Washington Football: Grades for Each Unit Against Wildcats

While the game between the Washington Huskies and Arizona Wildcats was closer than most Huskies’ fans would have liked, Washington was able to pull away late with a 42-31 win over Arizona.

The Pac-12 picture is beginning to develop nicely, as the Huskies’ record improves to 6-2 (4-1), while Arizona drops to 2-6 (1-5).

Many players from the game excelled (Chris Polk), while others who figured to look good (Keith Price) struggled.

Run Offense: A-

Chris Polk was the clear MVP from the game, rushing for 144 yards on 34 carries plus 100 yards receiving on four catches. Also remarkable, Polk had five touchdowns on the game—four rushing, one receiving.

The reason that the unit gets an A- and not a higher grade is for the fact that Arizona’s defense is so bad, and the run game looked less than perfect at times. The team combined for 179 yards on 43 carries for a 4.2 yards per carry average.

However, it is still a great performance by the running backs for the Huskies.

Pass Offense: C-

Quarterback Keith Price didn’t play his best game against the Wildcats, completing just 16-of-30 passes for 277 yards with one touchdown and three interceptions.

One of those interceptions—not Price’s fault—went for a pick-6 that gave the Wildcats’ a lot of momentum and changed the picture of the game.

Considering that Arizona’s secondary ranks as one of the worst in the Pac-12, throwing three interceptions and having multiple drops is unacceptable.

The Huskies need to step it up when they play the Oregon Ducks next week.

Run Defense: A

I figured before the game that the Wildcats would struggle at running the football and switch to the pass early, but I didn’t think they would be as ineffective as they were. On the day, Arizona only recorded 36 yards rushing on 19 carries for a pitiful 1.9 yards per carry average.

The Huskies’ lineman manhandled Arizona’s atrocious offensive line, getting penetration all game long. Washington will need a similar performance next week against Oregon if they hope to slow down the Duck’s trio of great backs (LaMichael James, Kenjon Barner, De’Anthony Thomas).

Pass Defense: B+

Yes, the Huskies allowed 388 yards through the air on defense, but look who they were playing.

Arizona’s offense is loaded with great receivers (Juron Criner, David Roberts, David Douglas, Dan Buckner), and they feature one of the most underrated quarterbacks in the entire country, Nick Foles.

Along with the 388 yards, the defense was able to pick off three of Foles’ passes, something that hasn’t happened since the Alamo Bowl in 2010. The Huskies’ DBs get a tip of the hat from me.