Utah vs. Washington State Football: Freezing Cold

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Tomorrow's game is expected to be cold. Highs are expected to be in the upper 20s to low 30s Fahrenheit with a strong possibility of snow.

Sound familiar? Utah is used to playing in the snow in November. Many memorable games have been played in the snow, including last week's game. Just ask UCLA!

John White IV and His Running Game

John White IV
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John White has been on fire! He has rushed for over 1,000 yards for the season and averages 109 yards per game. No matter what kind of play is called, White will be happy to run the ball as fast and far as he can. Based on the season thus far, tomorrow should not be any different.

Passing

Connor Halliday, Washington State Quarterback
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Look for Washington State to pass the football. The passing game has also been an important part of the Utes' offense. Wazzu's Freshman Quarterback Connor Halliday passed for 494 yards last week against Arizona State. Not too shabby.

Expect Jon Hays to air the ball out as well. The passing game has not been as successful for Utah on any given game, but Hays does get the ball to his receivers.

Defensive Plays

Brian Blechen, Las Vegas Bowl 2010
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Utah's defense has been very good against the passing game, the run, and of course, getting the ball out of the opponent's hands. Tomorrow should be no different.

Wherever you find the ball, you will find Brian Blechen. And Blechen is eager to make some big plays tomorrow, cold and snowy or warm and sunny.

Slipping and Sliding

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Ice always wreaks havoc with football games. Wet and cold footballs, loss of footing, ice in your underwear, it is miserable, but it is part of the game. Snow can be a team's best friend and a team's worst enemy. The same can be said for ice.

Ice can help or hurt offensive and defensive schemes. I don't think either team will be in their summer cleats tomorrow, probably more like mountain climbing footwear.

Offensive Risk Taking

Norm Chow Strolling the Sidelines
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Winter conditions are never favorable to the pass, but a team must pass at times. Running also has its risks as heretofore mentioned.  When the weather is foul, the offense has to get creative and adjust to the weather. Mother Nature could care less about field conditions.

Expect a few innovative plays on both sides of the ball by both teams. Norm Chow has coached in all types of weather for Utah. He should have chains in his playbook as well.

Bowling for Bowls

Utah 2009 Sugar Bowl Champs
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Utah is now bowl eligible at 6-4. Wazzu needs to win against Utah this week and Washington next week. Utah now wants the best bowl possible. They are still in the hunt for the Pac-12 South in an odd way, but nonetheless, both teams will wanting the best postseason options, and a win is needed for both teams in red attire.

Final Analysis

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Considering this is a late November game and plenty is on the line for both teams in Pac-12 play, expect a competitive game. In the end, Utah will prevail because of all weather experience and the better 4 X 4 in John White IV.

Utah 21, Washington State 14