A look at five storylines surrounding the Wildcats’ game against the Cougars on Saturday at Arizona Stadium.
Michael Lev The Star presents five storylines of interest as the Arizona Wildcats host Washington State on Saturday at Arizona Stadium. Kickoff is slated for noon. The game will air on Pac-12 Networks.
People are also reading… The first step toward ending that drought: Defeat Washington State on Saturday at Arizona Stadium. Arizona has lost the game before the Territorial Cup six years in a row. Few have even been competitive. Starting in 2016, the Wildcats have lost by 25 to Oregon State, by 20 to Oregon, by 41 to Washington State, by 28 to Utah, by 11 to Colorado and by 26 to WSU.
If they can beat the Cougars, the Wildcats can zero in on the final achievement that’s eluded them – defeating rival Arizona State. The Sun Devils have won the past five Territorial Cup matchups. Arizona’s last win in the series came in 2016. "Michael has the skill set to be able to be a very versatile running back," Arizona coach Jedd Fisch said."To be able to be all three things – to be a great runner, to be a great pass blocker, to be a great passer receiver – allows you to be a triple threat.
Wiley notched career highs in rushes , touches and scrimmage yards in last week’s upset victory over UCLA. When they needed someone to close out the Bruins, the Wildcats turned to Wiley, who carried the ball six times in a row on their last possession. Arizona had an experienced substitute at the ready when Morgan got hurt in the first quarter vs. UCLA. Veteran Sam Langi had appeared in eight games and had played 308 offensive snaps when he was called upon at the Rose Bowl. He’ll make his second career start Saturday vs. Washington State with Morgan sidelined for the season.
Langi’s grades on Pro Football Focus are nowhere near Morgan’s. Then again, that applies to the entire UA offensive line. Led by LB Daiyan Henley, Cougars are Pac-12 rarity: They play good defenseThe Pac-12 isn’t exactly known for its shutdown defenses this season. No team in the league ranks in the top 20 nationally in total defense. Only three rank higher than 68th.Arizona’s upcoming opponent is 45th in the country in yards allowed. Even more impressive, the Cougars rank 20th in scoring defense. They’re allowing only 19.8 points per game. Five Pac-12 teams score at least 38.4 per contest.
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