Washington State @ Utah preview

Last Meeting ( Nov 19, 2011 ) Utah 30, Washington State 27

Two disappointing Pac-12 programs that appear destined to be on the sidelines during the bowl season face off when Utah hosts Washington State on Saturday. The Utes are tied for last in the Pac-12 South and must win three of their final four games to become bowl eligible for the 10th consecutive season. Meanwhile, the Cougars have lost five straight games and are in last place in the North in Mike Leach’s first season as coach. Utah’s victory over California last week was its first since beating Brigham Young on Sept. 15. Washington State’s last win was Sept. 14 against struggling Nevada-Las Vegas.

TV: 3 p.m. ET, Pac-12 Network. LINE: Utah -11.5.

ABOUT WASHINGTON STATE (2-6, 0-5 Pac-12 North): Quarterback Jeff Tuel has had a good week. He passed for a career-best 401 yards in last Saturday’s loss to Stanford and then learned Tuesday that the Pac-12 has approved his request for an extra season of eligibility because of injuries, pending formal NCAA approval. Tuel passed for 320 yards against California the previous Saturday and is picking up Leach’s progressive attack. Junior receiver Marquess Wilson has 47 receptions for 740 yards, including three 100-yard outings. Washington State’s defense allowed a season-low 256 yards against Stanford. Overall, the unit gives up 436.8 yards per game, which ranks 91st nationally.

ABOUT UTAH (3-5, 1-4 Pac-12): The Utes scored a season-best 49 points in a 22-point thumping of Cal that featured two 100-yard kickoff return touchdowns by senior Reggie Dunn. Senior running back John White had 105 rushing yards for his second 100-yard outing of the season and 10th of his career. White will get most of the carries against Washington State with junior Kelvin York (foot) ailing. The Utes are fourth in the Pac-12 in passing defense (227.6 yards per game) and third in total defense (346.4) as they go up against a pass-first offense that is producing only 33.5 yards on the ground. Senior defensive tackle Star Lotulelei has a team-leading eight tackles for losses.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Utah has a 6-5 edge in the series and posted a 30-27 overtime road win last season.

2. The Utes are 10-0 when White rushed for 100 or more yards.

3. Wilson has 184 career receptions, 11 shy of the school mark held by Michael Bumpus (2004-07).

PREDICTION: Utah 26, Washington State 24