SALT LAKE CITY-Having slumped to No. 19 after being upset by unranked USC 30-23 Friday, the University of Utah’s football team hosts Washington State for Homecoming at Rice-Eccles Stadium this Saturday.
Both Pac-12 squads come into this game at 3-1 overall on the season and each are coming off of deflating losses. The Cougars, who were No. 19 last week, fell from the rankings after squandering a 49-17 lead to UCLA, ultimately losing 67-63.
The Utes return to the Beehive State for the fourth time in their first five games of the season, seeking their first Pac-12 win of the season.
Utah is currently 93-35 all-time at home at the present-day Rice-Eccles Stadium and 65-24 at home in the Kyle Whittingham era (2004-present).
The Utes have won six consecutive home games and eight of their last nine at Rice-Eccles Stadium.
Saturday, the Utes will celebrate Homecoming for the 99th time. They are 60-34-4 all-time in Homecoming games and 14-13-1 in Homecoming games against Pac-12 schools.
Despite the disappointing loss at the Los Angeles Coliseum Friday, the Utes still rank second nationally against the run (52 yards surrendered per game) and are 12th in interceptions (5). They are also 16th in total defense (274.8 yards per game and 20th in first downs allowed (53).
Utah senior signal-caller Tyler Huntley has completed 76.2 percent of his passes (64-84) for 512 yards and five touchdowns, with no interceptions. His contributions have the Utes ranked fourth nationally in completion percentage. Furthermore, Utah is one of 14 teams in FBS that has not thrown an interception this season.
While senior tailback Zack Moss (63 car, 392 yards, 4 TD’s, a 6.2 yards per carry average) was sidelined with a shoulder injury against the Trojans, Whittingham, when addressing the media Monday, said he was not out for the season.
In his stead, junior tailback Devonta’e Henry-Cole (16 car, 87 yards this season) will receive more reps.
Sophomore receiver Bryan Thompson (7 rec, 199 yards, 2 TD’s) is Utah’s current leading receiver this season.
Defensively, senior defensive end Bradlee Anae (4 sacks) and senior cornerback Julian Blackmon (2 interceptions) are Utah’s defensive leaders.
The Utes rank 69th in scoring offense (29.8 points per game) and 21st in scoring defense (14.8 points per game).
Washington State, known for its dynamic “Air Raid” offense designed by head coach Mike Leach, is among the offensive leaders in college football.
The Cougars rank fifth nationally in scoring offense (52.8 points per game) and first in passing yards per game (499.5 yards per game).
Incidentally, Washington State senior redshirt signal-caller Anthony Gordon leads the nation in passing yards (1,894), passing yards per game (473.5 yards per contest) and passing touchdowns (21). He is also fourth nationally in passing efficiency (195.30).
Gordon’s leading receiver is redshirt senior receiver Easop Winston Jr. (26 rec, 348 yards, 8 TD’s). He is closely followed by graduate student receiver Brandon Arconado (25 rec, 352 yards, TD).
While the Cougars don’t run often, sophomore tailback Max Borghi has maximized his opportunities. Borghi has 325 yards and four scores on 41 carries, good for 7.9 yards per tote. This ranks him 7th nationally.
Washington State is tied for 82nd nationally in scoring defense (28.8 points per game), tying them with South Carolina.
Junior defensive lineman Will Rodgers leads the Cougars with two sacks. Senior cornerback Marcus Strong, redshirt junior safety Skyler Thomas and redshirt freshman linebacker Hank Pladson have an interception apiece as well to pace Washington State.
The Cougars lead the Utes 9-7 all-time while Utah seeks its first win in the series since 2012, when the Utes earned a 49-6 victory.
