Utah (0-1) at Washington (2-0)
Saturday, 4:30 p.m.
Line: Washington -7
TV: ABC Radio: KJR 950
The Washington Huskies begin preparation to play in the Apple Cup shortly after their dominating win over Arizona last Saturday night. But by Sunday night the Apple Cup had been cancelled due to Covid concerns on the Washington State side. And rumors flew who the next UW opponent who be. Names such as BYU, Utah, San Diego State, Wyoming, and more were rolling through the rumor mill. Washington Head Coach Jimmy Lake said at one point he had four different teams depth charts on his desk. But luckily for the Huskies they guessed right who their opponent would be.
“We played the odds a little bit. We tried to get some entail where we could,” Jimmy lake said on trying to figure out who their next opponent would be.”Thankfully we did practice against Utah – Tuesday’s practice. And of course we practiced today against Utah. So our guess was right”
Utah was supposed to play Arizona State this week. But due to Covid issues on the Arizona State side, the game was cancelled.
Washington’s offense comes in to Saturday’s prime time matchup against Utah flying high. The Huskies scored 44 points – 37 coming in the first three quarters. Washington used a balanced attack against the Wildcats – passing for 239 yards and rushing for 233 yards. The Huskies have rushed for over 200 yards in the their first two games.
The Huskies will face a new look Utah defense. The Utes lost nine starters from last year’s Pac-12 South Division champion team. And the Utes defense last week didn’t look as bad as the 33 points they surrendered in their loss to USC. Utah had five turnovers on offense. But despite dealing with an offense that did not do much, Utah’s defense scored in the game and held USC to 357 total yards.
Utah’s offense will have to take a major step up this week. Starting quarterback Cameron Rising was lost for the season after suffering an undisclosed injury in the USC loss. South Carolina transfer Jake Bentley will takeover at quarterback. In the loss to USC, Bentley completed 16-of-28 passes for 171 yards. Bentley threw for one TD and had two interceptions. One of the lone highlights for Utah on offense last week was a 45-yard TD pass to Samson Nacua. If the name sounds familiar, it’s because it is. Samson Nacua is brother’s with Husky WR Paku Nacua.
Washington’s defense was absolutely incredible against Arizona. The Huskies took a 37-0 lead in the second half before removing their starters. And through three quarters Arizona has just 66 total yards of offense. The Huskies look like the best defense in the Pac-12 early on.
Key to the Game
Make Utah throw the ball
It’s no secret that the more times that Utah has to throw the ball, the better. Utah will have a second string QB in and facing his toughest task of the season. Through two games, UW has surrendered just 344 yards passing – much of that coming in junk time. If Utah has to throw the ball more than they have to run, you have to like Washington’s chances.
Turnover Battle
Washington must win the turnover battle. Utah is still searching on offense and it would be pretty shocking if they didn’t win the turnover battle Saturday night.
Catch the ball
The Huskies wide receivers have left a lot of points on the board through two games because of drops. Washington has a lot of young talented wide receivers. But they must catch the ball.
Prediction
Washington should be able to shutdown Utah’s offense. The Utes are searching on that side of the ball and it could be a long night for QB Jake Bentley. Utah’s defense will keep them in the game for awhile before Washington’s defense is just too much to handle. Huskies look good again and roll over the Utes.
Washington 28 Utah 10
