Coming off a win over USC, the Utes were able to pick up another victory, beating Washington State in Pullman.
Despite missing quarterback Cameron Rising and a pair of running backs – Tavion Thomas and Micah Bernard – the Utes were able to pull out a close win over a Washington State defense that is leading the league in points allowed (20 per game).
The Utes improved to 6-2 overall, clinching a bowl invitation. Utah is also 4-1 in Pac-12 play, currently second in the standings.
First half
The Utes opened the game with a long 14-play drive, bringing them to the Washington State 19-yard line before a missed kick by Jadon Redding from 37 yards blew the Utes shot at starting out hot.
The Cougars didn’t make Utah pay for their mistake, however, as they began a punting battle that would eat up the rest of the first quarter. During his first drive of the second quarter, Washington State quarterback Cameron Ward connected with De’Zhaun Stribling for a 29-yard touchdown, the first points of the game going in favor of the Cougars.
The Utes didn’t hesitate to fire back, scoring with backup running back Ja’Quinden Jackson on their next drive. After the Cougars turned the ball over on downs on their next drive, the Utes were forced into a three-and-out. However, the Cougars muffed the punt, and the Utes found themselves with the ball with only 25 yards standing between them and seven more points. Following a targeting call on third down, the Utes were able to capitalize on their opportunity to take a 14-7 lead into halftime.
Second half
The first two drives of the second half ended with both teams turning the ball over on downs near the opposing 25-yard line. Following a WSU punt, both teams traded touchdowns, making the score 21-14 Utes in the fourth quarter.
Two punts and a Utah fumble later, the Cougars had an opportunity to tie the game with eight minutes left on the clock. Following a 7-play drive, Washington State kicked a field goal to narrow the score, cutting Utah’s lead to 21-17.
With just under five minutes left, the Utes got the ball back and Washington State never touched the ball again. Utah drove down the field, and facing a 4th-and-7 at Washington State’s 30-yard line, the Utes opted to go for it. Following an overturned interception and a defensive holding call, the Utes ran out the clock for the 21-17 victory.
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Game notes
Utah
Despite missing many stars in this game, the Utes won where they should have against a sliding Washington State team.
Significantly out-rushing the Cougars throughout the contest – 169 yards to 42 yards – the Utes further solidified their identity as a team that can win in the trenches, regardless of the name on the jersey of their running back.
Washington State
The Pac-12’s best defense against its best scoring offense showed up in this one, holding the nation’s 11th-highest-scoring offense (40.7 PPG) to nearly half their average.
And while missing your quarterback, top two running backs, and top tight end will have an effect on your offense’s efficiency, Cougar fans can bask in the light at the end of the tunnel that is their stalwart defense. Washington State QB Cameron Ward also put out a good show, completing 87.1% of his passes for 222 yards and a touchdown.
Up next
The Utes (6-2) now return home to face Arizona (3-4) on Saturday, Nov. 5.
The game’s kick-off time and TV channel have yet to be announced.
Unless otherwise noted, all stats are via ESPN.
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