Breaking Bengals: Official Utah vs. Idaho St.Thread

[DrumNFeather]

We're 10 days out from the return of Utah football! (Let's pause for a minute and appreciate that).

With a starting QB expected to be named today and a new depth chart coming out, we are closing in on official game-prep for the Bengals.

I expect this game to be much like the Weber St. game last year. We'll get some good reps for a lot of guys and hopefully come out of it unscathed.

What would you like to see in game 1 of the 2014 Ute season?

GO UTES!

:utes:

[UBlender]

The biggest thing I want to see (other than an overall dominant win, of course) is a major turnover advantage. I want no turnovers by our offense, although I would probably live with one late in the game by our 4th stringers. More importantly, I want to see our defense force several turnovers, including two INTs. I think we need to get a couple when it's easy to help build confidence and overcome the mental hurdle that seems to be there when it comes to intercepting the ball.

[Applejack]

I would like to see one thing and one thing only: no injuries. I hate D-II games.

I took a look at ISU's roster and there is a surprising dearth of Utahns. Apparently few from the beehive state are willing to spend 4 years in Pocatello. There are two Utah connections of note:

1. Madison Mangum, former BYU preferred walk-on and brother of BYU's all-world-future-heisman QB ____ Mangum. Madison transferred to Idaho State after his mission. Here's a picture of him (on the right) eating jalapeno peppers at the house of Brother Medina an "energetic, plump, mustached Mexican Man." Why do they let missionaries blog again?

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2NBizk0aGYc/TSpkUQ0LrlI/AAAAAAAAAHk/rlEXKlvJ5A8/s200/Ready%2Bor%2Bnot.jpg

2. James Delancenserie is a redshirt freshman QB from Wasatch High. Here is a picture of him and the coach of ISU being interviewed on Wasatch High TV.

http://img.deseretnews.com/images/article/midres/1079403/1079403.jpg

[DrumNFeather]

Just one week to go!

[Applejack]

OK, two days out. I think we are going to win!

[DrumNFeather]

Assistant coach profiles for ISU:

Steve Fifita: http://www.idahostatejournal.com/members/breaking-it-all-down-isu-defensive-line-coach-used-both/article_3116092a-2052-11e4-bf89-0019bb2963f4.html

[Sullyute]

Assistant coach profiles for ISU:

Steve Fifita: http://www.idahostatejournal.com/members/breaking-it-all-down-isu-defensive-line-coach-used-both/article_3116092a-2052-11e4-bf89-0019bb2963f4.html



Fifita made his way back to Utah. He substitute taught and coached in high school before landing a job working with the Utes and head coach Kyle Wittingham coordinating football academics. He was also the team chaplain.

I didn't know we had a team chaplain?!

[Applejack]

I didn't know we had a team chaplain?!

I didn't know Steve Fifita was coaching at ISU. Now I'm torn on my rooting loyalties on Thursday.

[Sullyute]

I didn't know Steve Fifita was coaching at ISU. Now I'm torn on my rooting loyalties on Thursday.

Spencer Toone is coaching there too. :crazy:

[LA Ute]

Spencer Toone is coaching there too. :crazy:

Hey, it's where Kyle had his first coaching job, isn't it? There's good coaching career karma there.

[Sullyute]

Hey, it's where Kyle had his first coaching job, isn't it? There's good coaching career karma there.

Yes, it is. Christensen also coached there, so definitely karma ties.

[DrumNFeather]

Hey, it's where Kyle had his first coaching job, isn't it? There's good coaching career karma there.

I believe it is also where Marvin Lewis got his start, or at least one of his early gigs.

[DrumNFeather]

Everything you need to know about Pocatello courtesy of Wikipedia:


Founded as an important stop on the first railroad in Idaho during the gold rush, the city later became an important center for agriculture. It is located along the Portneuf River where it emerges from the mountains onto the Snake River Plain, along the route of the Oregon Trail. The city is named after Chief Pocatello of the Shoshoni tribe, who granted the right-of-way for the railroad across the Fort Hall Indian Reservation. Ironically, Chief Pocatello did not use the name but preferred to be called Tondzaosha, a Shoshoni word meaning buffalo robe. The chief's daughter, Jeanette Lewis, believed the name Pocatello had no meaning

That's right Bengals, your town's name has no meaning.

[chrisrenrut]

Everything you need to know about Pocatello courtesy of Wikipedia:



That's right Bengals, your town's name has no meaning.

