The Utes are on a four-game winning streak and carry a lot of momentum heading into Saturday’s big showdown against Washington. The nationally televised game with be on FOX and is set to kickoff at 2 p.m. MT.
Over the past four games, Utah has outscored its opponents 146-23, have caused five turnovers and maintained its perfect home record. The Utes are averaging 461 yards of total offense and have blown out its past opponents, including then-No.17 Arizona State, despite losing stars Tyler Huntley and Zach Moss for parts of the game.
Utah is playing its best football of the season and it couldn’t have come at a better time as the look to beat a Husky team that they’ve struggled with over the years.
Washington has won four games in a row against the Utes, including last year’s low-scoring Pac-12 championship game in which the Huskies won, 10-3. Utah’s last win over Washington came in 2015.
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The Huskies are coming off a bye week following a tough 35-31 loss to then-No.12 Oregon and are rested up as they go up against a very physical Utah team. In fact, Pac-12 expert Jon Wilner of The Mercury News, noted that the Utes physical toll has an impact on opponents. In the past four seasons, Pac-12 teams are 10-15 the week after playing Utah, including 3-12 on the road.
Two good things for Washington is that Coach Peterson rarely loses after coming off a bye week and that QB Jacob Eason has played exceptionally well as of late. The 6-foot-6, 227-pound junior threw for 289 yards and three touchdowns in the loss to Oregon. Most importantly, the gunslinger did not turn the ball over.
The Huskies greatest strength lies in their balanced approach on offense. Washington doesn’t rely heavily on its rushing or passing attack — posting above average numbers in each category. Impressively, the Huskies average two touchdowns a game through the air and two touchdowns on the ground. Out of 168 first downs this year, Washington has rushed 75 times and passed 83 times.
Why does that matter? Utah physical and dominating defense over the years has thrived on taking away an opponent’s strength, whether its throwing or running the ball. However, Washington doesn’t really have a set style of play and is great at taking what the defense gives them — unlike Cal, Arizona State and Washington State. Washington will likely come out fired up and would love nothing more than to ruin Utah’s hopes at a Rose Bowl berth.
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But Utah will be ready! Head coach Kyle Whittingham and defensive coordinator Morgan Scalley have opted to play mostly man coverage, trusting their secondary to make big plays — which they have. The Utes are also tied for fifth most defensive touchdowns this year, having brought three interceptions to the house over the first eight games. Scalley’s defense has also held opposing offenses to just 174 passing yards a game, 11th in the nation.
Offensively, Utah has never been this good. Tyler Huntley and Zach Moss have been one of the best 1-2 punch combos in the nation. Huntley boasts the fifth best completion percentage in the nation (73%) and has only thrown one interception. Meanwhile running back Zack Moss ranks 15th overall in yards per carry (6.62) and is coming off another record-breaking performance.
After becoming Utah’s career leader rusher two weeks ago, Moss added to the record book after recording tow touchdowns in last week’s win. With 33 rushing touchdowns, Moss is the all-time leader, passing Del Rodgers, who set the previous mark of 31 from 1978-81. Moss also reached 100 yards rushing for the 15th time in his career, breaking the school record of which he previously shared with Devontae Booker and John White IV.
So, what’s the verdict? Will Utah pull off the win on the road, or will Washington’s streak against Utah continue? Are you asking me? Well, let me tell ya.
Prediction: Utah 38, Washington 31
I believe that Utah has what it takes to beat the Huskies, but it won’t be easy. My call is that Utah wins 38-31, covering the spread (-3.5) and improving to 8-1 on the season. I believe Huntley will throw for over 300 yards and three touchdowns in the win, but the Husky offense will put up some points.
If Utah can take down Washington on Saturday, combined with a loss from USC in its game against No. 7 Oregon, the Utes will be in the driver’s seat in the south division and take a major step towards a Rose Bowl berth.
