Subscribe now
University of Washington Huskies Football

No. 16 Washington in an unusual spot against Utah

Washington running back Lavon Coleman, right, is tackled by Stanford cornerback Alameen Murphy, center, and linebacker Casey Toohill (52) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Friday, Nov. 10, 2017, in Stanford, Calif. Stanford won 30-22, severely damaging Washington’s playoff and conference championship hopes. (Marcio Jose Sanchez / Associated Press)
By Tim Booth Associated Press

SEATTLE – It’s a very strange place that No. 16 Washington finds itself in with two games left in the regular season.

The Huskies’ hopes of landing a spot in the College Football Playoff were dashed when they lost to Stanford. Their shot at playing in the Pac-12 championship game is completely out of their control. Even if the Huskies (8-2, 5-2, No. 18 CFP) win their last two games to reach 10 victories it may not be good enough to land them an at-large spot in one of the New Year’s Six bowl games.

In the end, the Huskies may end up playing the role of spoilers, beginning with Saturday’s game against Utah.

But things could still swing significantly in Washington’s favor. If California can upset Stanford (the Cardinal are favored by 14 1/2 points) on Saturday then Washington’s situation becomes far different. In that scenario, the Huskies only need a win over No. 15 Washington State in the Apple Cup to claim a spot in the Pac-12 title game.

But if Stanford beats Cal then Washington becomes a spoiler. A win over Utah would keep the Utes waiting another week to try to gain bowl eligibility, and a win over the rival Cougars in the Apple Cup would keep Washington State out of the Pac-12 title game.

“These will be two really tough games and I know this: We’ll feel really good about ourselves if we can get that done. Because these are going to be tough challenges,” Washington coach Chris Petersen said. “Then we look up and say, ‘OK, now what?’ But for us to sit here and worry – that has nothing to do with the mindset we have around here.”

The Utes (5-5, 2-5) need one victory in their final two games to become bowl eligible for the fourth straight season. After starting the season 4-0, the Utes have lost five of six, including last week’s 33-25 home loss to Washington State.

The Utes are bruised and battered, uncertain of the status of the Pac-12’s leading receiver, Darren Carrington, and could be down three starters on defense. Carrington, safety Chase Hansen and linebacker Sunia Tauteoli did not play against Washington State and defensive end Kylie Fitts left the game with an injury.

“It doesn’t appear right now like there are any season-ending injuries. Although, in the regular season there are only two games left, so it is kind of a relative statement,” Utah coach Kyle Whittingham said. “We just hope for the best, but there are a half-dozen guys that are in the situation of, ‘Are they or aren’t they going to play?’”