So a Shoshoni chief named either Tondzaosha or Pocatello had a daughter, and the name he gave her was . . . Jeanette Lewis? :blink:

[UTEopia]

I agree with an earlier poster that coming out of this game without injury is the most important thing. However, there are some other things I would like to see:

- No turnovers on offense;
- 3 turnovers by the defense;
- a dominant run game;
- a dominant run game defense;
- pressure on the QB with the 4 defensive linemen;
- no coverage breakdowns;
- sure tackling;
- redzone touchdowns;
- kickoffs high and into the end zone;
I do not want to hear the guy in Section 14 about row 30 bitch and moan about Wilson, Whit, Christensen or anyone else.

[LA Ute]

I do not want to hear the guy in Section 14 about row 30 bitch and moan about Wilson, Whit, Christensen or anyone else.

If he does, just punch him. It's time.

[DrumNFeather]

It's Game Day! GO UTES!!!! :rave::utes::jig::football::clap:

[DrumNFeather]

Some morning links to get the juices flowing:

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865609706/Its-go-time-for-the-Utes-Utah-kicks-off-2014-season-against-Idaho-State-Thursday-night.html

http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/utes/58340283-89/utah-idaho-whittingham-christensen.html.csp

http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/blogsutahsports/58342907-59/state-idaho-bengals-game.html.csp

http://www.blocku.com/complete-coverage-isu-v-utah/2014/8/27/6065467/utah-vs-idaho-state-keys-to-the-game

And this:


http://youtu.be/aAQ-tOcCpo0

[UtahsMrSports]

Score early, score often, no injuries. If we do that, Ill call it a success. Football is BACK!

[SoCalPat]

Things I would like to see tonight:

1. 200-plus yards rushing.

2. 250-plus yards passing.

3. Four plays of 30-plus yards with our 1s

4. +3 in turnovers. Bonus: Zero INTs from Travis.

5. One defensive score.

6. ISU to have under 200 yards total offense.

All of that should get us over 50 points and keep ISU to no more than 10.

[DrumNFeather]

Do you think TW sees the second half tonight? It'd be nice to be up enough for him to get in a rhythm and then get out healthy with a full week plus to prepare for Fresno. I'd love to see both Thompson and Cox in the second half today.

[UTEopia]

If he does, just punch him. It's time.

It is way overdue. I have never heard I guy who knows less about football have so many opinions and feel no need to keep them to himself. He sits by himself, so I can only guess that he cannot find anyone else willing to endure his endless, mind numbing banter.

[UTEopia]

Do you think TW sees the second half tonight? It'd be nice to be up enough for him to get in a rhythm and then get out healthy with a full week plus to prepare for Fresno. I'd love to see both Thompson and Cox in the second half today.

I think it is important for Travis to play at least 1 series in the second half. Regardless of the score, there will be some adjustments that should be made at halftime and I think it is important for Travis to go out and perform those adjustments.

[Diehard Ute]

ISU suspended starting senior LB PJ Gremaud last night. He's replaced by a redshirt freshman.

While looking at their depth chart I noticed their starting right corner is listed as 5'6".....

[Two Utes]

ISU suspended starting senior LB PJ Gremaud last night. He's replaced by a redshirt freshman.

While looking at their depth chart I noticed their starting right corner is listed as 5'6".....

On an unrelated note. It's absolutely perfect weather here in the capitol city. I'm guessing 84 and sun at kickoff.

[UtahsMrSports]

I think it is important for Travis to play at least 1 series in the second half. Regardless of the score, there will be some adjustments that should be made at halftime and I think it is important for Travis to go out and perform those adjustments.

This is how blowouts are usually handled. Im hoping to see KT get the rest of the third quarter and Brandon Cox to get the fourth.

[Utah]

I think Travis starts the third to reaffirm he is the starter. I do think we see Thompson in the first half in a few packages designed just for Thompson.

[Utah]

I don't think we see Cox ( unless you sit in the NEZ) tonight. We need to have Thompson ready to go if/when Wilson goes down. Thompson should play more tonight than the rest of his collegiate career combined. Hopefully Thompson gets a lot of burn this week and next.

