By: Diamond Minnea
The 17th ranked Utah Utes look to give the Washington Huskies their first loss of the season and in conference play this Saturday, as they host this Pac-12 match-up. Ranked fourth in the AP Poll 25, the Huskies are 7-0 (4-0) and do not look to let anyone get in their way as they’ve destroyed all opponents in their way.
Their most recent win was a blow out win over Oregon State, 41-17. Washington QB Jake Browning threw for 291 yards and three touchdowns along with 14 of 28 finished passes. His season couldn’t be possible without three major weapons at receiver: Dante Pettis, John Ross and Aaron Fuller. Those are three names that contributed to keeping the loss column at zero for the Huskies.
Dominating in offense is not their only specialty especially being ranked sixth in scoring defense only allowing 14.6 points per game. Washington also ranked 15 th in total defense with 318.6 yards allowed per game to their opponents. Utah needs to ask themselves what exactly can they do when a team like Washington comes onto their home field. The Utes are the underdogs, clearly, only winning once out of nine recent meetings. That win was last year when Utah won 34-23 in Seattle.
As for the Utes on Saturday, they look to run the ball down the Huskies’ defense throat. Utah is clearly capable after RB Joe Williams ran for a school-record 332 yards and four touchdowns on 29 carries against UCLA. Williams cannot handle the pressure all alone. The Utes offensive needs to get it going in the air and become more well balanced. Utah’s biggest job is to get to Browning on defense if they want any chance of keeping this a close game. Forcing Browning out the pocket and to throw in tight coverage can give the Utes the advantage they need to succeed.
But looking at the facts, this is definitely another win for Washington and they shall remain undefeated. Utah won’t be shut out but they won’t exactly make it a close game either.
Prediction: Washington 48 Utah 21
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