Arizona freshman quarterback Keith Smith received a mixed review for his performance in Arizona's 31-17 loss to Washington on Saturday.

Smith threw for 228 yards, two touchdowns and three interceptions, as well as running for 40 yards. He was also sacked three times, but eluded numerous others as he scrambled around the pocket.

"He did a good job for us, especially considering the pressure he was under," UA head coach Dick Tomey said. "He had a couple of misreads that hurt us, but that is really our fault because our receivers have to come help him out. We also have to be able to run the ball."

Smith said that despite the loss, he has already grown as a quarterback. The 228 yards passing was a big improvement over the 31 yards he passed for in his game against Illinois.

"I'm starting to feel really comfortable back there," Smith said. "I'm settling down a little bit and I'm gaining confidence as I go. I still have a lot to learn, though."

Wide receiver Richard Dice, who led the team with five receptions against Washington, said he and Smith will become a better combination as the year continues.

"He is learning to hang in the pocket a bit longer and choose his receivers a little better," Dice said. "He still has some problems with coverages, but I have to keep reminding myself that he is still a freshman and that he will learn these things."

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The Wildcats have been looking to their tight ends more often this season. Senior Mike Metzler is second behind wide receiver Richard Dice with eight receptions for 112 yards.

Metzler leads the team in touchdowns with two. Starting tight end Mike Lucky has five receptions for 80 yards and a touchdown

The Wildcats have completed 50 passes for 549 yards and five touchdowns. Smith has 35 of those completions, for 372 yards.

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Speaking of the loss to Washington, the UA defense is reeling after giving up 477 yards, including 166 on the ground. Arizona dropped out of the top 25 nationally in every defensive category.

The team is, however, still ranked fourth in total defense in the Pacific 10 Conference and third in scoring defense. The Wildcats' pass efficiency defense is still among the league leaders at third. The defense has allowed four passing touchdowns - three to Washington - and has a league-leading eight interceptions.

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One indicator of problems for Arizona may be that the secondary is getting most of the tackles. UA safety David Fipp leads the team in tackles with 31, while safety Mikal Smith is second with 30.

"We play an aggressive secondary and they're going to get some tackles," Tomey said. "Unfortunately, if we don't get the pressure from our front people, we are going to give up big plays."

Arizona defensive lineman Joe Salave'a, who left the game with a sprained shoulder, is expected to play in the Wildcats' game against Washington State on Oct. 5.

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The UA running game could get a boost if freshman Leon Callen gets more time. Senior running back Gary Taylor leads the team with 294 rushing yards, but ran for just over 30 yards in each of the losses to Iowa and Washington. Keith Smith is second in rushing yards with 218.

Callen has 95 yards on 17 carries this season and has shown the ability to make defenders miss.

Tomey is just waiting to see if he has the whole package.

"He did a good job (against Washington) running the ball," Tomey said. "He also had an opportunity to pass block a little, which will determine how much he plays in the future. He still needs to learn how to do all the little things."

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