College Football Week 9: 5 bold predictions

3. Utah ends Washington’s playoff hopes

Washington has look extremely impressive all year long and has rightfully earned the No. 4 ranking in the country. They have dominated in every game, scoring at least 35 points in every game. Along with Washington, Utah has been a bright spot in the Pac-12 this year, just like they were last year. Utah has a 10 win season last year and a nine win season the year before that. Utah is legit, people tend to just not give them credit. They have been in the polls every week since the Week 4 and are currently sitting at No. 17.

What has made Washington so deadly this year has then their quarterback, Jake Browning. He has thrown for 1709 yards, 26 touchdowns and only two picks. If he isn’t in the running for the Heisman, the system is broken. He has played out of his mind all season long. In Washington’s game against Oregon, Browning threw six touchdown passes. He has been great for this team. To counter him, Utah comes in with a great defense. On average, Utah is forcing their opponents into 3rd down and 8.3 yards to go. Michigan, Miami, and Alabama are the only other teams making third downs harder for their opponents then Utah. With the recent return of their running back, Joe Williams, Utah is looking good for this game.

Joe Williams ran for 332 yards and four touchdowns last week against UCLA. Utah is at their best when Williams can run like that. Washington comes into Utah as 10 point favorites, but I’m thinking that they may leave with their first lost of the season. Utah were co-champions of the Pac-12 south last year. They want to be Pac-12 champs, no questions asked this year. This is how they can do it. Beat Washington and they will control their own faith in the Pac-12. Washington losing will hurt their playoff chances tremendously. Other one loss teams, like Louisville and Ohio State are lurking right behind them. Utah will make this tough for the huskies.