Washington State Football GameDay Huddle: Utah Utes

It’s time again for Washington State to try and get into the Pac-12 win column. It’s a match-up that really looks good, although inevitably Utah played their best game of the season last week, which always seems to be the case before WSU comes up for . I’m hoping that means the Utes won’t be ready to go the way they need to be, but a win today puts them squarely back into the bowl race. Regardless, the Cougs must be ready to go or they will get rolled by John White III and friends in Salt Lake. Bullet points for this game:

• I think Wazzu really needs to put up early points to win this game. I am not opposed to late points of course, but the offense hasn’t done anything to help the defense out since Colorado, early in contests. 10-14 first quarter points will go a long way towards success.
• Great, great energy is necessary defensively, especially to begin half number 2. This game to me is as much, if not more of a challenge than Stanford gave, because the Utes are a far more versatile offense. They aren’t as good as Stanford overall but if last week was any indication, they can be far more explosive. WSU needs to pressure their freshman qb and take advantage when a turnover presents itself.
• Back to back road games is not the recipe for success, especially after an emotionally draining loss. WSU has to put another full game together, both offensively and defensively AND special teams. Remember Utah returned 2 kicks for tds last weekend and that’s the quickest way to get beat big, if you’re a Coug.

Overall I have that good feeling today, but it’s a good day for Utah to have it as well. It’s been waning a little as the season goes along, but all it will take is one win to get the mojo at full tilt. The Cougs have been getting better each week and really must continue that today. I’m not even sure it comes down to X’s and O’s today, just more energy and desire and play making. Whatever happens, WE’VE GOT TO TACKLE WHITE!, or this thing will end up like it did last year.

Go Cougs