Washington State (1-2) at Utah (2-2)
- Kickoff: Saturday, 11:30 a.m. MST
- Venue: Rice-Eccles Stadium (no fans allowed)
- Surface: Turf
- TV: FS1
- Livestream: Fox Sports Go
- Radio: ESPN 700 AM
- Series: Washington State leads 9-8
- Weather: Partly cloudy with temperatures in the low 30s at kickoff.
THE STAKES
For Washington State … With a win, the Cougars would finish the year at .500.
For Utah … With a win, Utah would secure its seventh consecutive winning season.
THE TRENDS
For Washington State … After a season-opening win against Oregon State, Washington State has lost its last two games, falling to Oregon and USC. The Cougars haven’t played in two weeks.
For Utah … Utah has won two games in a row, beating Oregon State and No. 21 Colorado.
THE CRYSTAL BALL
Washington State will win if … The Cougars’ defense can slow down Utah’s passing game. Washington State ranks last in pass defense, allowing an average of 307 passing yards per game.
Utah will win if … The Utes play like they did in the second half against Colorado. Against Washington State’s less-than-stellar pass defense, Jake Bentley should have an opportunity for a good game, and if Ty Jordan continues his stellar play, Utah should win.
PLAYER TO WATCH
In this Nov. 16, 2019, file photo, Washington State running back Max Borghi (21) carries the ball while pursued by Stanford cornerback Kyu Blu Kelly (17) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Pullman, Wash.
Young Kwak, Associated Press
Max Borghi, RB, Washington State: The junior running back is a dynamic player and could be set to make his first appearance of the season. Borghi has missed all three of Washington State’s games thus far with a back injury, but was participating in pregame warmups and seemed to be ready to go prior to the Cal game that was canceled before kickoff, which means he could be ready for his first action of the season against Utah.
Last season, Borghi rushed for 817 yards and 11 touchdowns and had 86 receptions for 597 yards and five touchdowns.
KEY MATCHUP
Utah running back Ty Jordan vs. Washington State’s rush defense: With Jordan Wilmore and Devin Brumfield transferring this week, what was clear in the Colorado game has become even clearer — it’s the Ty Jordan show for Utah. The freshman running back has been sensational for the Utes so far — he’s racked up 443 yards on 61 attempts (7.3 yards per carry) with three touchdowns, including a two-touchdown performance against Colorado.
Jordan will be put to the test against, statistically, the second-best rush defense in the Pac-12 behind only Utah. The Cougars are allowing just 132 yards per game on the ground this year. Washington State has forced six fumbles so far in 2020, so ball security will be key.
QUOTABLE
“He’s really talented. He’s very compact, hard to bring down, quick feet, tough runner. He’s going to be a pain in this conference for a while.”
— Washington State head coach Nick Rolovich on Ty Jordan
“Spread offense, mobile quarterback, dangerous receivers, really good core receivers and playing hard on defense.”
— Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham on Washington State
UTAH SCHEDULE
Nov. 7 — Arizona, canceled
Nov. 14 — at UCLA, canceled
Nov. 21 — USC 33, Utah 17
Nov. 28 — Washington 24, Utah 21
Dec. 5 — Utah 30, Oregon State 24
Dec. 12 — Utah 38, Colorado 21
Dec. 19 — vs. Washington State (11:30 a.m., FS1)
All times MST