[CardinalSagehen]

If UW beats us, we are out, period, unless just possibly UW loses two games to schools in the North. Losing to Utah helps us only in some complex tiebreaker, as I see it.

Probably true, but not necessarily.  In 2015, Oregon beat us and was 7-2 in the conference, with losses to Utah and WSU.  If they didn't have that loss to Utah, it would have meant no conference championship, no Rose Bowl victory, and no #3 ranking for us.  Any UW conference loss could end up mattering this year, especially if they end up losing again to ASU, Oregon, etc.

Here's another way of putting this.  A loss by UW has tangible value for us by increasing our odds of winning the Pac 12 North, while a win by UW has ephemeral "national perception" value that could easily change as the season continues.  

I guess I'm with the others - Go Utes!

[CardinalSagehen]

If UW beats us, we are out, period, unless just possibly UW loses two games to schools in the North. Losing to Utah helps us only in some complex tiebreaker, as I see it.

Probably true, but not necessarily.  In 2015, Oregon beat us and was 7-2 in the conference, with losses to Utah and WSU.  If they didn't have that loss to Utah, it would have meant no conference championship, no Rose Bowl victory, and no #3 ranking for us.  Any UW conference loss could end up mattering this year, especially if they end up losing again to ASU, Oregon, etc.

Here's another way of putting this.  A loss by UW has tangible value for us by increasing our odds of winning the Pac 12 North, while a win by UW has ephemeral "national perception" value that could easily change as the season continues.  

I guess I'm with the others - Go Utes!