Following a miraculous come-from-behind win last weekend over Arizona, the Huskies travel to Phoenix today to take on the other Arizona team in the Pac-10, the Sun Devils of Arizona State. The Huskies are 0-2 on the road so far this season, though they played well enough to win at Notre Dame two weeks ago.
Significantly, last week’s miracle win pulled the Huskies’ record to 3-3, making tonight’s game pivotal for the Huskies if they’re to have a chance at a bowl game. Such a feat, in Steve Sarkisan’s first year as head coach following the brutal 0-12 campaign of last season, would be remarkable.
Once again, the advantage the Huskies have is on offense, still performing at slightly better than average at more than five yards per play. The Sun Devils counter with a defense that is ranked first overall in the Pac-10 (and third in the nation), surrendering just 221.8 yards of total offense per game. Fortunately for Jake Locker and the Husky attack, the ASU defense excels because of its ability to stuff the run, while UW’s offensive strength comes through the air and Locker’s 7.1 yards per pass.
As is often the case, the key to the game may lie in the turnover battle. ASU’s tough-as-nails defense has consistently forced turnovers, giving the Sun Devils a +1.4 turnover margin—one of the best in the country. The Huskies will need to protect the ball tonight to have a chance.
Vegas favors Arizona State in this game by a touchdown, but I’m going to cast my lot with Locker and the Husky air attack. Far from a let-down, I see this Husky squad riding the momentum of last week’s huge win to finally get off the schneid on the road and get over .500 for the season.
Prediction: Huskies 31, Sun Devils 27.
