Utah vs. Washington State – Game Recap – October 27, 2022 – ESPN

PULLMAN, Wash. — — Backup quarterback Bryson Barnes threw for 175 yards and a landing and No. 14 Utah beat Washington State 21-17 on Thursday night time to remain within the hunt for the Pac-12 championship recreation.

Barnes, who began rather than injured Cam Rising, accomplished 17 of 27 passes for Utah (6-2, 4-1), which was off final week after edging Southern California in a 43-42 shootout Oct. 15.

Utah coach Kyle Whittingham mentioned his crew discovered a method to win regardless of accidents to some key gamers.

“I’m pleased with Bryson,” Whittingham mentioned. “He clearly got here into a tricky scenario and he performed nicely. Had one turnover, however he did a reasonably good job of transferring the chains.”

Rising made the choice to not play, Whittingham mentioned.

“If Cam says he can’t play, he can’t play. So there was no doubting him in any way,” Whittingham mentioned. “Bryson was not anticipating to be the starter tonight. However that’s the character of the quantity two quarterback, you are solely ever one snap away.”

Barnes, a sophomore, mentioned he was ready when his time got here.

“You may at all times be prepared for the second, however till you get the prospect to play you actually don’t know what it’s like,” Barnes mentioned. “I’m grateful for the chance tonight.”

Cameron Ward accomplished 27 of 31 passes for 222 yards for Washington State (4-4, 1-4), which has misplaced 4 of its previous 5 video games and was additionally off every week in the past. The Cougars have been with out dashing chief Nakia Watson and prime receiver Renard Bell due to accidents.

“He’s (Ward) an excellent quarterback, he didn’t actually miss many throws in any respect, he was on the cash,” Whittingham mentioned. “However I credit score our move rush. They did a effective job transferring him off his spot.”

Washington State coach Jake Dickert mentioned his crew is just not executing nicely.

“On offense we’re not doing something nicely,” Dickert mentioned. “We’re taking part in simply ok to get beat.”

However Dickert is just not giving up on the season.

“Proper now our report says we’re a .500 soccer crew,” Dickert mentioned. “We’re taking part in simply ok to get beat.”

The Cougars have 4 winnable video games left, Dickert mentioned.

“All is just not misplaced,” he mentioned.

After a scoreless first quarter, Washington State scored on a 29-yard landing move from Ward to De’Zhaun Stribling early within the second quarter. Ward accomplished his first 12 passes.

Utah replied with a 65-yard drive that ended when Ja’Quinden Jackson plowed over from the 6.

Utah was pressured to punt late within the second quarter, however the ball hit receiver Robert Ferrel within the leg and was recovered by the Utes on the Washington State 25. Jaylon Glover drove in from the 1 with 20 seconds left within the half to present Utah a 14-7 lead.

Dalton Kincaid caught a 5-yard landing move from Barnes late within the third quarter to raise Utah to a 21-7 lead.

Washington State replied instantly, with Ward working 7 yards up the center early within the fourth to chop Utah’s result in 21-14.

Jackson fumbled halfway via the fourth and the ball was recovered by Washington State’s Tanner Moku deep in Utah territory. Dean Janikowski kicked a 42-yard area purpose to chop Utah’s result in 21-17 with lower than 5 minutes left within the recreation. However Utah was in a position to run out the clock.

GOOD DEFENSE

Regardless of 4 losses, Washington State has the most effective protection within the Pac-12, permitting simply over 20 factors per recreation. “I am pleased with our protection,” Dickert mentioned.

WHERE’S THE RUSH

Washington State, which averages lower than 90 dashing yards per recreation, was restricted to 42 dashing yards Thursday night time. The Cougars mustered solely 264 yards of whole offense, and Ward was sacked 4 occasions.

THE TAKEAWAY

Utah is the defending Pac-12 champion and wanted a victory to remain in vary of Oregon, UCLA and Southern California for a berth within the league title recreation. Washington State is in search of to qualify for a bowl recreation.

UP NEXT

Utah: Hosts Arizona on Nov. 5.

Washington State: At Stanford on Nov. 5.

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