Redshirt freshman Ronnie Fouch (8) scores on a 1-yard sneak in last week's 35-28 loss to Stanford, but don't expect the new Washington quarterback to run as much as the injured Jake Locker against Arizona on Saturday.
Arizona vs.Washington: John Moredich’s breakdown • Tailgate special • Players to watch • Staff picks
UA OFFENSE VS. WASHINGTON DEFENSE
Advantage: Arizona
Arizona quarterback Willie Tuitama threw for 510 yards and five touchdowns against the Huskies last year. That might be a prelude of things to come. Washington can’t stop anyone this season, giving up 40.5 points per game. The Huskies have been exploited up the middle against the run. That means UA tailback Nic Grigsby could have a third 100-yard (or more) game.
UA DEFENSE VS. WASHINGTON OFFENSE
Advantage: Arizona
Mobile quarterbacks usually cause fits for the Wildcats, but UA had to change up its extensive defensive preparation when Washington’s Jake Locker went down with a broken thumb last week against Stanford. Ronnie Fouch, more of a pocket passer, will start his first game for the Huskies. Look for Arizona to bring a lot of pressure, make the pocket uncomfortable and get some cheap turnovers if possible. UA linebacker Ronnie Palmer had two sacks off blitzes at UCLA. Look for that trend to continue.
SPECIAL TEAMS
Advantage: Arizona
Washington has the worst punt return team in the country, averaging minus-1 yards per attempt. The kickoff squad isn’t much better. Arizona returners Mike Thomas and Keola Antolin have won Pac-10 special team player of the week awards. UA punter Keenyn Crier and place-kicker Jason Bondzio have 11 and 4 attempts, respectively. They’re getting bored. Get used to it.
THE X-FACTOR
Advantage: Arizona
There’s a letdown factor here. The Wildcats have a reputation for overlooking opponents that are struggling: See New Mexico. UA was amped up to stop the multithreat Locker, so it could overlook Fouch. . . . Washington is desperate for a win, but Arizona wants to increase its bowl chances.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Advantage: Arizona
Washington has played better competition, but the Wildcats are simply better.
Final score: Arizona 34, Washington 10
THIS WEEK’S TAILGATE SPECIAL
Chef Al Chili
This award-winning chili recipe comes courtesy of Al DiIeso, executive chef at Splendido, a resort-style continuing care retirement community in Oro Valley.
10 lbs. ground beef
5 medium white onions, diced
1/2 pound bacon, coarsely chopped
2 cups tomato paste
1/4 cup beef broth
2 11.5-oz. cans V8 juice
1 lb. kidney beans, drained
1/4 cup garlic, finely chopped
your own secret blend of spices
smoked cheddar cheese, grated
Heat a Dutch oven or large, heavy-bottomed pot with a tight- fitting lid over medium-high heat for 3 minutes. Add the bacon and sauté until crisp, than add the ground beef and crumble until cooked through.
Incorporate the onions and cook until transparent. Reduce heat to medium-low, add tomato paste and spices and simmer for five minutes. Add beef broth and V8 and stir all ingredients. Simmer with lid on for an hour, stirring occasionally.
To serve, top with grated cheese and salt and pepper to taste.
> Got a winning tailgate recipe? Send it to Tom Stauffer at tasteplus@tucsoncitizen.com, and if we publish it in this column, we’ll send you a gift certificate for a local eatery.
Player to watch: Colin Baxter
The QB/center exchanges will be crucial with the sophomore starting his first game at center, ever. He is replacing Blake Kerley, who is out with a knee injury.
Player to watch: Ricky Elmore
The Wildcats need to get to quarterback Ronnie Fouch early to fluster the redshirt freshman, leaving Elmore to come off the edge to create a pass rush from the start.
Player to watch: Mason Foster
The leading tackler from his outside linebacker spot is quick to the ball. He's been the most reliable defender with the ability to take charge in the middle of the field.
Player to watch: Jermaine Kearse
If leading receiver D'Andre Goodwin is out with a rib injury, that leaves the freshman next to fill the void. He has 11 catches for 128 yards and two touchdowns.
Al DiIeso of Splendido
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STAFF PICKS
John Moredich UA, 34-10
Anthony Gimino UA, 35-14
Geoff Grammer UA, 42-24
Ken Brazzle UA, 34-13
Steve Rivera UA, 35-17
Michael Caccamise UA, 52-17
Dave Petruska UA, 31-10
Michael Schmelzle UA, 49-14
Mike Chesnick UA, 41-21
Raymond Suarez UA, 33-11
Monica Pugno UA, 45-20
Jenny Mayer UA, 21-7
Consensus UA 12-0
Consensus to date 2-2
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BY THE NUMBERS
3
UA wins in October under Mike Stoops, who is 3-14 since 2004 during the month. The Wildcats have been more successful in November games, with an 8-4 record.
10
Points or less that have decided eight of the last 10 games in the Arizona-Washington series. Seven games have been decided by less than a touchdown.
34
Consecutive days Washington was at home since opening the season on the road with a 44-10 loss to Oregon. The Huskies have three home losses since.
14-8
Record for the Wildcats under Mike Stoops when they rush for more than 100 yards in a game. The Wildcats run a spread passing offense, but a good ground game helps.
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ON THIS DATE
1981: UA beats John Elway and Stanford 17-13 in Tucson.
1992: Arizona downs No. 11 UCLA 23-3 in Tucson, starting a five-game win streak.
1998: Ortege Jenkins’ TD flip gives UA a 31-28 win at Washington. (Story, 1C)
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SPORTS SOUND-OFF
Pass D, pros, cons
Re: UA’s pass defense No. 1 in nation
• Tell us again after eight or nine games that we are No. 1 in pass defense. Until then, forget it. No player, coach, or understanding fan wants to read this at this point in a season. BOB B.
• I believe these stats show a good trend. As Arizona’s offense hits the accelerator and lights up the scoreboard, and the opposing team starts racking up a lot of three-and-outs, they have to play catch-up, can’t rely on the run and have to pass more. This has been the result so far, minus New Mexico. The entire defense needs to continue to step up. GEORGE F.
• The team still has a lot to prove. I would be more impressed if we led in sacks. THOMAS R.
• Yo ,Thomas? Would you rather they be ranked 86th in pass defense? Geez, lighten up and give some credit where credit is due. TONY B.
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TRIVIA CORNER
What is UA’s most improved won-lost record from the previous season?
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Answer: Five wins (twice). 1968 – 8-3 from 3-6-1. 1998 – 12-1 from 7-5.