Arizona heads to Washington State this Saturday for its first matchup against a former Pac‑12 foe since the Wildcats entered the Big 12. The game in Pullman offers a chance to address early‑season concerns, especially the team’s under‑performing rushing attack.
Recent performance and offensive challenges
Arizona entered the trip with a 2‑1 record, matching the start the program last enjoyed under Rich Rodriguez from 2012‑15. The Wildcats have a 28‑19 all‑time edge over the Cougars, including a 12‑7 record in Pullman.
In the season‑opening win over Northern Arizona, the Wildcats rushed for 189 yards and three touchdowns. Since then they have accumulated 181 rushing yards, but only 84 of those came against Northern Illinois, highlighting inconsistency.
Currently, Arizona ranks last in the Big 12 in rushing, averaging 123.3 yards per game—39 yards fewer than any other league team. In 2025 the Wildcats averaged 152.4 yards, a drop that the coaching staff attributes to execution rather than personnel or scheme.
Offensive coordinator Seth Doege said, “It’s not the standard right now. I need to do a better job adjusting and calling better runs in games.” He noted that Northern Illinois loaded the box, forcing Arizona to rely more on the passing game, which led quarterback Noah Fifita to set a school record with 31 completions on 34 attempts and become the UA career yardage leader.
Fifita admitted, “I took four sacks, and at least three were my fault, holding the ball too long.” Arizona’s quarterbacks have been hit for nine sacks, losing 61 yards. Removing those losses, the team averages 143.7 rushing yards per game and 5.2 yards per carry—respectable numbers but still below the program’s expectations given its depth at the position.
Defensive outlook
Defensive coordinator Danny Gonzales emphasized the need to improve third‑down defense, noting the Wildcats have allowed conversions on 39 % of third‑down attempts, up from 34.1 % last season. He warned that allowing 11 conversions when opponents need seven or more yards is “the ultimate sin on defense.”
Arizona’s defense, which ranked second nationally in turnover margin in 2025 (+18), has forced only one turnover in three games while giving up five.
Key injuries include safety Daylen Austin, who suffered a season‑ending injury against Northern Illinois, thinning the secondary. Freshman Kaisi Lafitaga started in place of Mays Pese, and linebacker Myron Robinson returned after a major knee injury.
Washington State’s offense
The Cougars have favored the pass in their first three games, though that statistic is skewed by playing from behind in losses to Washington and Kansas State. Their 48‑7 victory over Duquesne showcased a balanced attack, featuring quarterback Caden Pinnick and rushers Kirby Vorhees and Maxwell Woods, who combined for 530 yards on 79 non‑sack carries. Both Vorhees and Woods posted 100‑plus‑yard games, a feat the Cougars have not achieved with multiple rushers since 2006.
What to watch
- Whether Arizona can establish a more consistent ground game against a Cougars defense that has struggled to stop the run.
- Improvement in third‑down defense, a focal point for Gonzales.
- How the Wildcats adjust play‑calling after a tough passing performance against Northern Illinois.
The game offers a litmus test for Arizona’s ability to correct early‑season deficiencies and set a positive tone for the upcoming Big 12 schedule.
Original reporting: Arizona Desert Swarm (Tucson Sports) — read the source article.
