Huard doesn't stress big numbers, just big wins

Arizona Daily Wildcat Courtesy of Washington University Washington quarterback Brock Huard prepares to make a handoff during last year's Arizona game. Huard lit up the Wildcats for over 300 yards passing in the Huskies' win.

He was the first quarterback in school history to throw for 300 yards in his first start.

He was named the Pacific 10 Conference offensive player of the week after the performance.

He did it against Arizona.

Huard will get a chance to do more damage against the team that put him on the map when the Wildcats and the No. 9 Huskies meet Saturday afternoon at Arizona Stadium.

Huard, however, doesn't feel pressure to have a repeat performance.

"I am not worried about numbers," Huard said. "I just go in thinking about what we need to do to win. It doesn't matter what I did before."

The Arizona game was no fluke either. Huard rolled the rest of the season, passing for 1,678 yards and 13 touchdowns while throwing only five interceptions.

The Huskies were 7-2 in games that he started.

But that was last season and Huard knows a revamped Arizona defense presents a greater challenge.

"This will be a big test because of their defense," Huard said. "Throwing against their secondary and big front line, this will be a huge test."

Numerous experts have predicted Washington would compete for a national title, and the sophomore has been asked to lead the way. Huard, however, does not let expectations get to him.

"That was something that was out of our control," said Huard about the preseason predictions. "We just try to put all the pressure to the side and just play football."

Huard also has the pressure of filling the shoes of big brother Damon, who was Washington's quarterback from 1992-95 and the Huskies' career passing leader.

"I never have focused on that," said Huard, who wears number seven as a tribute to his older brother who sported the same digit. "It's just that everyone takes their turn. I was after him just like someone will be after me."

Guiding the squad to a 4-1 start and a top 10 ranking, Huard leads the nation in passing efficiency with a rating of 172.0.

He has thrown only one interception, and that was after attempting 151 passes.

Dating back to last year, Huard has thrown only two interceptions in his past 211 attempts. He has already thrown 11 touchdowns, two short of last season's total.

"When I talked to coach (at the beginning of the year), he wanted me to be a more efficient passer," Huard said. "I started off hot, but have had to work at it lately."

"Huard is having a terrific year, as far as accuracy goes," UA head coach Dick Tomey said.

Regardless of the gaudy numbers, Huard is not satisfied with what he has done this year.

"I am never going to be happy," Huard said. "The only way I will be satisfied is if we are winning games."

It is scary to think the kind of statistics Huard would have if he had not played the past two games on a bum ankle.

The ankle slowed him against Arizona State two weeks ago, but he appeared much better against California.

"He is a real competitor. He has been fighting that (ankle)," UW head coach Jim Lambright said. "I think it held him back, but he did not regress."

Huard said it should be just fine for Saturday.