Utah makes first appearance in Pac-12 title game against UW
RedCup Intern
Posted On November 28
#17 Utah (9-3) vs. #16 Washington (9-3)
Statistical Leaders:
Washington
Jake Browning (QB): 196/301, 2,692 passing yards, 16 TDs, 9 INTs
Myles Gaskin (RB): 212 carries, 1,076 rushing yards, 10 TDs
Aaron Fuller (WR): 49 catches, 754 receiving yards, 4 TDs
Utah
Tyler Huntley (QB): 150/234, 1,788 passing yards, 12 TDs, 6 INTs
Zack Moss (RB): 179 carries, 1,092 rushing yards, 11 TDs
Britain Covey (WR): 59 catches, 631 receiving yards, 1 TD
Biggest Things To Watch For:
1. Can Jason Shelley make some plays through the air to keep Washington honest?
2. Will Utah be able to prevent Myles Gaskin from breaking off too many big runs?
3. Can Utah get enough push up front to effectively run the ball?
Bold Predictions:
1. Washington holds Utah to under 100 yards passing.
2. Jake Browning throws 2+ INTs.
3. Neither team scores more than 24 points.
Game Run Down:
Washington’s season has to be considered a disappointment with the potential this team had, but they’ve still got a shot at a Pac-12 title now. Jake Browning and the UW offense really got going in the past three weeks, especially Myles Gaskin, who carried the Huskies to a win over Washington State. They will be going up against a stout Utah defense that allows a mere 100 yards per game on the ground. However, this game will likely come down to how the injured Utah offense plays against the talented Washington defense. The Utes have their backup QB (Jason Shelley) and RB (Armand Shyne) starting after both Tyler Huntley and Zack Moss went down for the season in the same week. Shelley and Shyne have played well in the games that they’ve played in, but the Washington defense is a different animal. The Husky secondary is among the best in the nation and Ben Burr-Kirven has an argument to be the nation’s best linebacker. It’ll be tough for the Utes to manufacture many points against Washington, to Kyle Whittingham may have to get creative. Field positions and turnovers will be huge in this game, but ultimately, the more talented team will find a way to win. Washington will claim another Pac-12 title and secure a spot in the Rose Bowl with this win.
Score Prediction: Washington 24 | Utah 20
Game MVP: Myles Gaskin | RB | Washington
