No. 16 Washington (8-2, 5-2 Pac-12, CFP No. 18) vs. Utah (5-5, 2-5), Saturday, 10:30 p.m. ET (ESPN)
Line: Washington by 17 ½.
Series record: Washington leads 9-1
WHAT’S AT STAKE?
The College Football Playoff is out of the question now for Washington after last week’s loss at Stanford. The Huskies goal is to finish with 10 wins and maybe if they get some help slide into a Pac-12 North title. That would take California upsetting Stanford this week and Washington beating Washington State next week in the Apple Cup. Utah needs one more victory to gain bowl eligibility but doesn’t want to leave it up to the last week of the season when the Utes face Colorado.
KEY MATCHUP
Utah WR Darren Carrington vs. Washington’s DBs. For the first time all season, Washington gave up some big plays, particularly in the passing game, against Stanford. Part of that was the size advantage Stanford’s wide receivers had over Washington’s defensive backs. Carrington missed the Washington State game with an undisclosed injury and his status is unknown for the Huskies, but is leading the Pac-12 in yards receiving per game and is fourth in receptions per game.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Utah: QB Tyler Huntley. The dual-threat QB for the Utes threw a career-worst five interceptions in the loss to Washington State after throwing just four interceptions in his first seven games of the season.
Washington: WR Dante Pettis. A year ago in Salt Lake City, Pettis had the most important punt return touchdown of his career, coming late in the fourth quarter of Washington’s 31-24 victory. Pettis now has nine career punt return TDs and is the NCAA all-time record holder.
FACTS & FIGURES
Washington LB Azeem Victor was suspended indefinitely after being arrested on investigation of driving under the influence last weekend. … Washington is No. 4 in the country in total defense (257.4 yards per game) and second in scoring defense (13.0). … Utah is 0-2 vs. ranked teams this season, but the losses are by a combined nine points. … Washington QB Jake Browning is tied for school record with 75 career TD passes. … Utah leads the country in made field goals with 22.
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