Before the game, the Huskies were ranked (AP writers poll) #4 in the nation and Utah #17. Utah was 7-1 and on top of the Pac-12 South Division. If the Huskies have any hopes of going to the playoffs, they have to stay unbeaten so they can stay high in the rankings (their soft pre-conference schedule is hurting their chances). Also, this might be a preview of the Pac-12 championship game in December if both teams stay on top of their divisions. The Huskies went into this game undefeated.
At first it looked like it might be another Husky blowout game, even playing in Salt Lake City in front of a hostile crowd. They Huskies jumped up to a 14-0 lead by early in the second quarter.
The Utah made 17 unanswered points. One touchdown was basically due to a Husky player's Unsportsmanlike Conduct penalty. The Utes had a running back named Thompson the Huskies struggled to stop. Husky quarterback Jake Browning threw one of his rare interceptions that the Utes capitalized on.
In the second half, the Huskies began playing better. Even though the Utes held the lead a short time, the Huskies scored on their next series. By the end it came down to stopping a Utah drive that could tie the game. And the Husky defense was up to the task. The final score was 31-24.
The Huskies are 8-0 for the first time since I don't know when.
On the AP poll, the Huskies stayed at #4. The Utah Utes, I guess for holding their own against a #4 team, moved up one to #16. And the Colorado Buffaloes, who had a bye this weekend, moved from 23 - 21. Also, The Washington State University Cougars are now ranked at #25.
Which means of the four Pac-12 schools ranked in the AP Top #25 poll, none are the big California schools that are usually so dominant.
Next week the Huskies take on California in Berkeley. Right now, I don't see a team in the Pac-12 that could beat them. Utah was their toughest opponent yet. And they beat them.
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