Washington St at Utah Open Thread

The goal for many Ute fans is to get to six wins and a bowl game. Utah finds themselves half way to that goal, at 3-0 going into the homecoming matchup against the Washington State Cougars. Last week, Utah finally got a much needed win away from Rice-Eccles Stadium by going into The Big House and dominating Michigan. This week, they take on the top rated passing offense in the country that's lead by Conner Halliday. Conversely, Washington State is one of the worst rushing teams in the nation, because frankly they just don't do it. The swing pass is what Wazzou considers a run play. So don't be surprised to see the ball in the air 60-plus times tonight for the Cougars.

Washington State has started the year 1-3, with losses from Rutgers, Nevada and Oregon. One of those teams aren't like the others. After losing to two questionable opponents, at best, the Cougs gave Oregon all they could handle. The question for a lot of fans, especially after that Oregon loss, who are these Cougars, and are they a good opponent?

Regardless, they bring their offensive strength, pass offense, in against what has been the defensive weakness for the Utes the past couple seasons, pass defense. Utah has to get pressure on Conner Halliday, something they were not able to do in last years loss up in Pullman. The last time Conner Halliday was on the field at Rice-Eccles Stadium, he had a lacerated liver, courtesy of the Utah defense. Utah needs to replicate that performance, get him off his game, and turnovers will be had - although hopefully without the lacerated liver.

Names like Eric Rowe, Tevin Carter, Gionni Paul, Brian Blechen and Dominique Hatfield need to bring their best games today, because they're going to be covering all game long.

It's going to be a rainy, wet day up at Rice-Eccles, so if you're in the comfort of you home, kick back and participate in our open thread!

Go Utes!