The Keys for Arizona Football to beat Washington in Seattle

After Arizona Football (3-3, 1-2) fell to No. 12 Oregon, the Wildcats return to action to take on a talented Washington Huskies squad in Seattle. 

Week seven of the 2022 Arizona Football season is upon us, and just one week after the Wildcats picked up a big win over the lowly Colorado Buffaloes, the Wildcats came crashing back down to reality after their humbling loss to No. 12 Oregon.

However, Arizona has to move on as they now turn their focus to Pac-12 North foe, the Washington Huskies. This week, the Wildcats will have yet another significant challenge on their hands as they hope to earn the upset.

Once again entering as double-digit underdogs, the Wildcats will have a significant challenge, especially as they travel to a place where wins have been rare.

As we saw last week, Washington is beatable but Arizona will virtually have to play a perfect game if they are going to win.

And if Arizona Football is going to knock off the Washington Huskies, these are the keys to doing it!

Get Jayden de Laura into Rhythm

Last week, Jayden de Laura had an okay game, but not an overly great game, and what is seemingly becoming common this season is that when facing better competition, Jayden struggles, and in turn, so does Arizona.

For yet the second-straight week in a row, Arizona has a tough matchup and the question is what Jayden will we get this week?

The hope is that the Wildcats will get good de Laura this week; however, a lot will be contingent on how he reacts and plays. If he can find a rhythm early on, they just might have a chance.

The Defense needs to get a few Stops at Least

What has been a constant theme with this group this season, this is still one of the key areas that the Wildcats’ defense needs to improve in and quickly, which is getting stops.

Last Saturday, Oregon was 4-8 in converting on third down, and three of the Ducks’ four punts came late in the game when it was already out of reach.

This Saturday, Arizona has to figure out a way to generate more stops, otherwise, it is going to be a long day. Granted, that is easier said than done, especially against a skilled offense; however, if the Wildcats want to win, the defense has to step up.

Protecting the Football

In Arizona’s three losses this season, the Wildcats have turned the ball over nine times. Adversely in their three wins, the Wildcats have turned the ball just twice.

I know this goes without saying, but if Arizona hopes to beat Washington on Saturday, then they need to take better care of the football.

Should de Laura and the Wildcats make too many costly mistakes, then you can kiss their chances of getting the upset, goodbye.

Not Getting too far behind, too Early

Like Oregon, Washington is too good of a team that can score in bunches, and Arizona’s defense AND offense have to be ready to play in this one.

To me, if Arizona is going to win, they are going to need the momentum early on, and should the Wildcats find themselves down against the Huskies like they were against the Ducks early on, I do not like their chances of winning.

Arizona will have to be ready to play and keep this one competitive if they hope to score the upset against Washington.

Still looking to lock in your bets ahead of the Wildcats’ weekend action against Washington? Check out WynnBet or FanDuel for more betting options!