Washington Huskies: Game 3 vs. Utah – injuries, weather, odds, and more
The 2020 season continues as the Washington Huskies host an ad hoc game against Utah. Pacific Northwest Sports has all you need to know.
PNWS presents what you need to know to enjoy Game 3 of Washington Huskies 2020 football as they host the Utah Utes. UW fans won’t be able to attend the game due to COVID-19 restrictions. Instead, the Huskies faithful will see the Purple Reign on television; we have you covered.
Who: Utah Utes (0-1) at Washington Huskies (2-0)
Where: Husky Stadium – Seattle, Washington.
When: Saturday, November 28, 2020 – 4:30 p.m. PST.
TV: ABC. Announcers: Beth Mowins, Kirk Morrison, and Stormy Buonantony
Weather: Any overnight rain will be long gone by game time. At kickoff, temperatures should be near 50 degrees but will fall throughout the evening. There is little to no wind forecasted. (weather.com).
Line: Washington -7. Over/Under: 47.5 (Odds Shark).
Injuries: Washington Questionable – DL Tuli Letuligasenoa (undisclosed), WR marquis Spiker (undisclosed), LB Laiatu Latu (undisclosed), QB Kevin Thomson (undisclosed), TE Devin Culp (undisclosed). Utah Out – QB Cameron Rising (shoulder). Questionable – WR Britain Covey (hamstring)
Interesting Trends: Washington is on fire at Husky Stadium, going 20-2 in their last 22 home games. They have also won five of their last six straight up. The total has gone under in five of UW’s last six games, including four of five against PAC-12 teams.
Utah is 8-2 against the number against conference opponents. They have also covered four of the last six against UW. In the Utes last five road games, the total went under in four of them.
Last Game
Washington 44 – Arizona 27
After Washington ran Oregon State into the ground in their opener, Arizona expected the same thing last week. Instead, the Huskies came out throwing; then they ran the ball down Arizona’s gullet. UW’s starting quarterback Dylan Morris completed 15 of 25 passes for 230 yards and a pair of touchdowns in his second career start.
The Huskies put up points on their first four possessions of the first half while holding their opponents scoreless. By the end of quarter three, Washington held a commanding 37–0 lead. In the fourth quarter, Arizona rallied back against the Huskies’ second string, but it was long over by then. UW’s defense had five sacks, including two by Zion Tupuola-Fetui.
USC 33 – Utah 17
Utah played their first game of 2020 last week against USC. It was a tied 10–10 until five minutes into the second quarter. Then Southern Cal poured it on. From then on, the Utes offense couldn’t get out of its own way. USC had most of their success against Utah throwing the ball. Trojans QB Kedon Slovis completed 24 of 35 passes for 264 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception.
Even with all the yards allowed, Utah sacked Slovis three times and had seven more tackles for loss. In addition to losing the game, Utah also lost starting quarterback Cameron Rising for the season with a shoulder injury.
Outlook
This was a “last-minute” game put together Tuesday by the Pac-12 because both team’s opponents couldn’t play due to COVID-19 concerns. Needless to say, the respective coaching staffs didn’t as much time to prepare a game plan.
Both teams are known for their stingy and hard-hitting defenses. Right now, it looks like Washington has an edge because they’ve shown an ability to run the ball. If they can establish the run early, look for more play-action passes to freeze Utah’s active linebackers. Huskies tight end Cade Otton is a size mismatch against most defenders.
Just because Utah lost their starting quarterback doesn’t mean they can’t move the ball. Senior transfer Jake Bentley has almost 7,700 career passing yards.
Catch up with PNWS on Sunday when we present our biggest takeaways from the game.