EUGENE — With No. 23 Washington coming to Autzen Stadium on Saturday night looking to knock off its second straight top-10 opponent,

this week.

A defensive back for the Ducks in the 1990s, Wilcox has been credited with a quick overhaul of the UW defense in his first season as defensive coordinator. It was the Huskies' defense that set the tone in their 17-13 upset of then-No. 8 Stanford last week.

"Nothing ever surprises me about Justin," UO defensive coordinator Nick Aliotti said.

Aliotti and Wilcox remain close. They talk weekly, and Wilcox said that Aliotti was one of his biggest influences in becoming a coach.

"He's like a younger brother, I guess," Aliotti said, adding: "I really care about that guy. I like that guy. Now, I don't like him this Saturday, and I haven't liked him much this week. But deep down, it's all about good people. ...

"I have a lot of respect and I care a lot about Justin and his career and him on and off the field."

Wilcox called Aliotti last winter when UW's Steve Sarkisian called to offer the Wilcox the coordinator's job.

"I can't take any credit for what Justin's done in his career," Aliotti said. "I said, 'From what I know of Sark, he's a positive, good guy,' and I kind of knew how things were going at Tennessee (where Wilcox had been coaching). I said, 'Take the job and get back on the West Coast, close to home.'"

Aliotti and Wilcox talked last week when Wilcox was in his hotel before the Stanford game.

"I put in my two cents," Aliotti said. "I didn't give him a game plan or anything. I don't mind talking about this because of our relationship, but stop the run (was the key). I think he knew that going in. Play-action pass: I think he knew that going in. Make (Stanford quarterback) Josh Nunes beat you."

Aliotti said he also keeps in regular contact with former players Kenny Wheaton, Alex Molden and Chad Cota, to name a few. Oregon's veteran defensive coordinator also talks often with Boise State coach Chris Petersen and Cal's Jeff Tedford, both former UO assistants.

-- Adam Jude