Here’s how to watch, listen or stream the game – Deseret News

by Junna Base November 9, 2024

Utah State (2-6, 1-3) and Washington State (7-1)

Start: Saturday, 8:30 p.m. MDT
Venue: Martin Stadium
TV: The CW
Radio: KZNS 1280 The Zone
Live stream: https://www.cwtv.com/thecw/the-cw-app/
Series: Utah State and Washington State have only met four times and the series is currently tied 2-2. Utah State has won its last two games, including a 26-23 win at Washington State in 2021.
Weather: Cloudy with temperatures around 40°C at kick-off.

The trends

For the State of Utah: The Aggies are 2-6 overall and 1-3 in MWC play. Utah State is coming off its first win against an FBS opponent this season, a win over rival Wyoming two weeks ago.

For Washington State: The Cougars are 7-1 overall and ranked No. 21 in the College Football Playoff’s premier rankings. WSU has won three straight games and the Cougars’ only loss this year came at Boise State.

What you should pay attention to

Washington State’s offense has been elite this season.

The Cougars rank in the top 25 nationally in total offense (20), scoring offense (12) and passing offense (24), and their rushing offense is better than average (59).

WSU averages more than 38 points per game and nearly 450 yards per game.

The Cougars have scored more than 35 points in four games this year and their season low in a game is 24.

That means WSU can and will rack up a lot of yards and a lot of points.

In contrast, Utah State has had major defensive issues this year. There’s actually no need to go through the numbers at this point.

The Aggies are one of the worst teams in college football defensively and have lost at least eight starters to season-ending injuries.

Given that – WSU’s offense and USU’s defense – the Aggies’ best hope of being competitive and pulling off a major upset is in the battle against turnovers.

Against Wyoming, the turnovers made the difference for USU. Lack of turnovers by the offense and forced turnovers by the defense.

If USU can decisively win the turnover battle against WSU, the Aggies can take the win. Their own offense has proven adept enough to get into the end zone this season.

However, Washington State offers a significant test in this regard.

With a turnover margin of plus-7, the Cougars are considered one of the best teams in the country.

If Washington State wins the turnover battle, they will likely knock off the Aggies. However, if USU can come out on top in this battle, the Aggies could remain close and competitive.

Key players

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

John Mateer, Washington State quarterback: Utah State has faced some notable quarterbacks this season, but Mateer is probably the best the Aggies will see this fall.

Here are his numbers:

Over 2,000 yards passing.
Eighteen touchdowns.
Six interceptions.
Quarterback rating of 73.3.
Three games with 300+ yards passing.
Overall 61.2% degree of completion.
Almost 600 rushing yards (575).
Ten rushing touchdowns.

When it comes to a dual-threat QB, Mateer fits the bill.

Limiting Mateer in the run game could be the key to defeating Washington State. He averaged less than two yards per carry against Boise State and under four yards per carry in WSU’s close wins over Washington, San Diego State and Fresno State.

However, that is much easier said than done.

“He (Mateer) is the real deal. It’s hard to subdue and release him,” USU interim coach Nate Dreiling said. “He’s very fluid, can move, can make every throw there is. And what’s more: He’s a smart quarterback. He doesn’t endanger himself by dying. If the guy is there he will beat him and if not he will eat it.”

Quotable

“It should be fun. Another ranked opponent we’re up against. They do an incredible job when it comes to finishing games. They were down a couple of times in the fourth quarter and they’re mentally strong and you can’t put them away. “It’s a game that we need to come out of with momentum to stay on top.” – Utah State coach Nate Dreiling

“You can look at the record or you can look at the facts. (Utah State) has an explosive offense. They play a very unique kind of football. They put the guys on the sidelines and that’s almost an option. You get a lot of one-on-one duels. And they are one of the fastest teams in the country. It’s a unique challenge.” – Washington State coach Jake Dickert