There's finally a light at the end of the tunnel for Oregon State. The Beavers snapped a 12-game Pac-12 losing streak with a 47-44 overtime victory over California. Oregon State (2-3, 1-1 Pac-12) ran all over the Bears for 474 yards on 50 carries — setting a school record against a Pac-12 opponent. Ryan Nall led the way with 221 yards and three touchdowns on just 14 carries.

Now a stiffer test arrives in the form of No. 21 Utah. The Utes (5-1, 2-1 Pac-12) come into the game battered at running back, center and other key positions. But they are co-leaders in the Pac-12 South after rallying for a 36-23 victory over Arizona. Troy Williams had his fifth 200-yard passing game of the season, throwing for 245 yards and a pair of touchdowns to lead the Utes.

Contests between Utah and Oregon State have typically been nail-biters. The Beavers lead the series 11-8-1, although the Utes have won two straight. Two of the last three games between the two schools have been decided in overtime.

Utah at Oregon State

Kickoff: Saturday, Oct. 15 at 4 p.m. ET

TV Channel: Pac-12 Networks

Spread: Utah -9.5

Three Things to Watch

1. Who will run the ball for Utah?

Injuries continue to pile up in the backfield for Utah. Armand Shyne, the team's leading rusher, suffered a season-ending knee injury in the second half against Arizona after totaling a career-high 101 yards on 19 carries versus the Wildcats. Shyne is the fifth starter that the Utes have lost to a season-ending injury in 2016, joining Kylie Fitts, J.J. Dielman, Hiva Lutui and Siale Fakailoatonga.

His injury means that Utah has to dig deep into the depth chart at running back. Zack Moss, who started three games before sitting out last week with an injured toe, is a game-time decision against Oregon State. If Moss can't go, sixth-string RB Marcel Manolo will get the start. Manolo, a redshirt freshman, has not had a single carry yet this season.

It's a perilous situation for Utah, which is considering every option — from moving some receivers into the backfield to pulling the redshirt on promising freshman Devontae Henry-Cole.

“That's what we're mulling over right now is what makes the most sense,” Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham said. “We've got some guys on the team that have experience at running back in high school, junior college or whatever the case may be. We're looking at any and all possibilities right now at running back.”

An unexpected source of help could come from former starter Joe Williams. The senior retired earlier this season after playing just two games because of lingering injuries. Williams rejoined the Utes this week and resumed practicing with the team on Tuesday. His status is day-to-day, but there's a chance he could play on Saturday against the Beavers.

2. Will Oregon State sustain offensive momentum?

Beating California gave Oregon State fans hope that the Beavers have finally figured things out on offense. Oregon State exploded for 559 yards of total offense, the highest single-game total for the team since Gary Andersen took over as head coach in 2015. It offered a stark contrast to the anemic offensive effort in a loss to Colorado two weeks earlier.

Nall, in particular, has evolved into a true threat in the backfield. He ranks in the top 10 in the Pac-12 in rushing yards (432), yards per carry (6.86), yards per game (86.4) and rushing touchdowns (6). His 221-yard performance against California was the 10th-best single-game effort in school history. The sophomore is questionable for this week, however, after suffering a left foot injury late in the fourth quarter against the Bears.

Even if Nall can go, Utah will make it tougher for Oregon State to gain an upper hand on the ground. The Utes rank third in the Pac-12 in rushing defense (119.0 ypg) and are second in scoring defense (19.0 ppg). Utah has allowed a 100-yard rusher in just one game this season.

3. Can the Utes avoid another slow start?

Utah has been an effective second-half team during Pac-12 play when it comes to moving the chains and getting stops. Still, the Utes are struggling to keep from digging themselves first-half holes. Utah has scored just 26 first-quarter points through six games and has trailed by double digits at one point in all three Pac-12 games so far. The Utes had to rally from a 24-10 deficit against USC, a 14-0 deficit against California and a 14-3 deficit against Arizona.

One thing that has worked in Utah's favor in overcoming slow starts is the offense's ability to milk the clock. Utah ranks third in the nation and leads the Pac-12 in time of possession, holding on to the ball an average of 36:09 per game.

Another advantage has come from winning the field position battle. Ute sophomore Mitch Wishnowsky leads the nation in punt average (50.5), and he has placed 13 punts inside the 20 and booted 14 that have gone 50 yards or longer. It is a big reason why Utah ranks first in the FBS in net punting (48.12).

Final Analysis

Injuries have taken a huge toll on Utah's depth and left the Utes looking somewhat vulnerable as they enter the back half of the regular season. Oregon State is never an easy opponent for Utah to deal with, even in down years for the Beavers. Still, Utah is too tough and fast on defense for the Beavers to get into a rhythm similar to what they enjoyed playing against California. It will require a few more growing pains before Oregon State starts taking down ranked teams at home again.

Prediction: Utah 31, Oregon State 20

— Written by John Coon, who is part of the Athlon Contributor Network. Coon has more than a decade of experience covering sports for different publications and outlets, including The Associated Press, Salt Lake Tribune, ESPN, Deseret News, MaxPreps, Yahoo! Sports and many others. Follow him on Twitter @johncoonsports.