Washington State Cougars at Utah Utes: Preview, prediction, TV info

If Utah RB John White goes over 100 yards against Washington State, there's a good chance the Utes will win on Saturday. Actually, there's a great chance: Utah is 9-0 since 2011 when White goes over the century mark. (US Presswire)

Washington State (2-6, 0-5 Pac-12) at Utah (3-5, 1-4 Pac-12)

Kickoff: Saturday, 3 p.m. ET (Pac-12 Network)

Spread: Utah by 11.5

Watchability: If you only have time to watch one Pac-12 game on Saturday, don't make it this one. USC-Oregon, Arizona-UCLA and Oregon State-Arizona State are all better options.

Shining Stars: Washington State -- QB Jeff Tuel. Tuel briefly lost the starting quarterback job to Connor Halliday earlier this season, but that doesn't seem to be affecting his confidence. In WSU's last two games, the senior quarterback has thrown for 320 and 401 yards. Utah -- RB John White. After struggling through Utah's first three Pac-12 games this season -- 43.3 ypg, 0 TDs -- White has come on in the Utes last two games -- 86.5 ypg, 2 TDs. The senior could have a big day against a WSU run defense that ranks ninth in the Pac-12.

Who could steal the show: Washington State -- LB/DE Travis Long. Utah's offense ranks dead last in the Pac-12 and Long probably isn't going to help things. The senior is fifth in the conference in sacks (6.5) and 13th in tackles for a loss (9). Utah -- DB Ryan Lacy. The Cougars like to put the ball in the air, a lot. One of the main benefactors of that could be Lacy, who leads Utah in interceptions (2) and passes defended (6).

You going? Ranking the road trip: If you're going for the football, then this might not be the game to go to. However, if you like mountains and big Salt Lakes, then Utah is a must-visit.

Magic number for Washington State: 12. WR Marquess Wilson needs only 12 catches against Utah to set the school record for career receptions. That might seem like a high number, but Wilson's already done it this season; he caught 12 passes for 182 yards in a Week 5 loss to Oregon.

Magic number for Utah: 100. How important is White? The Utes are 9-0 since 2011 when White goes over the 100-yard mark, including 2-0 this season. When White goes under 100 yards, Utah is 0-10.

The game comes down to: Utah's defense. Despite their 3-5 record, the Utes have quietly put together the third-best defense in the Pac-12. Washington State has had trouble scoring on almost everyone this season, so there's little reason to think they'll be able to score on Utah. If the Ute offense can put four touchdowns on the board, that should be enough to win.

Prediction: Utah 28, Washington State 17

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