This game was supposed to be a bit more high scoring, but Washington and Arizona are tied up in a much more defensive battle than expected. At the half, Washington is leading Arizona, 11-6.
Washington opened the scoring with a quick four-play touchdown drive covering just 35 yards, following an interception of a pass by Arizona’s B.J. Denker on the third play of the game. Washington’s Keith Price completed his first three pass attempts on the drive, the third connecting with Kevin Smith for the score. The Huskies decided to go for two points instead of kick the extra point, and the conversion failed. Washington would get those two points though, courtesy of the defense, later in the first quarter when a botched snap on a punt attempt by Arizona sailed through Drew Riggleman‘s hands and out-of-bounds for a safety.
Arizona did make a game of this with a late score before the half when Denker executed a terrific fake to running back Ka’Deem Carey and ran down field to set up a short touchdown run by Carey. Could that be what turns the momentum around in this one?
Other than a field goal in the second quarter, Washington’s offense has not done much against Arizona’s defense. Washington has just 153 yards of offense at the half.
Washington has been playing like one of the better teams in the Pac 12 early on this season. If they can slam the door on Arizona in the second half they should give Stanford something to think about next week. Arizona still has an offense that is capable of putting some points on the scoreboard. If they can make some adjustments and find ways to move the football, the pressure will be on Washington. That late touchdown could change the direction of this game.