Utah vs. Washington Prediction, Pick, Odds: Can Michael Penix Jr., Huskies Dominate the Utes?
The Washington Huskies take on the Utah Utes Saturday afternoon. Can Michael Penix Jr. and the Huskies dominate the Utes? Jason Radowitz breaks down this Pac-12 showdown.
Jason Radowitz - November 6, 2023, 10:09 AM EST
5 minUtah vs. Washington Prediction, Pick, Odds: Can Michael Penix Jr., Huskies Dominate the Utes?
The Washington Huskies have had no trouble scoring over the last few weeks. After a 52-42 win over USC on the road, the Huskies are now averaging nearly 42 points per game.
However, they'll take on a Utah Utes squad that has held opponents to 15.9 points per game this year.
Utah is 7-2 on the year. However, they've won seven games with their backup quarterback. After a 55-3 win against Arizona State, the Utes are starting to peak again at the right time.
Can Washington escape a difficult matchup against Utah on Saturday?
Here are our picks, predictions, and odds for Saturday's Pac-12 game between the Utah Utes vs. Washington Huskies.
Utah vs. Washington Date, Start Time, and Where to Watch
- Date: November 11, 2023
- Game Time: 3:30 pm ET
- Where to Watch: FOX
Utah vs. Washington Odds
- Spread: Utah +9.5 (-110), Washington -9.5 (-110)
- Total Odds: Over 55.5 (-110), Under 55.5 (-110)
- Moneyline Odds: Utah (+310), Washington (-395)
Utah vs. Washington Injury Report
Utah
Questionable: RB Ja'Quinden Jackson (Undisclosed)
Out: RB Micah Bernard (Undisclosed), RB Chris Curry (Undisclosed), QB Brandon Rose (Undisclosed)
Washington
Questionable: WR Jalen McMillan (Leg)
Utah vs. Washington Prediction
The Washington Huskies are undefeated with a 9-0 record. While they haven't looked like the nation's best team on defense, the offense has been excellent.
The Huskies are led by Michael Penix Jr., who leads the Heisman odds. He's thrown for 26 touchdowns and seven interceptions but has over 3,200 yards in the air through nine games.
Penix Jr. has some of the best receivers in the game on his side. His best is Rome Odunze, who has added 989 yards on 56 catches this season. He's also scored seven touchdowns while averaging 17.7 yards per catch.
However, the main contributor recently has been Dillon Johnson. He's added 686 yards with ten touchdowns. Against USC, Johnson saw 26 rushing attempts for 256 yards and four touchdowns. He's been limited in a few games. But his breakout has started after last week's explosion.
On the other hand, the defense for Washington could be better. The secondary has done its part for the most part. But the missed tackles have been apparent all season. Up front, the pass rush and run defense have been above average, but nothing to rave about. They've still allowed 5.56 yards per play this season.
Against Utah, the defense likely won't perform as badly. The Utes have scored just 25 points this season while averaging 5.15 yards per play. The run game is effective with JaQuinden Jackson, who has averaged 5.3 yards per carry. However, the passing game is just mediocre, with Bryson Barnes under center.
Barnes already has a win against Caleb Williams and USC. But he's still thrown just eight touchdowns and five interceptions this season. His QBR of 55.1 is 85th in college football.
Barnes has an incredible story of his journey as the Utah starting quarterback. But he's not a reliable quarterback and is playing behind a Utah offensive line that has struggled a lot this season.
The junior quarterback doesn't even have that many reliable receivers this season.
Look for Washington's defense to get enough stops to help earn the win. I'll back Washington at home, -9.5.
Utah Utes vs. Washington Huskies Pick
- PICK: Washington -9.5 -110 is currently the best odds. Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds
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