[UBlender]

Two things I want to see tonight: multiple INTs by the Utah defense and an aggressive passing game early on. Both items are about establishing some confidence. The defense needs to get the INT monkey off their backs--I think their dropping of INTs is largely a mental problem. On offense, we need to let Wilson (and also Thompson to some extent) get comfortable and get into a rhythm throwing the ball so there is some confidence for next week. This will have to happen early as we know Kyle will take the foot of the gas in the second half. We could likely just run for 350 yards and not have to throw the ball at all but I think it is in our best interest to establish our passing game as soon as possible.

[Applejack]

Two things I want to see tonight:

1. Coach Fifita scoring a touchdown


http://youtu.be/EZ0OFPOyjoI

2. Coach Toone breaking his own record of hurling pineapples at passers-by in downtown Denver (per wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spencer_Toone)).

[Senioritis]

Two things I want to see tonight:

1. A Tevin Carter interception.

2. Boobs.

[wally]

Two things I want to see tonight:

1. A Tevin Carter interception.

2. Boobs.

Simultaneously? 'Cause personally, I am not sure about this combo...

[Applejack]

Simultaneously? 'Cause personally, I am not sure about this combo...

If you sit high enough in the North End Zone, it's not that rare.

[Sullyute]

Hack

[Scorcho]

Two things I want to see tonight:

1. A Tevin Carter interception.

2. Boobs.

Boobie Hobbs Freshman corner out of New Orleans, he wears #1

[Applejack]

As America buzzes about the Utes-Bengals clash, can I just say thank you to everyone for a lovely off-season. It's football day!

P.S. Love the 7:30 ET kickoff. Let's keep it up!

[Dwight Schr-Ute]

Two things I want to see tonight: Good reads by Wilson, a stiff O-line.
One thing I don't want to see again tonight: This abomination!


http://vimeo.com/104633781

[hostile]

Off to the game.

Go Utes.

[Dwight Schr-Ute]

Off to the game.

Go Utes.

Be careful up there Hostile. Remember: no injuries!

[hostile]

Be careful up there Hostile. Remember: no injuries!

And boobs!!!

[Dwight Schr-Ute]

Well...we got that 3 and out covered early. :-/


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Applejack]

Just turned on the game. It looks like it's a good game, which is...uh....

Who wants to recap?

[LA Ute]

What is happening out there shouldn't be happening....

[Applejack]

What is happening out there shouldn't be happening....

Very cryptic. Care to elaborate?

[Applejack]

Here's what I learned on one offensive drive (that resulted in a TD):

1. Wilson's release point has not been raised, as had been rumored. In fact, it seems to be more sidearm now than before.
2. Our offensive line is not opening any holes in the run game. But I presume Idaho State has a great d-line, considering that Steve Fifita is coaching them up.
3. Our offensive line is not doing its job on pass protection.

[SigmaUte]

Defense looks pathetic

with exception of Nate Orchard.

[LA Ute]

I'm actually kind of astonished.

[Applejack]

Defense looks pathetic

with exception of Nate Orchard.

Woof. You can say that again. We're like one of those fancy chocolate lava cakes that you get at expensive restaurants - gooey soft in the middle and only half-baked on the edges. Or something.

[LA Ute]

ISU drove down the field and scored. It didn't look hard.

[SigmaUte]

ISU drove down the field and scored. It didn't look hard.

Make that twice.

[Applejack]

Make that twice.

Spoke too soon!@ 21-7.

Dres loves losing his helmet, right? So he can shake those luscious locks.

[SigmaUte]

Spoke too soon!@ 21-7.

Dres loves losing his helmet, right? So he can shake those luscious locks.

Honestly only concerned with the defense right now. Any way you spin it, they've looked bad.

[Applejack]

Honestly only concerned with the defense right now. Any way you spin it, they've looked bad.

Truly.

Dimick and Orchard have looked fine. But our secondary? Woof. Orphey has been abused multiple times and we're mid-way through 2 quarters.

[Applejack]

HACKETT!!! Starting his All-American campaign earlier than expected.

[Applejack]

Kaelin Clay just did a pretty good Shaky Smithson impersonation.

Maybe our special teams will carry us this year?:flush:

[Applejack]

I'm surprised they kept that Kenneth Scott TD. It looked to me like he never had a foot down.

[justaute]

I know it's the first game, but I'm a little worried about our D. Notwithstanding Orchard's good plays, our front-7 is of concern to me. If we are getting pushed up front by ISU, PAC12 offenses would just eat our luch.

[Brian]

I'm surprised they kept that Kenneth Scott TD. It looked to me like he never had a foot down.

Bad bad call. Won't understand. Half his foot was out.

