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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

WSU at Utah

When/where: Saturday, 5 p.m., Rice-Eccles Stadium, Salt Lake City

TV: Pac-12 Washington

Records: Washington State (1-3, 0-1 Pac-12);

Utah (3-0, 0-0 Pac-12)

Line: Utah by 11.5

Last time: Wasington State defeated Utah 49-37 in Pullman (2013)

What it means for WSU: The Cougars looked great last weekend against Oregon but it didn’t do them any good in the standings. Washington State needs to show it can beat a tough opponent or the Cougars may not make a bowl game no matter how strongly they finish this season.

What it means for Utah: Since joining the Pac-12 in 2011 the Utes have to put together a winning Pac-12 record. An undefeated run through its non-conference schedule has Utah poised to return to its first bowl game since 2012, but if the Utes are going to move up into the top half of the conference they need to beat the non-elite teams at home.

Key matchup: WSU special teams vs. Kaelin Clay

Clay already has a pair of punts returned for touchdowns this season, as well as another score on a kickoff return. Washington State’s defense could play another great game on Saturday, but if Clay gives the Utah offense great field position it could be tough to keep quarterback Travis Wilson and Co. out of the end zone. The Cougars’ coverage units and punter Jordan Dascalo will need to execute well to limit Clay’s impact.

Jacob Thorpe