In the second set of weekday bowl games, there is a game between two average team. These teams are the Utah Utes and the West Virginia Mountaineers. Both teams had above average expectations this season but failed to fulfill those expectations despite qualifying for a bowl game. Now, both teams will want to add a bowl victory to potentially redeem their seasons.
Utah’s success was due to its quarterback Tyler Huntley. In nine games this season, Huntley threw for 2,246 passing yards along with 15 touchdowns. In addition to his passing statistics, Huntley also ran for 480 rushing yards and four touchdowns which makes him extremely dangerous due to his dual threat ability. However, Huntley did throw ten interceptions in those nine games which suggest that he is somewhat turnover prone. If Utah plans on winning this game, Huntley will need to take better control of the ball.
West Virginia’s success was primarily due to its star quarterback Will Grier. This season, Grier threw for 34 touchdowns and over 3,400 passing yards. However, Grier suffered a gruesome finger injury against Texas in the second-to-last regular season game which caused him to miss the finale against Oklahoma. Unfortunately for the Mountaineers, Grier’s dislocated finger will also cause him to miss this bowl game. Replacing him is quarterback Chris Chugunov who threw for two touchdowns and no interceptions in limited action this season. With his lack of experience, expect West Virginia to lean heavily on its running game against Utah.
As for my prediction, I have to side with Utah. West Virginia enters this game without its best player which makes me question the effectiveness of its offense with a backup quarterback. Meanwhile, Utah is completely healthy and I expect its defense to shut down West Virginia’s offense. I think that Utah wins this game by double digits.
Utah vs. West Virginia: Game Time, TV Channel & Viewing Details
Event: Utah vs. West Virginia
Date: Tuesday, December 26, 2017
Start Time: 1:30 P.M. EST
Location: Cotton Bowl in Dallas, TX
Broadcast: ESPN
How to Watch Utah vs. West Virginia On Your Tablet Or Mobile Device
You can live stream the game on the WatchESPN app.
You can download the WatchESPN app on Google Play, Amazon, iTunes, and the Windows Store. The Fox Sports Go app is also available on the following devices: Apple TV, Roku, Android TV and Fire TV.
How To Live Stream Utah vs. West Virginia Online Without Cable Subscription
You can also live stream the game through Sling TV free trial. Just click on the Sling website and click “Watch Now 7 Days Free” for the free trial. Choose the Sling Orange package, which costs $20 per month and comes with ESPN, along with many other sports channels.