[Applejack]

I know it's the first game, but I'm a little worried about our D. Notwithstanding Orchard's good plays, our front-7 is of concern to me. If we are getting pushed up front by ISU, PAC12 offenses would just eat our luch.

So far, I think the familiar quantities are all we have. Rowe looks active, if still learning at DB. Orchard and Dimick look solid. Norris is a solid tackler, if an average athlete. I don't love Whittingham (LB), but he is sound.

But Orphey has looked unbelievably vulnerable. Our rotation in the middle of the D-line has been underwhelming. I'm not sure Blechen is meant to be a safety.

No T. Carter interceptions or boobs, thus far.

[SigmaUte]

HACKETT!!! Starting his All-American campaign earlier than expected.

Should have had two inside the 5 though...

[sancho]

Hope y'all are watching Tulane/Tulsa at halftime like I am. Go Green Wave!

[Applejack]

Hope y'all are watching Tulane/Tulsa at halftime like I am. Go Green Wave!

Did you go to Tulane? How many degrees do you have?

[sancho]

Did you go to Tulane? How many degrees do you have?

I worked for Tulane for 4 years. Everyone should live in that city for a while. I bought season tix each year for about $40. Good times. Lots of losses in a cavernous, cold, empty Superdome. Matt Forte was about 70% of the offense his last year there. Tulane is building a new stadium. Much needed.

FAKE PUNT!

[Applejack]

Kendall Thompson: really good wheels, really bad arm. As advertised!

[sancho]

Kendall Thompson: really good wheels, really bad arm. As advertised!

Yes, and Travis is the jack of all trades, master of none.

Still, I feel ok about Thompson if we need him. At least he's really good at something. The great wheels, bad arm combo has worked for teams in the past.

[SigmaUte]

Kendall Thompson: really good wheels, really bad arm. As advertised!


To be fair, 1/1 25 yes

[Applejack]

To be fair, 1/1 25 yes

True. I believe the Pac-12 guys described the throw as "fluttering."

[Applejack]

We've got the 2s in on D. I'm not sure if ISU still has their starters in on O (does it matter?), but the young guys have some speed.

[SigmaUte]

I'm just really concerned with how the D looks overall.

I want to see what the FSU vs USC game is going to look like.

[SigmaUte]

Clay may have some talent......

[Mormon Red Death]

Well special teams grade out as A+++++++++

Sent from my SGH-M919 using Tapatalk 2

[SigmaUte]

Another concern of note...no turnovers. Unless you count the block FG

[Applejack]

Should they give Clay national special teams player of the week tonight or should we wait for the full slate of games to play out?

[SigmaUte]

Should they give Clay national special teams player of the week tonight or should we wait for the full slate of games to play out?

Blocked FG, punt return for TD, 100 yd kick return for TD.....yeah yeah he should.

[Applejack]

So the only injury I've seen is Kendrick Moeai, who hobbled off after taking a hit to his knee. Anyone else?

[DrumNFeather]

So the only injury I've seen is Kendrick Moeai, who hobbled off after taking a hit to his knee. Anyone else?
That was nasty

[UtahsMrSports]

I want to see our defense against a real team. As much as the yards given up has been brutal, weve been very vanilla. Im not worried just yet.

[SigmaUte]

I want to see our defense against a real team. As much as the yards given up has been brutal, weve been very vanilla. Im not worried just yet.

Glad to see someone is positive

Keep the good vibe coming

[UtahsMrSports]

Glad to see someone is positive

Keep the good vibe coming

Iv dont remember the last opener that went well at all. We always seem to underachieve. Next saturday will tell us more.

[sancho]

I want to see our defense against a real team. As much as the yards given up has been brutal, weve been very vanilla. Im not worried just yet.

I'm worried. I expect WSU, OSU, ASU, and Oregon will not have too hard a time scoring on us. Those offenses with quick, short, precise passing into the middle will continue to give us fits.

Speaking of WSU, go Rutgers!

[justaute]

Vanilla or not, our lines were still getting pushed a lot -- not a good sign. Though, as you said, Fresno's game will certainly tell us a lot.

[Applejack]

I'm worried. I expect WSU, OSU, ASU, and Oregon will not have too hard a time scoring on us. Those offenses with quick, short, precise passing into the middle will continue to give us fits.

Speaking of WSU, go Rutgers!

After that game, I think my 5 wins might be optimistic.

