There is not a lot of Saturday action this week in Utah. We have a Thursday night game, two Friday night games involving 3 schools and a Saturday game down south. 3 of those 4 contest don't really offer much intrigue, there is a heavy favorite in them. The game in Provo is more of a mystery.
Thursday, USC at Utah
The Utes did not look so good against Arizona State in their conference opener. They will probably have trouble against teams that don't get over-psyched in their preparation like BYU and Utah State did. The Trojans are not easily intimidated. I can see the defensive line getting to USC QB Matt Barkley, but I don't see him making too many mistakes and also see him hitting a few deep balls. If Utah can't take away the deep ball and the West Coast passing game, and if John White can't chew up yards and clock on the ground this will not be a close game. If, however, the opposite happens, Salt Lake City could become Upset City.
USC 38 Utah 17
Friday
Utah State at BYU
The only thing for certain about this game is that it will be a defensive battle, and could be just as ugly as the BYU/Boise State game. When you have a good defense, you have a chance to win every game and the opposing offenses look bad. Both teams have good defenses, the best in the country. That is why the 3 combined losses between the two are by a total of 6 points. Other than the in-state rivalry part, neither team has a lot riding on this game. With 2 losses, BYU is likely headed for the Poinsettia Bowl. BYU has enough winnable games on their schedule to be bowl eligible. And USU is striving for a WAC championship. A few neighbors will get worked up over this one, however. The winner will be the team that makes the fewest mental errors. Don't be surprised if this one goes into overtime with a very low score. Don't be surprised if neither team reaches the end-zone.
BYU 9 USU 6
Cal Poly at Weber State
WSU has the ability to play up to the good teams and lay down in winnable games this year. They are one of two teams that scored an offensive touchdown against BYU. They kept Fresno State's starters in the entire game, and came 40 yards away from upsetting Eastern Washington. But they were blown out in their other 2 games. Weber State figures to play their best football this Friday in Ogden, where another nationally ranked team is visiting. Again, their best may not be good enough. Cal Poly and Andre Broadus run the Pistol as good as any team in college football.
Poly 42 Weber 29
Saturday
Sacramento State at Southern Utah
The Hornets have a win against Colorado of the PAC-12. That Colorado of the PAC-12, who this year is just not playing very well, for the most part. Sacramento State is really not that good and Colorado is that bad. The Thunderbirds are better than most people think they are. They should be hungry for a win after last week's close loss to #2 Montana State.
SUU 29 Sac State 16
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