By Garin Turner
The Utah Utes (3-1) travel east this weekend looking to bounce back from their first loss of the season when they face West Virginia (2-2) in Big 12 play. Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. EST Saturday on FOX.
Utah’s Season So Far
Utah opened the season with three convincing wins, rolling past UCLA 43-10, overpowering Cal Poly 63-9, and taking down Wyoming 31-6. That start pushed the Utes into the Top 25, but a 34-10 setback against then-No. 17 Texas Tech in Week Four ended their unbeaten run and dropped them from the rankings.
By the Numbers
Offense (National Rank):
• Total Offense: 453.5 yards per game (32nd)
• Passing: 210.8 yards (84th)
• Rushing: 242.8 yards (18th)
• Scoring: 36.8 points (39th)
Defense (National Rank):
• Total Defense: 289 yards allowed (33rd)
• Passing: 178.3 yards allowed (39th)
• Rushing: 110.8 yards allowed (43rd)
• Scoring: 14.8 points allowed (25th)
Utah’s balanced defense has been one of the best in the country, keeping opponents under 300 yards per game. Offensively, the Utes have leaned on their ground attack, averaging nearly 250 rushing yards.
What to Watch
The key matchup comes in the red zone. West Virginia has scored on every trip inside the 20 this season, while Utah’s defense has also surrendered points each time opponents have reached the red zone. Something will have to give on Saturday.
Quarterback Devon Dampier will be central to Utah’s success. He has shown dual-threat ability both through the air and on the ground, giving the Utes flexibility against a Mountaineers defense that has struggled against high-powered rushing attacks.
Team Leaders
• Passing: Devon Dampier – 790 yards, 7 TD, 2 INT
• Rushing: Devon Dampier – 225 yards, 1 TD
• Receiving: Ryan Davis – 29 receptions, 241 yards, 1 TD
Prediction
Utah has too much balance on both sides of the ball for West Virginia to keep pace. Expect the Mountaineers to hang around early, but Utah should take control after halftime and cruise to a comfortable win.
Prediction: Utah 42, West Virginia 20