Games we'll be favored in: Fresno, WSU, Colorado(?)
Games we'll be underdogs: Michigan, Oregon St, Arizona
Games we'll be heavy underdogs: Oregon, USC, Stanford, UCLA, Arizona St

The problem is that the games we'll be favored in won't be easy. Fresno returns 17 starters, WSU will fling the ball all over us, and Colorado is on the road. We lose any of those three and we're not bowling.

Then, we need to steal two of the upset games or slay another giant.

We have very little room for error.

[sancho]

After that game, I think my 5 wins might be optimistic.

Games we'll be favored in: Fresno, WSU, Colorado(?)
Games we'll be underdogs: Michigan, Oregon St, Arizona
Games we'll be heavy underdogs: Oregon, USC, Stanford, UCLA, Arizona St

The problem is that the games we'll be favored in won't be easy. Fresno returns 17 starters, WSU will fling the ball all over us, and Colorado is on the road. We lose any of those three and we're not bowling.

Then, we need to steal two of the upset games or slay another giant.

We have very little room for error.


I've been looking at it like this:

Must win: ISU, CU

Must win 3 of 4 vs FSU, WSU, OSU, Arizona

Must upset one of Mich, UCLA, USC, ASU, Oregon, Stanford

That middle requirement may be the most daunting. At least three of those four are at home.

[sancho]

I think my 5 wins might be optimistic.

I feel the same, but I'm still hoping for a surprise. Oregon State/VaTech fans probably felt pretty bad about their chances the years they lost to FCS teams, and both of those teams had pretty good seasons. So it's possible to have a bad game and still have a good season.

My main hope for this game was to come out feeling optimistic, and I can't say that has happened.

[BeehiveUte]

Overall takeaway: FCS schools do nothing to help the team or schedule. Drop them.

[USS Utah]

A convincing win, with things to work on. That's what I like in week 1. Frankly, I would be more worried if the Utes didn't have stuff to work on.

[sancho]

I would be more worried if the Utes didn't have stuff to work on.

No, I wouldn't mind seeing a game in which everything fired on all cylinders.

[SoCalPat]

Things I would like to see tonight:

1. 200-plus yards rushing. CHECK

2. 250-plus yards passing. CHECK

3. Four plays of 30-plus yards with our 1s CHECK

4. +3 in turnovers. Bonus: Zero INTs from Travis. -1 as a team, but that didn't come from Travis.

5. One defensive score. FAIL

6. ISU to have under 200 yards total offense. MASSIVE FAIL

All of that should get us over 50 points and keep ISU to no more than 10.

We get a push/win ATS (If you're a Ute fan that couldn't find the hook and get to 41.5, go root for BYU already. You disgust me.) in our opener, so that should be reason to be encouraged, but without Hackett and Orchard, we're probably playing our 1s at the start of the fourth quarter. Oregon would've put up 60 on us today.

Now, ISU ran the ball well against BYU last year, which leads me to believe that they are treating these FBS games more as scrimmages than they are playing to win. At the same time, this ISU team (which had Arias and Finney in the backfield last year) couldn't average 1 YPC against Southern Utah. If you thought OSU last year at RES was wild, get ready. Our offense will keep us in nearly every game and we'll win some. But unless something happens right quick on defense, we're never gonna be really comfortably ahead of anyone this year.

[SoCalPat]

Iv dont remember the last opener that went well at all. We always seem to underachieve. Next saturday will tell us more.

Almost always the fault of the offense. The defense always shined in openers. You can say the script was flipped tonight, but we should drop 56 on ISU falling out of bed at 3 a.m.

We've never looked this bad vs a FCS school, and ISU was picked 12th in a 13-team Big Sky. I'm gonna have to see it before I believe it about our defense.

[Hot Lunch]

A couple quick thoughts on the game.

Orphay looked awful. I mean, really awful. If he plays like that for the rest of the year we are in trouble. He will get eaten alive.

Carter looks like a linebacker.

Starting DT's didn't impress me either. Neither did our LB's.

Orchard is is a beast. Dimick looked really good as well. I actually liked the back up d ends as well. Gonzales is going to be a dang good player here soon.

Clay is explosive. Wow. He needs to get 5 to 7 touches a game not counting returns.

Booker is going to be good. Really good.

We have great talent and depth at WR and TE. Tonga had some grata catches. It was great to see him back. He is app other kid we missed last year.

Still not impressed by the way our o line and their run blocking. Seems like the don't want to push people around.

