Utah (5-5) at No. 18 Washington (8-2)
Saturday, 7:30 p.m.
Husky Stadium (Seattle, Washington)
Line: Washington -17.5
TV: ESPN Radio: KOMO
The No. 18 ranked Washington Huskies are coming off a disappointing, 30-22, loss at Stanford. The loss dashed any hopes of making the College Football Playoff and hurt their conference title hopes as well. Head coach Chris Petersen said that he was proud of how hard his players played, but in the end, Stanford just played better.
“Stanford played better than us, that’s the bottom line,” Petersen during his Monday press conference.
Washington’s offense, statistically speaking, has been very good once again this year. But at times there have been plenty of inconsistencies. Those inconsistencies came to the forefront last Friday night for UW’s offense. After opening up with two touchdown drives, the Huskies’ offense went cold. UW went just 2-for-8 on third downs and scored just 22 points in the loss. Quarterback Jake Browning, started 9-for-9 passing but finished with just 190 yards passing. The good news for UW’s offense is they return home this Saturday, where they averaging 46.2 points per game.
The Huskies’ defense came into the Stanford contest with the No. 1 ranked total defense in the nation. But UW’s “Death Row” defense had their worst performance in nearly two years, surrendering 30 points, for the first time since 2015. Stanford converted 10-18 third downs in the win. Overall, UW’s defense still ranks No. 2 in scoring defense (13.0 PPG) and No. 4 in total defense (257.4 YPG), in the nation.
Utah lost eight players from last year’s team to the NFL. At first it appeared the Utes were adjusting just fine to the losses, starting the season, with four straight wins. But the loss of talent and injuries led to a four game losing streak and now the Utes (5-5) are fighting just to make a bowl game.
On offense, the Utes feature a balanced offense under offensive coordinator, Troy Taylor. Utah has run the ball 376 times to 349 passes. Injuries to QB Tyler Huntley have hampered Utah’s offense but he has returned from injury. The Utes’ offense ranks No. 10 in scoring offense in the Pac-12, averaging 29.0 points per game. In Utah’s 33-25 loss against Washington State last week, they turned the ball over seven times.
Utah’s defense is not one of Kyle Whittingham’s best but they have still been good this year. The Utes’ 22 takeaways are tied for ninth most in the nation. Utah’s 24.1 points per game allowed ranks No. 4 in the Pac-12. Last week, the Utes’ defense held Washington State to 338 total yards and just 27 rushing yards.
Key Players: Washington
(QB) Jake Browning
It hasn’t been the year many expected for the reigning Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Year. Browning is completing 68.4 percent of his passes but has lacked the explosive plays that were the normal for UW’s offense last year. The loss of John Ross and injuries have hurt UW’s offense but Browning still hasn’t been himself. Can he bounce back this week?
(RB) Myles Gaskin
If your’re giving out an MVP award for UW’s offense, Myles Gaskin would win the award. The junior has rushed for 1,038 yards and 13 touchdowns. It’s Gaskin’s third straight season of rushing for over 1,000 yards. With UW’s passing game being inconsistent, expect Gaskin’s load to continue to increase.
(S) Taylor Rapp
It’s been another great season for the sophomore safety. Taylor Rapp’s 46 tackles ranks second on the team. Rapp also has two sacks and 3.5 tackles for loss this season. With the mobility of Tyler Huntley, look for Rapp to come on a few safety blitzes on Saturday.
Key Players: Utah
(QB) Tyler Huntley
The 6-foot-1 sophomore, has been a little inconsistent throwing the ball this season. Tyler Huntley has 13 passing touchdowns to nine interceptions. Where Huntley becomes a real problem for opposing teams, is his ability to extend plays with his legs. Huntley has rushed for 432 yards and three touchdowns this season.
(WR) Darren Carrington
After being dismissed at Oregon, 6-foot-3 wide receiver, Darren Carrington has thrived at Utah. Carrington’s 92.2 receiving yards per game, ranks No. 1 in the conference. Carrington leads Utah with 830 yards receiving and six touchdowns. Carrington did not play last week due to injury and is considered questionable this Saturday. Darren Carrington is a WR every defensive coordinator must spend extra attention to.
(K) Matt Gay
Unlike the Huskies, Utah’s kicking game has been very good, thanks to Matt Gay. The senior has made 22-of-26 kicks, including 30-of-30 on extra points. What’s most impressive is Matt Gay’s accuracy from long distance field goals, converting 5-of-6 from 50 plus yards out. Advantage Utah, in the kicking game.
Keys to the game
1. Win the turnover battle
Utah has feasted on taking the ball away from opposing teams. But the Utes also have 23 turnovers of their own this season. UW could be in for a big day if they can do what Washington State did to Utah last Saturday.
2. Stick to the run
It’s pretty clear that UW’s best offense has come on the ground this season. If the Huskies can get Myles Gaskin and Lavon Coleman going early, it could spark the passing game.
3. Contain Huntley
This will be the best dual-threat QB, UW has faced this season. Washington must make Tyler Huntley one-dimensional. If they do that, they could create some turnovers.
Game notes
*Washington leads the all-time series between the schools, 9-1
*When UW has rushed for over 200 yards, since 1990, the Huskies are 96-16-1
*Myles Gaskin, Chris Polk, and Napoleon Kaufman are the only players in UW history to rush for over 1,000 yards in three different seasons
*Jake Browning’s 75 career passing touchdowns are tied with Keith Price for most in UW history
*Washington needs California to beat Stanford on Saturday and a win against Washington State, in the Apple Cup, to win the Pac-12 North division.
Prediction
Washington should come out angry after their poor performance at Stanford. Utah hasn’t been as good at stopping the run as in years past. The Huskies should be able to get the running game going. Washington’s defense will bounce back after their worst performance of the season. As long as the Huskies’ defense gets off the field on third down, UW should be fine.
Washington 35 Utah 17
