We're not sure what's tougher -- spelling or stopping Marques Tuiasosopo.

The Washington QB is equally dangerous running and passing, as evidenced by his 300-yard passing, 200-yard rushing game against Stanford last season.

We asked our panel of coaches what makes Tuiasosopo so tough to defend and here's what they said:

Mike Gottfried Marques Tuiasosopo's offense is tailor-made for him. The reason he's so difficult to defend is because Washington does so many things on offense and, because of the option, their blocking schemes are different than what opposing teams are used to. They can low-block it so he can carry the ball, they can block it so he has the option to pitch the football. This makes Tuiasosopo very dangerous on play-action passes because when you cover an option football team sometimes you put one safety on the QB, or you can put two people on him, but then you're left with something else open and Tuiasosopo and the Huskies can get some big plays in the passing game. In order to beat him, Miami has to stop the big play, which they should be able to do because they have so much speed. The 'Canes will have to use that speed to their advantage and keep the ball away from Tuiasosopo.

Lee Corso I saw Tuiasosopo play against Kansas State last year in the Holiday Bowl and was tremendously impressed. Not only is he a tremendous passer, but he's also very quick; especially for a QB his size. He's tough to stop because of his ability to run, run over people, and throw in the clutch. I think he's one of the best all-around quarterbacks in the country and the main reason I think Washington has a great chance to upset Miami on Saturday. Miami's speed is the only weapon that can counter Tuiasosopo. The 'Canes will have to run right at him, hit him and make him drop the ball.

John Mackovic Marques Tuiasosopo is one of the most complete quarterbacks in college football over the past five seasons, and is the only one this year to compare favorably with Michael Vick in every aspect. First, he is a talented pocket passer with height, strength of arm, and the willingness to stay at home and deliver the tough pass. He can also make great throws on the run so the option pass/run are perfect for him as well. When the Huskies want to stretch the defenses with option plays, Tuiasosopo has the speed and strength as a runner to be punishing. What makes it so tough to defend him is that you have to defend all areas of the offensive attack without knowing which one is coming at you. If you have an all-out pass rush for the drop back passing, he can run the option inside for big plays. If you defend the option attack by moving up the safeties, the play action pass can be lethal. A defensive coach cannot take anything for granted that can be taken away by schemes. The defensive players must be alert at all times, and if they start guessing about what comes next they will pay with big plays against them.

Bill Curry Most football people will marvel at Marques Tuiasosopo, but they'll describe his most important asset as "mobility". Phrases like "natural ability" and "quarterback/athlete" are bandied about concerning quarterbacks like Marques with all the double entendre implicit in the situation. The clear implication is that this guy gets by because he is fast and athletic. Phrases like "keen analyst" and "quick mind" are saved for a different brand of QB. All of those phrases should be used when describing Marques. Combine his skill with the toughness of his father, who was a defensive lineman, and you come up with the only QB in history to pass for 300 yards while running for 200, all in the same game. This guy has it all, and that is why he is virtually unstoppable.