The unbeaten and 7th-ranked Washington Huskies are in Arizona tonight to take on the Wildcats of the University of Arizona at 7 pm on the Pac-12 Network.  This is the final conference matchup between the two schools.  Arizona is joining the Big-12 next season as UW is moving to the Big Ten in 2024.  The Huskies are 4-0 overall and 1-0 in the Pac-12 Conference.  UA is 3-1 and 1-0 in the conference with a narrow 21-20 victory over Stanford.

Here are the What to Watch for in tonight’s game:

Avoiding the Trap

If any game on the schedule fits the definition of trap game, it’s this one. Going on the road for a late game in Tucson, with a bye week, and then the Oregon Ducks looming. Arizona has had a good season, and is a tricky team to read. With Arizona stadium sold out this will be a hostile environment for a potentially tired Huskies team.

It seemed that with Tulsa that the Huskies may overlooked their opponent. Tonight will be a great opportunity to fix those mistakes and prove that they are a consistent team all over the board.

Eliminating drops, errant passes, and perhaps most importantly the sloppy penalties.  Cutting down on the self-inflicted wounds, may factor into the the final score of this game as the Huskies are talented enough to beat Arizona, but for looking ahead to one of the nation’s toughest schedules.

Make the Big Plays

Arizona’s secondary is improved from last season, but they have still struggled this season. With zero interceptions to their name expect the Huskies to challenge them vertically. With Jalen McMillan still on the sideline Penix will have to turn to the rest of his weapons, of which there is an abundance.

Expect the current Biletnikoff favorite Rome Odunze to have another big day, as he always seems to do, leading the nation in explosive plays. While Ja’Lynn Polk and Germie Bernard will step into the production gaps.

With this much talent on the field it should be almost impossible for the Wildcats to slow down this juggernaut of an offense. But the Huskies cannot hurt themselves today. If they avoid the drops, avoid the turnovers, and continue to push the football on the ground this could be a field day for the visitors.

The Huskies have done a great job of ending games by half time this season. They should continue that tonight. If they get 28 or more points in the first half it’s unlikely that any amount of home field advantage can save Arizona.

Defending With Dominance

The defense is slowly becoming a story line for this Husky team. Highlighted as the unit that could make or break the season the UW unit has stepped up. The secondary especially has fixed the glaring issue from last year: Takeaways.

The Huskies have 7 picks through just four games, a number that has them leading the Pac-12. The secondary has been incredible this season, looking like the best unit in the conference so far. With the lowest passer rating and yards per game of any Pac-12 team.

With Jabbar Muhammad stepping into the roll every Husky fan dreamed over this secondary looks like a more mature, more talented version of last seasons. The defensive line has been expected to be the group that powers this defense and so far has done a good job in generating pressure. But as time goes you want to see some numerical production.

The Huskies enter tonight’s game with a single sack.  Facing a very mobile, but inexperienced quarterback, expect the Husky D-line to wreak some havoc all night. With the talent of Trice and Zion Tupuola-Fetui expect the Huskies to create chaos in the desert.  The Huskies may not be able to put the Wildcat QB on his back, but making him uncomfortable inside the pocket or on the run will be important.

Bonus: 

The offensive line was another unit that came into the season with its fair share of concerns. However, at this point they have been arguably the best unit in the conference. Parker Brailsford has been the lead Huskies as the freshman center is gaining recognition as one of the nations best.(including PFF team of the week).

Giving up the fewest sacks and sack yards in the conference this year, this line should be a fun, and unexpected story to watch for this season, and even into the future.

Check back with RealDawg.com for full post game coverage.