Next week can't come soon enough. Love having football back.

[USS Utah]

No, I wouldn't mind seeing a game in which everything fired on all cylinders.

Like against UTEP in 1994, after which Utah lost at New Mexico and Air Force.

Perfect games scare me.

[USS Utah]

Things are never as bad or as good as they seem, especially in week 1.

[SoCalPat]

Things are never as bad or as good as they seem, especially in week 1.

I just can't get over ISU's running backs both averaging over 5.0 YPC. Our players were either not ready to play, or our schemes stunk. Neither reason really is justifiable if we're to win 7-8 games this year.

[Diehard Ute]

Interesting to note Aiono didn't play, Kyle said he'll play next week. Sounds like a discipline thing. May explain some of the O-Line stuff....

[hostile]

Interesting to note Aiono didn't play, Kyle said he'll play next week. Sounds like a discipline thing. May explain some of the O-Line stuff....
Post game radio show said he was injured early in the game.

[Diehard Ute]

Post game radio show said he was injured early in the game.

That was corrected by Whitt. He never played a down and wasn't injured.

[LA Ute]

Bright spot: We don't have to be terrified if Travis gets hurt. Our backup QBs can play.

[hostile]

That was corrected by Whitt. He never played a down and wasn't injured.
Didn't hear that. Thanks.

[DrumNFeather]

I'm very glad football is back.

Halfway through the second quarter, my brother in law who was at the game texted me "well it's official, we're screwed." To which I replied: "Stop it."

I thought there were several positive things from last nights game, and here they are in no particular order:



RB Depth - I love what we saw out of Booker. Poole is solid, and McCormick had his moments as well, though he's gotta hang on to the football.
WRs - A strong showing from Dres and Ken Scott as our big guns
TE - Glad to see them involve Tonga in the offense. I think he'll be a good safety blanket for TW all season long and a guy that can move the chains for us
Clay...are we looking at Shaky 2.0? I hope Kyle takes all the credit for taking over the special teams unit.
Travis Wilson - I forgot what it was like to watch a healthy TW play. I love how effortlessly he throws the ball, and he threw a couple of those on a rope.
Thompson and Cox - We've got some competent backups finally, and I wouldn't be surprised if either one of those guys has a offensive package put in for them (we might need it).
Hackett - After the Thursday night games, he's the frontrunner for the Ray Guy award :)
Lowell Lotulelei - I feel like this guy will be one of our starters at DT by the middle of the season.


I'm sure there's more.

Obviously the D struggled at times, but for the most part, for a first game I thought they did alright. It was evident to me why some of the younger LBs have not secured starting spots over some of the veterans (struggling mightily against those inside reads).

Didn't hear Jason Whittingham's name called much last night, which was surprising given how much he had his nose around the ball much of last year.

All in all, it's a glorified scrimmage, which gives our coaches a great opportunity to get some things on film and get them corrected. As Whit noted, this team is going to need to get much more physical as the season progresses, but for a first effort, not terrible. A full week plus to prepare for Fresno will be a good thing.

[sancho]

So do we stick with the 4-2-5 defense after watching an FCS team go for 5 YPC? We are used to shutting down the run game of our opponents, but maybe giving up running yards is a trade we have to make in the Pac-12 to have any hope of slowing down the passing offenses.

(Unfortunately, we didn't really shut down the passing offense either).

[LA Ute]

Another bright spot: Kicking. All of our kickoffs resulted in touchbacks. And Hackett's punts were things of beauty.

I do hope we can do something about the DBs. Otherwise we will have some pretty long games this season.

[DrumNFeather]

So do we stick with the 4-2-5 defense after watching an FCS team go for 5 YPC? We are used to shutting down the run game of our opponents, but maybe giving up running yards is a trade we have to make in the Pac-12 to have any hope of slowing down the passing offenses.

(Unfortunately, we didn't really shut down the passing offense either).

I would say no. Once we have the depth to run a 4-3, I would bet that we would.

[UtahsMrSports]

I would say no. Once we have the depth to run a 4-3, I would bet that we would.

I am not so sure. I mean, you can't run a 4-3 when there are 3 or more receivers out there and in this day and age, 3 is usually the bare minimum. I expect a healthy does of 4-2-5. I think the adjustment will come by putting Blechen up closer on anticipated runs.

[U-Ute]

I never worry about our defense. If there is one thing that has been constant under Whittingham, the D is always good, even if they start slow in the first game or two.

