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Now, the real fun begins. Gone are the cupcake games against Idaho State and Fresno State and the admittedly deflated Michigan game, and in is a rigourous Pac-12 schedule. First up for the Utes are the Washington State Cougars, a team that's hard to figure out after losing to Rutgers and Nevada, but seriously testing Oregon last week in a close loss. Wazzu will spread Utah out and chuck the ball downfield with Connor Halliday, testing a Utes secondary that's still a relative unknown. However, the Utes have looked impressive defensively and offensively so far, led by Travis Wilson's heroics and a hugely impactful debut from Gionni Paul. With that in mind, here's a position-by-position look at this week's matchup and which team will have the edge heading into Saturday's game:
Quarterback
Wilson wasn't as dominant in the Michigan game as he'd been in the previous game, but he looked decisive on the Utes' third quarter scoring drive after returning from a scary fall. Wilson finished the game with only 172 yards passing and one touchdown and will have to put up more points in a game that has shootout potential. He should have a good opportunity, going after a secondary that surrendered five touchdowns and 329 yards to Oregon's Marcus Mariota last week. Wilson isn't Mariota, but he's taken care of the football this season and has eight total touchdowns. If the Utes can get the ball downfield early to Dres Anderson and Kenneth Scott, Wilson should have a good game.
Halliday seems to be a forgotten man among the Pac-12 depth at quarterback, but there may not be a better quarterback in the conference that can sling it all over the field. Halliday has attempted at least 55 passes in Washington State's first four games, 35 more than Wilson's season high in a game. He has at least four touchdown passes in three of four games this season and went toe-to-toe with Mariota last week, passing for 436 yards and four touchdowns. Still, he is prone to turnovers because of the sheer volume of throws he's asked to make, tossing five so far this season. The Utes grabbed three picks against Michigan last week after a lengthy drought and could capitalize again this week if Halliday gambles.
Edge: Washington State
Running back
The one-two punch of the Utes backfield continued last week, with Bubba Poole and Devontae Booker still sharing the work. Booker had more carries with 11, but Poole rushed for seven more yards, while the duo combined for 77 yards on the ground. Booker leads Utah with 181 yards and two touchdowns this season with Poole adding 146 yards and a touchdown of his own. The Utes would benefit this week by giving both plenty of volume, keeping the ball out of Halliday's hands and burning clock with a game control offensive approach.
If it's one thing Wazzu doesn't do offensively, it's run the ball. The Cougars have averaged only 46 yards rushing per game this season and have scored only one touchdown on the run, preferring instead to keep the ball in Halliday's hands. Washington State's leading rusher is Jamal Morrow, who has 120 yards this season, with Gerard Wicks following close behind at 92 yards. The Utes should be able to handle the Cougars' rushing game fairly easily and commit more resources to the passing game instead.
Edge: Utah
Pass catchers
After a torrid start to the season, the dynamic duo of Dres Anderson and Kenneth Scott was held in check at Michigan. Anderson was a difference maker, nabbing a 28-yard pass from Wilson for the team's only offensive touchdown. He finished the game with 57 yards on six receptions, while Scott was held to 21 yards on four receptions. The team's leading receiver last week was actually Poole, who rumbled for 75 yards on three receptions. Wilson will need a lot more from both guys this week to keep up with Halliday.
Washington State's list of receivers stretches a mile long as Halliday puts the "spread" in spread offense. Twelve different players have caught at least one pass this season, with five different receivers finding the end zone for the Cougars. Isiah Myers and Vince Mayle are the go-to guys for Halliday, each grabbing 32 passes this season and combining for 771 yards and eight touchdowns. Next up are Dominique Williams and River Cracraft, who have a combined seven touchdowns. This will be the biggest matchup challenge for the Utah defense. The Utes will need a good outing from several corners to keep up.
Edge: Washington State
Offensive Line
Utah's offensive line surrendered three sacks against an underrated Michigan defensive front. The Utes also surrendered three sacks against Fresno State, a middling performance in both games. Washington State has quietly put together a solid season pressuring the quarterback, currently fourth in the Pac-12 with 11 sacks. Utah has given up seven total sacks this season, tied for sixth in the Pac-12.
Washington State's offensive line is on the low end of the conference, but the number is skewed because of how many times Halliday throws. The Cougars have given up nine sacks this season, third worst in the Pac-12. The Utes defensive front could have a big day if Washington State struggles in pass protection, with the opportunity to tee off on Halliday if Washington State ignores the running game.
Edge: Even
Defensive lineman and linebackers
Wow, what a debut from Gionni Paul. After the loss of Jason Whittingham for a significant stretch, Paul filled the void and then some against Michigan, racking up 14 tackles, a fumble recovery and an interception. Nate Orchard was dominant once again, grabbing two sacks and two tackles for loss, while Jared Norris continues to be the most underrated player on the Utah defense after getting two tackles for loss and two sacks of his own. The Utah defense will have to get upfield early and often to keep Halliday uncomfortable and to cover for the Utes' secondary.
Junior defensive lineman Xavier Cooper is a one man wrecking ball for the Cougars. He's been impactful in every game, amassing three sacks, 5.5 tackles for loss and 14 total tackles. Linebackers Kache Palacio and Cyrus Coen are the others to watch, with a combined six tackles for loss and three sacks. Washington State should be able to effectively pressure Wilson and will be a test for the Utah offensive line. Still, Oregon was able to rush for 172 yards last week and the Utes could replicate some of that success.
Edge: Utah
Secondary
This game for Utah will be won or lost in the secondary. Up to this point, the Utes haven't really been tested by opposing receivers outside of Michigan's Devin Funchess, who had 82 yards on four receptions last week. Eric Rowe and Dominique Hatfield are dependable, but that's only two guys against four or five that could do damage on every play for Wazzu. The onus will fall on Utah's third and fourth corners, along with Brian Blechen and Tevin Carter, to limit the impact of the Cougars receiving corps. Blechen and Carter were stars last week, both grabbing interceptions and providing run support. Utah will need both guys to have a similar impact this week to keep pace.
Wazzu was torched last week by Mariota for five touchdowns and 329 yards, but so have most teams that stand in the way of the Heisman frontrunner. Washington State is right in the middle of the Pac-12 as far as pass defense goes, surrendering 247 yards passing and eight touchdowns to opposing quarterbacks so far. Sophomore corner Daquawn Brown is a guy to watch. He has six pass break ups this season and leads the team in tackles with 35. Charleston White should also be shadowing one of Scott or Anderson, breaking up four passes this season and grabbing an interception. Wazzu gets the nod in this category just because of the amount weapons Utah will have to stop defensively.
Edge: Washington State
Prediction: This game will be a good indicator of exactly where Utah is headed in Pac-12 play. Washington State provides the kind of passing prowess that will test the Utes every week. However, it depends on which Wazzu teams shows up for this game. If it's the one that played Oregon, the Cougars could pull off the road win, but if it's the team that played Nevada, the Utes should dispatch them easily. Halliday will get his yardage and points, but the Utes will also force a few turnovers and generate enough sacks to keep him from exploding. Behind big games from Booker and Poole, Utah will limit the damage and secure a couple of great special teams plays to win this one 41-35.
Twitter: @BrennanJSmith