Arizona Washington: How WSU can pull a primetime upset
Washington State can upset Arizona Washington favorites Saturday by slowing Noah Fifita's elite passing attack, sustaining complementary offense after its Duquesne rebound, and leaning on Pullman history that has favored the Cougars in recent seasons before Arizona's 2023 blowout win. The 1-2 Cougars host 2-1 Arizona as 10.5-point underdogs in a primetime CBS showdown at Gesa Field with early-season and bowl stakes for Kirby Moore.
Key Takeaways
- Arizona (2-1) is a 10.5-point road favorite over Washington State (1-2) on Saturday night CBS.
- Wildcats QB Noah Fifita has completed about 81% of his passes with seven touchdowns and one interception.
- WSU needs the win to avoid a 1-3 start and protect a strong recent bowl streak.
- Receiver Giovanni Richardson and cornerback Jalil Tucker are injury questions on opposite sidelines.
- Ex-Pac-12 foes meet in Pullman after Arizona's 2023 blowout; the Cougars have won five of the past seven meetings.
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Why does this Arizona Washington matchup matter now?
The nonconference reunion was scheduled in January 2025 after the old Pac-12 collapsed and Arizona joined the Big 12. Kickoff is Saturday at Gesa Field in Pullman, with CBS carrying the primetime window (4:30 p.m. MT / 7:30 p.m. ET).
Arizona is 2-1 after routing Northern Illinois and falling to top-15 BYU. Washington State opened with losses to Washington and Kansas State before beating FCS Duquesne. According to The Spokesman-Review, a loss would leave Moore's debut season at 1-3 and put the program's bowl streak in peril after bowl eligibility in 10 of the last 11 full seasons.
Arizona Desert Swarm lists the FanDuel line at Arizona -10.5 with an over/under of 48.5. Historically, Arizona has won 12 of 19 trips to Pullman, though before 2023 the Wildcats had not won there since 2014.
How can WSU slow Noah Fifita and Arizona's offense?
Fifita is completing more than 81% of his throws for roughly 830-plus yards, seven touchdowns and one interception. Arizona averages 306 passing yards per game, ranking No. 20 nationally and third in the Big 12. He also set a program career touchdown-pass record last weekend.
Moore called Fifita a very accurate passer who extends plays, stressing team defense so the Cougars do not press and allow downfield throws. Defensive coordinator Trent Bray knows Arizona coach Brent Brennan from Oregon State staff days; Brennan called Bray "Uncle Trent" to his kids and "a really good friend."
Top Wildcats receiver Giovanni Richardson (14 catches, 161 yards) is questionable with a lower-body injury after missing the last game. If he sits, Tre Spivey and Isaiah Mizell may see more work. WSU starter Jalil Tucker is a game-time decision at corner after missing two games, which could force nickelback Jamarey Smith outside again.
What must Washington State's offense and special teams deliver?
After ranking last nationally in total offense and points through two games, the Cougars rebounded against Duquesne. CBS Sports notes WSU averages just over 172 rushing yards per game while ranking 132nd in passing offense behind quarterback Caden Pinnick.
Another swing factor is kicker Jack Stevens, who opened 1-for-5 on field goals and missed an extra point last weekend. Moore has voiced confidence, but fourth-and-manageable decisions near Arizona's end could define a close underdog path.
Linebacker DJ Warner, a Glendale native with recruiting ties to Arizona, framed the night as a chance to beat old friends in primetime. For WSU, complementary football—and containing Fifita—is the clearest route from 10.5-point underdog to an Arizona Washington upset.