Washington took a large step through a four-game gauntlet by beating Oregon State in double overtime last week. Another ranked opponent awaits this Saturday in 15th-ranked Arizona. Stanford and Oregon are up next. A win in one of these next three would give Washington a good shot at finishing above .500 and making a bowl game. Washington is a 7.5-point underdog.
Three out of four folks at Rivals.com pick Arizona.
Jon Wilner of the San Jose Mercury News picks Washington.
ESPN’s Ted Miller picks Arizona 27-24.
Christian Caple of the Moscow Daily News picks Arizona 34-21.
Three out of four writers at the Orange County Register pick Arizona.
On to the Sports Press Northwest selections:
Art Thiel (3-3 overall, 3-3 vs. spread)
The whipsaw season continues. Besides an increasingly beaten-up Jake Locker, the Huskies inconsistency isn’t all that mysterious. Playing so many (14) freshmen, including several in starting or in key reserve positions, always undercuts the ability to sustain drives, concentration and emotional energy. Wildcats 31, Huskies 27
Seth Kolloen (2-4, 1-5)
Mason Foster, encouraged by his experience in last year’s UA/UW matchup, spends the game looking for interceptions deflected off of legs that he can return for touchdowns. He gets five, and the Huskies win in a romp. Washington 42, Arizona 9.
Todd Dybas (1-5, 1-5)
No Foles, no problems for Arizona. Washington’s up, down and all-around season continues in the desert. A big day from Nic Grigsby and a mediocre one from Jake Locker kick Washington back under .500. Arizona 27, Washington 17.
