SALT LAKE CITY — Instead of being a Pac-12 showdown between undefeated teams, Saturday night’s game was a battle to stay relevant.
Washington State and Utah entered the game with wounded egos after demoralizing upset losses the week before, armed with the knowledge that another loss would severely hamper any conference hopes after promising starts to the season.
And the survivor was … Utah.
The Utes (4-1, 1-1 Pac-12) racked up 526 yards and defeated Washington State 38-13 at Rice-Eccles Stadium, sending the Cougars (3-2) to 0-2 in the Pac-12.
Defense struggles mightily — again
After WSU allowed 67 points, 657 yards and two return touchdowns last week to UCLA, the big question was how would the Cougars respond after that embarrassing performance.