The Keys for Arizona Football to beat Washington State

Finding its way back in the win column, Arizona Football (4-6, 2-5) returns to action for another tough test against Washington State (6-4, 3-4). 

We are now heading into the 11th week of the 2022 Arizona Football season, and just one week removed from the Wildcats’ big upset over then No. 12 ranked UCLA, Arizona returns to action in Tucson against the Washington State Cougars.

Coming in, Arizona enters this one as underdogs yet again, and much like its previous games, the Wildcats will have another tough challenge on their hands, especially as they take on a talented Wazzu team.

Luckily, the Wildcats got their confidence back with a win over UCLA, and even though the Wildcats have several issues, this game is still winnable; however, it won’t be an easy one by any means.

With that said, here are the keys for Arizona Football to knock off the Washington State Cougars.

The Defense needs to get a few Stops at Least

Arizona did a great job in bending but not breaking against a high-powered UCLA offense last week, and once again, we are going to need to see this kind of effort on defense if Arizona is going to come away with the win.

Washington State’s offense is skilled, so Arizona will still have to be ready to go in this one. If the Wildcats are to win, they will need to generate a few stops on defense. If they do that, a win is very possible.

Not Letting Emotions Getting the Better of you

This is going to be an emotional game for Arizona. The Wildcats are fresh off of a major upset against UCLA, and they return home with a real possibility of still becoming bowl-eligible this season.

Add into the equation that Arizona’s Jayden de Laura will be playing his former school, and this one is going to have a lot of meaning behind it.

If Arizona is going to win, they are going to have to keep those emotions in check and play smart football. If they do that, winning becomes more likely.

Jayden de Laura needs to make smart choices

Kind of tying into the last point, this is going to be an emotional game for de Laura. He is playing against his old school, so naturally, he is going to feel somewhat slighted, especially considering how things transpired that led him to Tucson.

Coming in, Jayden is going to need to keep his emotions in check. As good as Jayden has been this season, he also has his moments where he forces things and tries to do too much.

Against Wazzu, Jayden will need to make smart choices with the football and let the game come to him. Should he play to his strengths, Arizona will have a greater chance of winning.

Limiting Cameron Ward

Arizona has struggled in many areas on defense this season, and once again, the Wildcats will have a significant challenge against Wazzu quarterback, Cameron Ward.

If Arizona is going to win on Saturday, they need to limit the former Incarnate Word transfer as much  as possible. Should the Cats again struggle to generate pressure and make him uncomfortable, look for the Cougars to move the ball with ease.

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