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Utah vs Washington State Prediction, Game Preview, Live Stream, Odds & Picks

Refreshed, Refocused Following Byes

The Washington State Cougars will look to rally behind a home crowd on Thursday night when the No. 14 Utah Utes pay a visit. The Cougars (4-3,1-3 Pac-12) are on a two-game losing streak and must gather wins quickly to work up the Pac-12 standings. Utah (5-2, 3-1) has its sights set on winning a second consecutive conference championship. Both teams will be raring to go as they come off bye weeks.

Let’s check the latest college football odds, stats, injury reports and college football lines for Utah vs Washington State.We’ve plenty of NCAA football odds for you to consider.

Cameron Rising #7 of the Utah Utes
Cameron Rising #7 of the Utah Utes | Chris gardner/ getty images/afp

Utah Alive in Pac-12 Race

At 5-2, Utah fell short of College Football Playoff expectations. However, the Utes are still alive in the Pac-12. Winning back-to-back conference championships would be a huge step for the program. After defeating No.10 USC 43-42 on Oct. 15, Utah is riding high. The Utes could round into form in the coming weeks with Washington State, Arizona and Stanford as their next three opponents.

The offense is rolling, averaging 35.3 points per game (19th). Quarterback Cameron Rising comes off a season-high 415 passing yards. He has been highly efficient with a 68.8 completion percentage and a 161.5 passer rating.

The run game started slow but has found its footing. The Utes are averaging over four yards per carry and 165 rushing yards over the last two games.

While the offense is playing well, the defense has underperformed. Utah has the talent to be a top-20 defense but it ranks 51st in allowed points per game and 73rd in allowed yards per game. The Utes have found themselves in shootouts recently as the defense is allowing 42 points per game in the last two. To win the Pac-12, the defense must improve.

Washington State Needs Better Blocking

Washington State’s bye came at the perfect time. The Cougars were reeling, losing back-to-back games by double digits. With a win over Utah, Washington State would be a near-lock for bowl eligibility. To pull off an upset, the Cougars must improve in several areas.

The offense needs more balance. Washington State is throwing the ball on 63.46% of plays (third) and running it on 36.54% of plays (129th). The run game has struggled, averaging 3.3 yards per carry (110th). The offensive line has been a major weakness. The unit is rarely producing push in the run game and pass protection has been poor. In the 24-10 loss to Oregon State, the unit allowed six sacks while the run game averaged 1.2 yards per carry on 20 attempts. Quarterback Cameron Ward’s turnover tendencies (eight interceptions) add to the problem.

On defense, the Cougars are doing enough. The run defense is solid, holding opponents to 3.7 yards per carry (35th). Washington State has deployed a bend but don’t break style as opponents average 383 yards per game (60th) and 21.3 points per game (26th). Linebacker Daiyan Henley, who leads the team with 68 tackles, and defensive end Ron Stone Jr. have been difference-makers.

Utah vs Washington State Game Injuries

Utah vs Washington State Head-to-Head

This series is nearly dead even as Utah has 10 wins to Washington State’s nine. The Utes have won three straight, all of which were by double digits. Utah has not visited Pullman since 2018 when the Cougars won 28-24.

Utah vs Washington State Game Information

  • Game: No. 14 Utah vs Washington State
  • Location: Martin Stadium, Pullman, WA
  • Day/Time: Thursday, Oct. 27, 10 p.m. ET
  • Utah vs Washington State Live Stream: ESPN

Utah vs Washington State Betting Lines

Utah vs Washington State Prediction

This is an ideal matchup for Utah. The Utes’ defense has been a problem, but it goes against a bad offense. Utah defensive tackle Junior Tafuna and safety R.J. Hubert are poised for big games. Look for the Utes’ linebackers to improve this week. Moreover, Washington State allowed at least 30 points against USC and Oregon. Utah boasts an offense that is just as dangerous. The Utes will build more momentum with a comfortable win on the road.

The odds and predictions in the article are based on the time of writing and publication. They may differ as to when the actual event takes place.

Utah vs Washington State Edge

Utah vs Washington State Results

Utah vs Washington State Game Summary

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