Washington @ Utah preview

THE STORY: Under recruited out of high school, Washington quarterback Keith Price is fast becoming a household name. The sophomore is the nation’s co-leader in touchdown passes with 14, but he’ll be tested when the Huskies visit Utah and the Pac-12’s top pass efficiency defense. The game will likely be decided in the red zone, where Washington has scored 13 touchdowns and added three field goals in 18 trips this season. The Utes’ red zone defense ranks first in the Pac-12, holding opponents to only three touchdowns.

TV: Root Sports. LINE: Utah -8

ABOUT WASHINGTON (3-1, 1-0 Pac-12): Redshirt freshman Josh Shirley will make his first start Saturday in place of defensive end Hau'oli Jamora, who suffered a season-ending knee injury against California last week. The Huskies rank 10th in the Pac-12 with six sacks, but Shirley impressed during spring camp and could make an immediate impact. The Huskies are allowing 328 passing yards per game, which is last in the Pac-12 and 117th out of 120 teams in the nation. Tailback Chris Polk had his string of five straight 100-yard games broken against California, but he ranks 23rd in the nation with 106 yards rushing per game.

ABOUT UTAH (2-1, 0-1): The Utes figure to be well-rested after an off week. Two weeks ago, Utah recorded its most lopsided win in 89 years against rival BYU 54-10 in Provo. Quarterback Jordan Wynn had a season-high 239 passing yards against the Cougars, but the Utes typically rely on their running game. That could change Saturday against the Huskies’ porous pass defense. Wide receiver Dres Anderson is Utah’s main deep threat. John White ranks second in the Pac-12 and ninth in the nation in rushing with 127 yards per game. Kicker Coleman Petersen has missed two field goals and an extra point this season.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Utah has won 10 games in a row following regular-season off weeks, with its last loss in 2002 at San Diego State.

2. Washington visits Salt Lake City for the first time in series history. The Huskies are unbeaten in six games against Utah.

3. Utah is tied for the national lead in fumbles recovered (eight), is tied for sixth nationally in turnovers caused (12) and ranks third in turnover margin (12 takeaways, three turnovers).

PREDICTION: Utah 31, Washington 24 - Playing their first Pac-12 home game before a sold-out crowd, Utah takes an early lead and controls the clock late to win its first Pac-12 game in school history.