Silvertips’ Kaden Hammell gets a shot on goal during the game against the Edmonton Oil Kings on Friday, Oct. 25, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
How future Kraken players are faring so far this season

Silvertips’ Kaden Hammell and Julius Miettinen are among prospects performing well.

Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith (7) runs for a touchdown at Lumen Field on Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024. (Photo courtesy of the Seattle Seahawks)
Coe’s Seahawks midseason report card: The QB

Geno Smith is one of Seattle’s most polarizing athletes in recent memory.

X
Prep roundup for Wednesday, Nov. 6

Lake Stevens girls soccer, A-M volleyball face district setbacks.

The Mountlake Terrace High School football team poses for a preseason photo (Photo courtesy of Mountlake Terrace High School).
Mountlake Terrace named WIAA Team of the Month for football

The Hawks were recognized for achievements on and off the field.

Jason Kelce, seen here arriving at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on Nov. 4, 2024, issued an apology on ESPN before the game for his viral encounter with an unruly college football fan over the weekend. (Emily Curiel / The Kansas City Star / Tribune News Services)
Buckner: What is the proper response to hate?

Jason Kelce greeted hate with hate during incident at Penn St.

X
Prep roundup for Nov. 5, 2024

Shorewood girls soccer and King’s volleyball advance to state

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.