I am tempering my excitement about the offense by remembering the 77 we put on Weber. But Klay is the real deal.

No boobs. I wonder if the ticket office would be thrown off if I request to be moved up in the NEZ.

[Applejack]

I think Booker is the clear winner of last night. He's the starting RB without question.

It's really sad that we lost Reggie Porter for the year. Orphey Island is a scary place for me right now.

I'm hoping that Gionni and Jacoby are ready to go soon. I think the NTs will improve as the season progresses and I think Sitake will adjust the DBs to find something that works. But there aren't many options at LB - Norris is solid, if unspectacular; Whittingham is OK; the rest are really green.

I also liked what I saw from the backup QBs. I'd feel much more confident with them taking over if Travis gets hurt.

[sancho]

Nine different players caught passes last night. I know some of them won't see the ball in a real game, but I like our offense to spread it around. And I'd like to know that we have people we can spread it around to.

[Applejack]

I didn't notice Justin Thomas last night and now I know why: he didn't play (http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/utes/58350078-89/arias-early-isu-secondary.html.csp). So, we should have Aiono and Thomas back for Fresno, which will help.

I'm not knowledgeable about enough to rate individual offensive lineman, but it was clear the line didn't create holes. Anyone care to comment on individuals?

For the DBs:
- I think Rowe was good, with some clear mistakes mixed in
- Orphey was a general disaster. Teams are going to target him.
- Freeman is still a bad tackler.
- Blechen was really quiet. I think he got fooled on some deep balls.
- I agree with HotLunch that Tevin Carter looks more like a LB.
- Hatfield was surprisingly good on the few plays I watched him. He misread a slant on 3rd down, but still recovered to limit the damage.

[Brian]

was patrick not playing much? I saw he only had 1 catch.

[Applejack]

was patrick not playing much? I saw he only had 1 catch.

He definitely didn't get much run with the 1s. I didn't see him until Kendall T took over.

[sancho]

was patrick not playing much? I saw he only had 1 catch.

He very nearly had a huge catch, though. He beat his man downfield and was overthrown by just a few feet (that was Patrick, right?).

[Brian]

yes, i remember that long overthrow. Going to rewatch again tonight. Lots of new faces to try and auto-recognize.

Is Hobbs' name "Boobie" ? I kept thinking that was what I was hearing the TV guys say.
Boobie Hobbs is a great name.

[Applejack]

yes, i remember that long overthrow. Going to rewatch again tonight. Lots of new faces to try and auto-recognize.

Is Hobbs' name "Boobie" ? I kept thinking that was what I was hearing the TV guys say.
Boobie Hobbs is a great name.

His real name is Travonne, I think. Maybe there were too many Travonne's in his classes, so he switched to Boobie.

[Rocker Ute]

He very nearly had a huge catch, though. He beat his man downfield and was overthrown by just a few feet (that was Patrick, right?).

Yup. Had the pass been on the mark he would have taken it to the house easily. We've got some speed on this team this year, hopefully it lets us create some space this year, something we honestly struggled with last year.

[Two Utes]

I'm very glad football is back.

Halfway through the second quarter, my brother in law who was at the game texted me "well it's official, we're screwed." To which I replied: "Stop it."

I thought there were several positive things from last nights game, and here they are in no particular order:



RB Depth - I love what we saw out of Booker. Poole is solid, and McCormick had his moments as well, though he's gotta hang on to the football.
WRs - A strong showing from Dres and Ken Scott as our big guns
TE - Glad to see them involve Tonga in the offense. I think he'll be a good safety blanket for TW all season long and a guy that can move the chains for us
Clay...are we looking at Shaky 2.0? I hope Kyle takes all the credit for taking over the special teams unit.
Travis Wilson - I forgot what it was like to watch a healthy TW play. I love how effortlessly he throws the ball, and he threw a couple of those on a rope.
Thompson and Cox - We've got some competent backups finally, and I wouldn't be surprised if either one of those guys has a offensive package put in for them (we might need it).
Hackett - After the Thursday night games, he's the frontrunner for the Ray Guy award :)
Lowell Lotulelei - I feel like this guy will be one of our starters at DT by the middle of the season.


I'm sure there's more.

Obviously the D struggled at times, but for the most part, for a first game I thought they did alright. It was evident to me why some of the younger LBs have not secured starting spots over some of the veterans (struggling mightily against those inside reads).

