After suffering their first loss of the year, the Utah Utes (6-1) return to action with a visit from the Oregon State Beavers (2-5). Check out the Utah vs. Oregon State prediction and game preview.

Utah vs. Oregon State Game Preview

Broadcast

Date: Saturday, October 31
Game Time: 7:00 ET
Venue: Rice-Eccles Stadium, Salt Lake City, Utah
Network: Pac-12 Networks

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Why You Need To Care

Now that No. 13 Utah has lost for the first time, bowing to USC in the Coliseum, talk of a playoff run has died down. However, the Utes are still the team to beat in the Pac-12 South. They’re at least a game up on everyone, with just one ranked team, UCLA, remaining on the schedule. After falling at home to Colorado, Oregon State is the last remaining Pac-12 team without a conference win. The Beavers under first-year head coach Gary Andersen will play the final five games with an eye toward next season.

Why Oregon State Will Win

Where’s Utah’s head after being outclassed by the Trojans? The Beavers will play loose and relaxed, with very little to lose. For all the problems that Oregon State has had this season, the team is doing a nice job of run blocking behind RG Isaac Seumalo. OSU averages 4.6 yards a carry, and 255-pound rookie Ryan Nall just bulled his way to 122 yards in the Colorado game.

Why Utah Will Win

The Beavers are getting nothing from the passing game, and one-note offenses will have no shot of moving the ball against the Ute defense. Despite what happened last weekend in L.A., Utah sports one of the top Pac-12 defenses. Attempts to move the ball through the air will be futile, allowing the Utes to press the box with athletic LB Gionni Paul. For OSU to score this week, it’ll need help from its defense and special teamers.

Player Who Matters

Utah QB Travis Wilson needs to use this week to get back on track after throwing four interceptions last Saturday. Although RB Devontae Booker is the offensive star in Salt Lake City, Utah often struggles when Wilson isn’t right. Oregon State is no slouch against the pass, ranking third in the Pac-12 at just 205 yards per game.

What’s Going To Happen?

It’s back to business for the Utes, which will have no problems disposing of overmatched Oregon State. Utah knows what’s at stake, and it’s not about to let USC defeat it twice. The Utes will pound the Beavers with a combination of Booker between the tackles and an all-out assault from the defense for a lopsided win.

Utah vs. Oregon State Prediction

Final Score: Utah 41, Oregon State 13, Line: Utah -23.5, o/u: 54.5
Must See Rating: 5: Jimi Hendrix: Electric Church ; 1: The Peanuts Movie … 2

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