SALT LAKE CITY — For the first time this season the Utes have a winning streak. It couldn't come soon enough for Utah, who is pushing for a bowl birth. Utah has had the schedule lighten up the last two weeks, but it hardens on Saturday with a trip to Seattle.

The Utes are 0-7 all time against Washington. A win this weekend would eliminate a lot of pressure for the Utes going into the last few weeks of the season.

1. Win the line of scrimmage.

Washington, when they have lost, has been beaten in the trenches. Offensively, Utah's offensive line has to get good push off the ball to give John White room to run. If White can be given the holes to run threw, as he goes, as Utah's offense goes. It also helps when Washington is near the bottom of the conference in run defense. They also have to give Travis Wilson a clean pocket. The less pressure that he is under, the less likely hood of a road freshman mistake.

Washington's offensive line has been inconsistent this year. Keith Price has not been able to get comfortable in the pocket at all this season. If Utah's defensive line can get push and get in the backfield, they will help out the secondary against the likes of stud tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins. If Utah can keep Price uncomfortable, they will find themselves in position to make plays

2. Win the turnover battle.

Here's one of the bigger no brainers out there. Especially for Utah on the road. If Utah can be on the plus side of the turnover battle, they will be in a position to win this game. This offense has found its stride the last two weeks and has some confidence for the first time all year. Turnovers on the road could halt that momentum.

Utah's defense has to set up some short fields as well. It is not easy to play the Huskies on the road. Ask Oregon State and Stanford that. It will help the young offense out, especially on the road, if they are given short fields and easy scores.

3. Play from ahead.

Utah needs to get on the board early and get a lead. At this point in the season, with bowl eligibility on the line, you don't want a freshman quarterback to make a comeback for you. If Utah can play with a 10 to 14 point lead at some point in this game, they can really lean on John White and control the game.

Washington does have some weapons on offense, but not what they had last season. Plus, if this defense of Utah's can play with a lead, like the last two weeks, they can pin their ears back and get after Price. If the Utes can make Washington press, they will be in a good position to win this game.

Utah has an opportunity Saturday night to get to .500 for the first time since September. Although Washington has struggled, this is an opportunity for Utah to get a statement road win. Especially coming from where they were just a few weeks ago. Utah has to get to win number five before they can think about getting to number six, that is the key right now. The Utes need to worry about the goal at hand, getting win number five.

Shane Roberts is a producer/writer for the U Fan Cast on TheUFanCast.com, a Utah-centric podcast that gives a voice to the fan. Twitter: @Shane_U_FanCast

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