Utah @ Washington State preview

THE STORY: All eyes will be on Washington State freshman quarterback Connor Halliday when the Cougars face visiting Utah. Halliday set a Pac-12 freshman record with 494 yards passing yards in last week's 37-27 victory over Arizona State, and he’ll need another strong effort in order for the Cougars to slow down the Utes, who have won three straight. Washington State needs to win its final two games to become bowl-eligible.

TV: Fox College Sports Atlantic, KJZZ-TV (Salt Lake City). LINE: Utah -3.5.

ABOUT UTAH (6-4, 3-4 Pac-12 South): The Utes are peaking at the right time with running back John White leading the charge. White has 1,191 rushing yards and 12 rushing touchdowns, and Utah is 6-0 when he rushes for more than 100 yards. Quarterback Jon Hays is 4-2 as a starter, but the Utes’ offense revolves around its run game. Utah features the Pac-12’s top scoring defense and the Utes have 11 sacks in the last three games. Cornerback Conroy Black had two interceptions in Utah’s 31-6 victory over UCLA last week.

ABOUT WASHINGTON STATE (4-6, 2-5 Pac-12 North): Halliday didn't throw an interception as Washington State snapped a five-game losing streak last week, but he'll face a tougher challenge this week. Utah is ranked second in passing efficiency defense and leads the Pac-12 with 14 interceptions. Wide receiver Marquess Wilson became the school's all-time single-season receiving leader with 1,197 yards after making eight catches for 223 yards and three touchdowns last week.

EXTRA POINTS:

1. The series is tied 5-5. Washington State won the last meeting 38-21 in 2000.

2. Utah is bowl-eligible for the ninth consecutive season, including all seven years under coach Kyle Whittingham.

3. The Cougars have two conference wins, equalling their total over the past three seasons combined.

PREDICTION: Utah 27, Washington State 20 - Halliday impresses again, but Utah continues its late-season run with another strong performance on the ground.