Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

WHAT TO KNOW

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What’s at stake

The Huskies get their first true test after opening the season with wins over Rutgers, Idaho and Portland State. The Wildcats sputtered early in the season, but got their quick-hitting offense rolling in last week’s win over Hawaii, so it should be a tough Pac-12 opener for Washington.

Key matchup

Arizona’s secondary against Washington

QB Jake Browning. The Huskies’ sophomore leads the nation in passing efficiency at 206.9 and has thrown for 744 yards with 12 TDs the

first three games. Arizona’s defense is allowing 435.3 total yards per game this season, so finding a way to slow Browning will be a huge key.

Players to watch

Washington: S Budda Baker. The dynamic junior can play anywhere in the secondary and anchors a first-string defense that hasn’t allowed a touchdown all season. The Huskies also dabbled with playing Baker on offense last week, so keep an eye on that side of the ball.

Arizona: RB J.J. Taylor. The Wildcats were already thin at running back when Nick Wilson went out with a left foot injury against Hawaii last week. The freshman Taylor filled in nicely, using his quickness and elusivenes­s to rack up 168 yards rushing.

Facts & figures

Washington has scored at least 40 points in six straight games dating to last season . ... Arizona QB Brandon Dawkins has accounted for 673 yards and seven TDs since replacing injured starter Anu Solomon, who was still limited in practice this week due to a left knee injury . ... The Huskies have outscored opponents 45-0 in the first quarter and 52-3 in the first half so far this season . ... Arizona WR Nate Phillips has a catch in 36 straight games, tied with Virginia’s Taquan Mizzell for the fifth-longest active streak in the nation.

Betting line

Washington by 11

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