UW vs. Arizona

Herald Staff

Kickoff: 12:30 p.m. today at Husky Stadium.

TV, radio: ABC-TV (Channel 4); KOMO radio (1000 AM).

Records: Washington 4-1 in Pacific-10 Conference play, 7-1 overall. Arizona 2-3, 5-3.

Washington: Rick Neuheisel, 14-6 in his second season at Washington, 47-20-0 in his sixth season overall.

Arizona: Dick Tomey, 95-60-4 in his 14th year at Arizona, 158-106-7 in his 24th season overall.

Washington: The Huskies as a whole will look to quarterback Marques Tuiasosopo for leadership in their first game since Curtis Williams’ injury. The defense will look to Hakim Akbar, who moves into Williams’ spot at strong safety, while freshman Greg Carothers starts at free safety. Nose tackle Larry Tripplett’s skills as a leader also will be tested. An emotional, distracted week of practice is done. Now the Huskies have to play.

Arizona: Fans remember quarterback Ortege Jenkins’ game-winning flip into the endzone two seasons ago, but this team does it with defense. Dubbed the “Cactus Curtain,” the rush defense is ranked sixth nationally and has allowed four rushing touchdowns this year. Defensive tackle Anthony Thomas has 10 tackles for loss. Defensive end Joe Tafoya is the conference’s best at his position. Redshirt freshman corner Michael Jolivette has five interceptions to lead the secondary.

Washington: TB Paul Arnold (back) is out; WR Chris Juergens (knee) is out, TE Kevin Ware (ankle) is questionable, CB Derrick Johnson (ankle) is probable.

Arizona: C Bruce Wiggins (ankle) is doubtful; RG Kevin Barry (leg) is questionable; LT Makoa Freitas (foot) is out; LG Steven Grace (shoulder) is out.

Washington: If possible, either get past the heartache of Williams’ injury or use it for inspiration. Both coaches and players have been careful to refrain from any “Winning one for the Gipper” mentality, which is probably good. The question is not whether Washington is physically better than Arizona. It is. The question involves frame of mind.

Arizona: Bottle up Tuiasosopo and tailback Rich Alexis (plus, Willie Hurst, who had 96 rushing yards against Stanford) and force the Huskies to go to the air. Turnovers would help, because the Wildcats’ offense is so inconsistent that 80-yard drives are questionable.

Washington is a team that’s best when faced with trying times. Williams’ injury is the biggest test yet. It won’t be pretty, but Washington figures to do just enough to pull one out.

Pick: Washington, 24-20.