Saturday, September 27, 2014

RiceEccles Stadium in Salt Lake City

For Updated Odds on This Game Click Here

Utah (3-0) finds themselves in a classic sandwich game and must avoid getting complacent against the nation's #1 passing attack if the Utes want to keep their perfect record. After a thrilling 26-10 win over Michigan last week Utah is garnering national attention and have a huge game against #11 UCLA next week that could solidify their stance. That point will be useless though if Washington State (1-3) can pull off the upset in Rice-Eccles Stadium.

Although it hasn't translated to victories, WSU's QB Connor Halliday has had an impressive season so far in 2014. The senior leads the nation in passing yards (1901) and TD (16) while throwing for at least 430 yards in three of four games this season. The signal caller has tossed 10 TD to just 2 INT his last two games including 436 yards and 4TD/0 INT last week in a tough 38-31 loss to #2 Oregon. Halladay is in for a tough test against a Utah squad giving up just 210.3 YPG.

The Utes didn't just beat Michigan last week; they dominated them forcing 4 turnovers and allowing only a 7-yard interception return for the Wolverines touchdown. Utah is fueled by a balanced attack that throws for 274 YPG while running for almost 200. The Utah offense can score, putting up 50+ points in 2 of 3 games this season while playing strong defense allowing only 17.0 PPG.

Utah finds themselves two TD favorites on Saturday and could once again be aided by the weather. Last week in Ann Arbor Michigan tried to make a comeback in a largely empty stadium thanks to a weather delay and reports of 70% chances of showers for Saturday could slow WSU's vaunted passing attack. With Utah possibly overlooking the dangerous Cougars, this game could be an exciting one.

Washington State Cougars Betting Trends

Washington State Cougars are 2-2-0 Against the Spread

Washington State Cougars are 2-2-0 against the Over/Under

Utah Utes Betting Trends

Utah Utes are 3-0-0 Against the Spread

Utah Utes are 2-1-0 against the Over/Under

Injuries to Watch

Washington State Cougars

09/21/14 RB Theron West Legal problems "?" Saturday vs. Utah
09/18/14 WR Gabe Marks Undisclosed out indefinitely
09/13/14 S Teondray Caldwell Undisclosed off the team

Utah Utes

09/16/14 LB Jason Whittingham Wrist expected to miss 2 months
08/27/14 LB Jacoby Hale Knee out indefinitely
08/15/14 DB Reginald Porter Knee out for season

Tony's Pick: Take Utah

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