The Huskies have lived up to their advance billing -- in fact they are better than advertised! We all knew about Marques Tuiasosopo, but new heroes emerge each week and that is the mark of a quality team.

Rick Neuheisel had the luxury of 16 starters returning from last year, and he has complemented them with addition of stars like Paul Arnold.

Game Plan: No. 6 Washington

Offense: Spread the formations for the running game. Block line stunts in pass protection. Need 120-plus yards rushing from Arnold and Hurst. Minimum use of audibles. Defense: Pressure Harrington with multiple blitz package. Minimum one-on-one coverage vs. wide receivers. Stunt line for penetration vs. Morris' running. Assign someone to Morris in passing game. Kicking: Don't save the fake punt. Know Anderson's limits for field goal. Players: Respect the Ducks' speed, but don't fear it. Someone make big play each quarter. Enjoy the roar of the crowd. Coaches: Have alternate game plan ready for crowd noise. Take ball early and strike to quiet Autzen. Challenge offensive line to block for run game.

On offense everything starts and mostly stops with Tuiasosopo. The good news is he is durable and exciting in everything he does. The bad news is that any given week a team like Oregon will shut him down and force others to come up with the big plays.

Will the Huskies be able to do it?

Paul Arnold can be a star, but has not shown the expected dramatic flair. He and Willie Hurst need to step it up this week and take pressure off Tuiasosopo. After looking at the way the Ducks smothered DeShaun Foster last week, the Washington staff will be wondering what to emphasize in the running game.

But the area that needs to come alive this week is the passing game. Washington is a big-play oriented team in its passing, but is averaging only 13.1 yards per reception and has only three TD passes in three games. This part of the offense should get plenty of exposure Saturday. And look for more passes directed at the wide receivers.

Last season Washington was last in the Pac-10 in sacks, an area which has been revamped and much improved. In victories over Miami and Colorado, the defensive unit made several big plays and helped turn the momentum in each game. This unit does not get the attention it deserves; at year's end they will prove to be among the best in the country.

The secondary is solid and may be the only one in the Pac-10 that can match up with the Ducks' speed at wide receiver. They will get plenty of chances with their man coverage and blitzes, which have been successful to date.

This game could come down to an extra point or late field goal, and John Anderson has been steadier this season. He has the range and can make a clutch kick.