Wildcats welcome Cougars to Tucson

By Sports Network | The Sports Network • Published November 04, 2009

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The 21st-ranked Arizona Wildcats will cap off their three-game homestand this weekend, as they entertain the Washington State Cougars in Pac-10 play in Tucson.

The Wildcats are coming off their second bye of the season, as they begin a stretch run that will feature games against the likes of California, Oregon and USC. In its last game, Arizona overcame some sloppy play to capture a 27-13 victory UCLA on October 24th. Following the win and bye week, the Wildcats moved to No.21 in the rankings, as people are starting to take a look at this club.

"I think we're earning more and more respect," said head coach Mike Stoops.

It marks the program's first showing in the national polls in nine years, as Arizona quietly moved into sole possession of second place in the Pac-10 at 3-1. Strong play at home has been a key to the team's success, with Arizona sporting a perfect 4-0 mark in Tucson.

As for the Cougars, they have had next to no success this season and are coming off a 40-14 setback against nationally-ranked Notre Dame this past weekend.

It marked the fifth straight loss since WSU picked up its lone win over SMU (30-27, OT) all the way back on September 19th. The Cougars have really struggled away from home as well, losing their last 10 true road games.

In respect to the head-to-head series, Arizona holds a 23-13 advantage over WSU and that includes a 59-28 victory last season in Pullman.

The Cougars, once gain, did little on offense, as Notre Dame limited them to just 206 total yards in a lopsided loss. WSU also committed two turnovers and allowed five sacks, as they continue to struggle in both departments.

"I thought it was a game we could come in and do some things offensively and take a little pressure off our defense," said head coach Paul Wulff. "We had a good week of practice and we didn't execute really good today and I think up front that we didn't block particularly well."

The Cougars lead the nation in sacks allowed, with 40, and that is a big reason for their 22 turnovers. Another reason for the mishaps is WSU is using a true freshman quarterback in Jeff Tuel, who threw for 104 yards, with two touchdowns against two picks against Notre Dame. Tuel will surely take his lumps this season, but he has shown potential by hitting on 59.5 percent of his pass attempts, with six scores and five interceptions.

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