Oregon State vs. Arizona: Three keys to a Wildcat victory

How will Arizona take down Oregon State on Saturday?

Before the season, I don't think anyone saw the Oregon State game being this important for the Arizona Wildcats and the rest of their year, but here we are.

I couldn't find any decently famous actors that are either from Corvallis or went to Oregon State, so this week's three keys to an Arizona win will be episode names from the classic TV show "Leave It to Beaver".

1. A Night in the Woods

The last time Arizona and Oregon State met on the gridiron, Beaver running back Storm Woods had 161 rushing yards, 42 receiving yards, and a touchdown. While that game was way back in 2012, Woods is still in an OSU uniform, and is averaging about 65 yards per game on the ground for the Beavs. Arizona has struggled with tackling and stopping the run in Pac-12 play, so this is certainly a matchup to watch. If the Wildcats can actually contain Woods, Arizona should be winning this game.

2. Beaver and Gilbert

Although part of the OSU backfield is the same as it was four seasons ago, the quarterback is different. Much different. Seth Collins is able to get out and run, having been called the fastest quarterback Arizona will face by the coaches and players this week. That seems troublesome, especially if Reggie Gilbert is unable to make his way into the backfield, and contain Collins within the pocket. Gilbert and the defensive line as a whole need to be better to get Arizona back in the win column.

3. A Horse Named Nick

With Anu Solomon coming back from a concussion, and Jerrard Randall dealing with a pulled hamstring, Nick Wilson will need to be much more productive than he was against Stanford (17 carries for 46 yards). Besides that game, he has rushed for at least 97 yards in each game this year, and will likely need to get to triple digits again this week. The true sophomore is also 20 yards shy of 2,000 career rushing yards, which, if things go well, he'll get on the first drive of the game. This offense will go as Wilson goes, and I think this offense will need to put up a good amount of points to get through this one with all the injuries on the defensive side of the ball.

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