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No. 20 Washington State has a bye to face Utah State on Saturday

Online Niel November 8, 2024

Utah State (2-6, 1-3 Mountain West) at no. 20 Washington State (7-1, 0-0 Pac-12, No. 21 CFP), 10:30 p.m. ET Saturday (The CW).

BetMGM College Football Odds: Washington State 20 1/2.

Series Record: Series tied 2-2.

WHAT IS AT STAKE

Both Washington State and Utah State have byes. The Cougars are 7-1 for the first time since 2018. The Cougars have reached bowl eligibility in eight of the last nine seasons. Washington State has won three straight overall and five straight at home. The Cougs are coming off a 29-26 come-from-behind win at San Diego State. The Aggies play under interim coach Nate Dreiling, who is also the defensive coordinator. Utah State’s last game was a 27-25 win over Wyoming, won on a last-minute field goal. Utah State and Washington State will both be in the rebuilt Pac-12 starting in the 2026 season. The Aggies are one of five Mountain West teams to join the conference.

KEY POWER

The Aggies’ defense is a definite weakness against the Cougars. Utah State is allowing 42 points per game, second to last in the nation. Only Kent State (46.6) allows more. They are also giving up 244 rushing yards per game to opponents, second-to-last nationally, and 254 yards passing per game. Utah State also lost six starters on defense to season-ending injuries this year.

Washington State quarterback John Mateer (10) celebrates a touchdown during the... — Washington State quarterback John Mateer (10) celebrates a touchdown during the second half of an NCAA football game against San Diego State, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024, in San Diego. Credit: AP/Gregory Bull

PRIVATE PLAYERS

Utah State: QB Spencer Petras, who spent the last five seasons at Iowa, ranks eighth nationally with 304.2 passing yards per game. He has a career high 13 touchdown passes. He has a career-high 56 yards passing.

Washington State: QB John Mateer is averaging 341 yards of total offense per game, ranking fourth in the nation. He threw for 2,153 yards and 18 touchdowns. He is also Washington State’s leading rusher with 575 yards and 10 scores.

FACTS AND FIGURES

Washington State wide receiver Carlos Hernandez jumps into the final… — Washington State wide receiver Carlos Hernandez jumps in the end zone as San Diego State safety Eric Butler looks on during the second half of an NCAA football game Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024, in San Diego. Credit: AP/Gregory Bull

Washington State is 12th in the nation, averaging 38.1 points per game. … Utah State is 4-4 in its last eight road games. … Cougars defense has 15 takeaways, good for 26th nationally. Cornerback Ethan O’Connor has three interceptions. … Washington State has three fourth-quarter comebacks for wins this season. …. Utah State is 6-69 all-time against teams ranked in the AP Top 25. The Aggies have faced four ranked teams this season alone – USC, Utah and Boise State. It is only the third time in school history that the team has faced so many ranked opponents in a single season.