UA football: 5 players/positions to watch today

PULLMAN, Wash. — We finally get some afternoon ball today when the UA battles Washington State at 3 p.m.

The Wildcats enter the game as a 2 1/2-point favorite in most places. Though this morning all of the analysts on ESPN's College Gameday went with the Cougars to pull the upset. 

While we wait to see if they're right, here's a look at five players and positions to keep an eye on today. 

1. Cornerbacks: Where else could you start with this game. Wazzu quarterback Connor Halliday is averaging 477.7 yards per game through the air and is obviously a weapon for the Cougars. The UA's starting corners — Jonathan McKnight and Jarvis McCall — need to have a strong game for the Wildcats to limit the damage. Both McKnight and McCall have played well the past few weeks after a so-so start. McKnight said earlier this week one of the biggest keys will be something simple: Stay with the receiver throughout the duration of the play. The corners cant leave their guys and try to freelance. True freshman corner Cam Denson could also see some snaps today if the Wildcats experiment with stopping the pass. 

2. Anu Solomon: The redshirt freshman quarterback is always important, but today he'll be critical to the UA's success. Arizona can't afford a slow start on the road and Solomon has struggled to get it going in the first half. The Wildcats would like to see him hit his stride as early as possible this afternoon and get the UA offense in a groove. If Solomon can have a strong start, it will make things dramatically easier for the UA defense. Look for Solomon and the Wildcats to take some shots downfield early to test his accuracy. 

3. The running backs: Arizona could see as many as three backs get a decent number of carries today. Senior Terris Jones-Grigsby (concussion) was listed as probable on coach Rich Rodriguez's injury report this week and should be good to go. He'll likely start. Who backs him up is a bit of a mystery. Freshman Nick Wilson (ankle) was listed as questionable. No player listed as questionable has played in the following game this season for the UA, but look for Wilson to get in some work. Third-string back Jared Baker proved he can produce when called on last game against USC and could also see some reps today. Whoever it is, the running backs can take some pressure off Solomon with a good game. 

4. The defensive ends: Against Oregon, senior defensive ends Dan Pettinato and Reggie Gilbert were dynamite off the edge and able to get off blocks and disrupt quarterback Marcus Mariota. Against USC, the duo was quiet and didn't do much. Halliday won't hold on to the ball long before he slings it, but the defensive ends would like to speed him up as much as possible. It will also be interesting to see who spells Pettinato and Gilbert. Look for Jeff Worthy to see some reps at end at times. He started the season as the starting nose, but is now playing both spots. He could come in for Pettinato at times. 

5. Jourdon Grandon: We'll go a little under-the-radar for the final pick. The senior starting free safety is as important as the cornerbacks today. Grandon will be a busy man today with Wazzu's active passing game. He's been up and down this season and has rotated with backup Jamar Allah at brief spots the past few games. Whether it's picking up coverage on the outside or protecting the inside of the field, Grandon will be a guy to watch today. Like Tra'Mayne Bondurant, Grandon has strong ball skills. He'll have several chances at creating turnovers today.