2014 was the year that Utah arrived on the big stage and showed it belonged in the Pac-12. Is 2015 the year that the Utes step up their game and become true contenders in the conference? Unfortunately, we’re not going to figure that out this week against Fresno State. After wins against Michigan and Utah State, this game is the last warmup for a monster game against Oregon, in which we should learn a lot about both teams.
How to watch Utah vs. Fresno State on TV or online, plus 3 things to know
One team can’t stop anyone and the other is pretty good.
However, Utah is not without questions that could give Fresno State more of a chance. Starter Travis Wilson is injured, but could still play against the Bulldogs. Backup Kendal Thompson is perfectly serviceable, but the offense is very different -- more of a spread -- with him under center. There could be a quarterback controversy for this week.
Still, whoever the quarterback is should do fine against Fresno State. Ole Miss has a quarterback battle of its own, but the Rebels dominated the Fresno defense last week, finishing with a 73-21 win.
How to watch, stream and listen
TV: 10:30 p.m. ET, CBS Sports Network
Radio: Utah, Fresno State
Online streaming: N/A
Spread: Utah is favored by 14.5 points.
Make friends: Get to SB Nation’s team blog chats for this game at Block U for Utah fans and Mountain West Connection for Fresno State fans.
Three big things to know
1. About that quarterback competition. The Utes wanted to avoid this, but with Wilson somewhat injured, what’s their move? Do they go with the guy they originally chose, or decide that it’s better to go with Thompson, particularly against overmatched Fresno State? That could get tricky, since the offenses are so different with the two.
2. The goal for Fresno State is to not give up 73 points again. That’s probably possible against a Utah offense that’s not particularly prolific, especially with the quarterback situation. But defense has been a problem at Fresno for a long time, and it has to be better this year.
3. There is one objective for Utah (besides winning, obviously): DON’T GET ANYONE HURT! The game against Oregon next week is massive.
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