We told you before the year started the Wildcats defense would be the most improved in the nation. Ravaged by injuries and learning a complicated 3-3-5 defense, the Wildcats were forced to throw a bunch of players to the wolves.

Baptism by fire, the Wildcats returned a stunning 20 players on defense who started one game or more last season. In three games, they have held each of their opponents to 13 or fewer points. They are allowing 3.4 yards per rushing attempt versus teams normally getting 3.8, 5.2 passing yards per attempt versus squads that usually get 6.0 and 4.4 yards per play to 4.8. They are holding squads to 8.5 points below their normal average.

Early week weather reports are calling for possible rain, which would hurt Washington a team that picked up their pace, rather than Arizona which became more run oriented.

The Cats had a week to prepare for this game and in a bizarre scheduling anomaly, do not play again until October 10th. So they can put all their focus on this match
Arizona crushed Washington last year 52-17 commencing their current 8-2 straight up run.

Underdogs of 3.5 to 10 points forcing 2.5 or more turnovers per game off consecutive games with one or fewer offensive turnovers is 80-42 against the spread.

We will grant you this is the biggest test of the Wildcats, but if they handpicked their schedule to focus purely on this game, they could not have done a better job. They are undervalued and in a strong spot.

Arizona is averaging 322 yards rushing per game led by KaDeem Carey who has 299 yards and 4 TDs. This is despite missing the opener because of a suspension.