Utah running back John White has become one of the workhorses of the Pac-12. (US Presswire) |
Utah (1-0, 0-0 Pac-12) at Utah State (1-0, 0-0 WAC)
Kickoff: Friday, 8 p.m. ET (ESPN 2)
Spread: Utah by 7.5
Watchability: For the game, not too much. For the rivalry, a lot. This isn't exactly Alabama vs. Auburn, but there is some bad blood.
Shining stars: Utah: John White had 24 carries for 120 yards last week, and he'll hover around those numbers all year long. Utah State: The Aggies were thorough in their handling of Southern Utah in a 34-3 Week 1 win, as Matt Austin put on an exhibition. After only 465 yards receiving last year, Austin boosted his production with 119 yards on five catches with a touchdown.
Who could steal the show: Utah: On a defense full of no-nonsense, heady defenders, defensive end Joe Kruger is becoming one of the most reliable. Kruger had a beautiful 24-yard quick-pick-six last Saturday, and the way he plays, he could be in line for another. Utah State: Talk about making the most of an opportunity -- last season, Joe Hill had just seven rushes for 24 yards. He enters this game coming off an 11-carry, 116-yard performance. More impressive? His long run was just 33 yards, so he was carving out chunks every time he touched the ball.
You going? Ranking the road trip: In-state rivalries are always worth it, even in Utah, where they'll taunt each other viciously with the cleanest of words.
Magic number for Utah: 0. After an opening weekend shutout, how can the feisty Utah defense not be hungry for more zeroes on Saturday?
Magic number for Utah State: 400. The Utah defense is going to be a tough challenge, but if the Aggies can manufacture some early offense and approach the 400-yard mark, they'll still be fighting.
The game comes down to: Utah's ability to control the ball. White burst onto the scene last year out of nowhere, but he's a known commodity now. If he can continue to churn out drive-extending runs, the Utes will be fine.
Prediction: Utah 35, Utah State 17
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