SEATTLE – No. 10 Utah is enjoying a dominating defensive stretch as it visits Washington on Saturday in Pac-12 play. The Utes haven't allowed a touchdown in their last two games and have outscored opponents by an impressive 146-23 during a four-game winning streak.
TV: 4 p.m. ET, FOX. LINE: Utah -3.5
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Utah outgained California 473-83 in last Saturday's 35-0 victory for its second shutout of the campaign and coach Kyle Whittingham admits he is impressed with the defense unit. "There is really no holes in it," Whittingham said during a press conference. "There is no spot where we feel we can get exposed. Now we don't have all the answers and we are still a work in progress, but every level is good. The defense is playing well and there is a good vibe." Washington is a bit of a disappointment with three losses already and coach Chris Petersen had a bye week to prepare for the challenge of moving the ball against the Utes. "Those guys are doing a phenomenal job, and Kyle Whittingham always does," Petersen said during a press conference. "It's nothing different. He's playing exactly the style of football that he's always wanting to play, which is great defense, a tough run offense, and keeping the defense off balance with some of the shots they take. ... This team is playing as well as anybody around."
ABOUT UTAH (7-1, 3-1 Pac-12)
Senior Tyler Huntley is completing a stellar 73.1 percent of his passes for 1,778 yards and 10 touchdowns against just one interception and he is the fifth quarterback in program history to top 6,000 career yards with his total sitting at 6,037. Senior running back Zack Moss (728 rushing yards, 10 touchdowns) set records for career rushing touchdowns (33) and career 100-yard games (15) against Cal and he also holds the career rushing yardage mark of 3,379. The defense is allowing just 10.2 points per game with senior defensive end Bradlee Anae (team-best seven sacks) and sophomore linebacker Devin Lloyd (team-high 54 tackles) leading the charge.
ABOUT WASHINGTON (5-3, 2-3)
Junior quarterback Jacob Eason has thrown three or more touchdown passes in four different games and has passed for 1,981 yards, 16 touchdowns and three interceptions. Senior wideout Aaron Fuller (40 receptions for 558 yards and five touchdowns) and junior Hunter Bryant (30 for 452, one score) are reliable targets with Bryant ranking sixth in school history among tight ends with 1,021 career yards. The Huskies allow 21.5 points per game but have solid contributors in freshman cornerback Cameron Williams (team-leading three interceptions) and senior safety Myles Bryant (team-high 51 tackles).
EXTRA POINTS
1. Washington is 12-1 all-time against Utah and allowed just 10 total points in two victories last season, the latter coming in the Pac-12 title game.
2. The Utes have held four teams to seven or fewer points this season.
3. Washington junior RB Salvon Ahmed (662 rushing yards, seven touchdowns) has topped 100 yards three times this season.
PREDICTION: Utah 20, Washington 16