GAME BREAKDOWN
KEY MATCHUP: Classic battle of strength vs. strength Saturday when the Utes visit Pullman, Wash., to play Washington State. The Cougars have one of the most potent passing offenses in the nation, ranking second with 401.8 yards a game behind the throwing of senior graduate transfer Gardner Minshew (154 of 217 for 1,547 yards with 11 touchdowns and three interceptions). Utah, which has the No. 1 defense overall in the nation (allowing 204.7 yards per game), tops the country in pass defense, yielding only 93 yards a game. LB Chase Hansen, converted from strong safety, leads the Utes with two sacks and has an interception.
DRAFT SLANT
–PK Matt Gay, a consensus All-American last year who won the Lou Groza Award, has gotten off to a slow start, making only 3 of 6 field goal attempts, including 1 of 4 from 40 yards or beyond. Last year, he led the nation in field goals made (30), field goals made per game (2.31), 50-plus yard field goals (5, tie) and field goals attempted (34).
ROSTER REPORT:
–OL Francis Bernard missed the last two games for eligibility reasons and it is uncertain if he will be able to play at Washington State this week.
–OL Johnny Capra, a fourth-year junior who was a projected starter coming out of spring practice, will miss the 2018 season with an undisclosed injury.
–RB Devonta’e Henry-Cole, a sophomore, was lost for the season with a recurring arm injury suffered again during fall camp. He will have two years of eligibility remaining when he returns next season.
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