Game 9 opponent: Washington State
When: Nov. 5, time TBA
Where: Martin Stadium (capacity: 33,522), Pullman, Washington
TV: TBA
What to expect: A serious challenge. A trip to Pullman used to represent a reprieve. But these aren’t your father’s Cougars. Or even 2014’s Cougars. Washington State won nine games last season – and easily could have won 10 if not for a missed field goal against Stanford. One of those wins came at Arizona’s expense. This guy had a lot to do with it …
Player to watch: QB Luke Falk. WSU just might have the best quarterback in the conference, at least for 2016. Falk was nothing short of phenomenal last season, passing for 4,561 yards with a 69.4 percent completion rate, 38 touchdowns and only eight interceptions (in 644 attempts). Falk lit up Arizona for a season-high 514 yards with five TDs and zero picks. The hope is that the Wildcats’ pass defense will be vastly improved this season. Theoretically, it should be a lot better in Game 9 than in Game 1.
All time: Arizona leads the series 26-15. Washington State has won two of the past three meetings. If the past two matchups are any indication, expect a high-scoring games. The teams combined for 96 points in 2014 and 87 last year.
