Three Storylines That Could Determine Winner Of Utah/Washington Game
Nov 27, 2020, 1:48 PM | Updated: 1:51 pm
Jake Bentley #8 of the Utah Utes eludes a tackle attempt by Olaijah Griffin #2 of the USC Trojans during their game at Rice Eccles Stadium on November 21, 2020 in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo by Chris Gardner/Getty Images)
(Photo by Chris Gardner/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Utah football will search for their first win of the season when they hit the road for the first time in 2020 against the Washington Huskies.
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Since joining the Pac-12 in 2011, Utah is 2-5 against Washington, including a 2-2 record in Seattle. In 2019, the Utes picked up a 33-28 victory over the Huskies.
Here are the Crimson Corner’s three storylines that could determine the winner of Utah/Washington.
Offensive Line Improvement
Last week against USC, Utah’s offensive line was disappointing. Kyle Whittingham said that after the game and leading up to this week’s game. It was clear that the veteran position group struggled against USC’s defense. The quarterback was constantly getting pressured, flushed out of the pocket and the run game wasn’t effective.
While Utah only allowed 3 sacks versus the Trojans, the Utes clearly didn’t get the push up front that they needed to be productive.
Utah offensive line coach Jim Harding is one of the best in the business. Expect the o-line to get things turned around this week. If not, it’s going to be a long night for the Utah offense.
The Utes will head to Seattle to face @UW_Football.#GoUtes https://t.co/EaBdiASlNP
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) November 25, 2020
Balanced Attack On Offense
Against USC last week, Utah racked up 327 yards of total offense, 216 passing and 111 rushing. Utah has always been a run-heavy team. The key is to get the run game going against the Huskies which will open up the passing game.
Through two games this season, Washington has allowed 301 rushing yards, 4 yards per carry and 119.5 rushing yards per game. In the passing game, the Huskies have allowed 344 yards, 5.5 yards per pass and 172 yards per game.
The Utes have four capable running backs that could get yardage against a talented Washington defensive front. Key is to get around 200 rushing yards as a team and no turnovers.
In four meetings in Seattle since joining the Pac-12, Utah has sported this uniform combination once in 2012.#GoUtes @kslsports https://t.co/W3PBcBueo6
— Trevor Allen (@TrevorASports) November 27, 2020
Get Brant Kuithe The Ball
One of Utah’s best players on offense and on the team is tight end Brant Kuithe. The All-Pac-12 selection racked up 23 yards on 4 catches. He didn’t have any rushing attempts as a fullback or in jet sweeps.
Kyle Whittingham mentioned after the loss on Saturday to USC that Kuithe needs to get the ball more. Get the Katy, Texas native the ball and let him work his magic. If Kuithe gets room in space, watch out and enjoy the show.
Utah WR Britain Covey revealed on IG that he is dealing with a hamstring injury.
It was refreshing to see how #GiveThanks changed his perspective on the injury.#GoUtes @kslsports https://t.co/2UmsI5xgg7
— Trevor Allen (@TrevorASports) November 24, 2020
Kickoff on Saturday, November 28 between Utah and Washington will be at 5:30 p.m. MST on ABC.
Trevor Allen is a Utah Utes Insider for sports.ksl.com and host of the Crimson Corner podcast. Follow him on Twitter: @TrevorASports. You can download and listen to the podcast, here.