Didn't hear Jason Whittingham's name called much last night, which was surprising given how much he had his nose around the ball much of last year.

All in all, it's a glorified scrimmage, which gives our coaches a great opportunity to get some things on film and get them corrected. As Whit noted, this team is going to need to get much more physical as the season progresses, but for a first effort, not terrible. A full week plus to prepare for Fresno will be a good thing.


I thought, for the first time in a very long time, that we are undersized at D tackle. Then Lowell came in late. He's a speciman. IMO, he will be starting by game 4 or 5.

[LA Ute]

He definitely didn't get much run with the 1s. I didn't see him until Kendall T took over.

That surprised me. I thought he had moved up to the 1s at some point, so even though he didn't start I thought we'd see more of him.

[Dwight Schr-Ute]

I thought, for the first time in a very long time, that we are undersized at D tackle. Then Lowell came in late. He's a speciman. IMO, he will be starting by game 4 or 5.

I was thinking the same thing about Pita Taumoepenu at the end of the game. He looked solid to me. I don't know enough to analyze assignment soundness, but the dude hits.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Scratch]

Was I the only one shocked to see McCormick lead the team in carries after putting one on the ground early? When that happened I immediately thought "looks like we won't see McCormick again today." I wonder if that's a sign that Whitt really has turned the offense entirely over to Christensen. I have to believe that if Whitt were involved at all that McCormick wouldn't have seen much of the field after that,

[sancho]

Was I the only one shocked to see McCormick lead the team in carries after putting one on the ground early? When that happened I immediately thought "looks like we won't see McCormick again today." I wonder if that's a sign that Whitt really has turned the offense entirely over to Christensen. I have to believe that if Whitt were involved at all that McCormick wouldn't have seen much of the field after that,

I think coaches are more forgiving when the turnover occurs in a 56-14 blowout. The reaction to pull a good RB over a fumble is just an emotional response from coaches, especially when the fumble is a freak turnover caused by a 100 mph helmet in just the right spot. I bet over the years, Belichek has cost the Patriots half a dozen games with his stubborn refusal to play the better back.

There's also a built-in affirmation. They sit the back for a while, they play him again, the bad luck fumble doesn't happen this time, and they pat themselves on the back for being such good motivators.

[Applejack]

Was I the only one shocked to see McCormick lead the team in carries after putting one on the ground early? When that happened I immediately thought "looks like we won't see McCormick again today." I wonder if that's a sign that Whitt really has turned the offense entirely over to Christensen. I have to believe that if Whitt were involved at all that McCormick wouldn't have seen much of the field after that,

Did he lead in carries? When he fumbled, I thought "Nice season, McCormick. Welcome to special teams."

[Scratch]

Did he lead in carries? When he fumbled, I thought "Nice season, McCormick. Welcome to special teams."

Yep, I think it was McCormick (12), Booker (10), and Poole (7).

[sancho]

Yep, I think it was McCormick (12), Booker (10), and Poole (7).

I think they really wanted him to break one so we could all see his speed.

[Hot Lunch]

Yep, I think it was McCormick (12), Booker (10), and Poole (7).

After what I have seen so far of the running backs, it will be Booker going forward and the other two will be a nice compliment.

I loved what what I saw in Booker this spring and last night it was clear that he is the most talented back on the team.

[USS Utah]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=doYy0r5NSPQ

[SigmaUte]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=doYy0r5NSPQ

On the kick return he definitely fumbled the ball at the goal line though. haha

[Applejack]

On the kick return he definitely fumbled the ball at the goal line though. haha

Did he? When I watched it live, I was wondering if he had dropped the mic a little early.

[SigmaUte]

Did he? When I watched it live, I was wondering if he had dropped the mic a little early.

It is difficult to notice unless you're looking for it.

[LA Ute]

This is a very interesting analysis from Light the U, complete with video to show how the major ISU running plays happened:

http://lighttheu.com/2014/08/film-study-defensive-line/

The writer's thesis is that the D-line problems are fixable.

[U-Ute]

After what I have seen so far of the running backs, it will be Booker going forward and the other two will be a nice compliment.

I loved what what I saw in Booker this spring and last night it was clear that he is the most talented back on the team.

I haven't seen any spring/fall practices but after one game it was pretty obvious to see Booker is the best back. At least in carrying the ball. I have no idea how he is on protection support.

He has that same knack that JWIII did of going forward after contact. He is hard to bring down, and look out if he gets out of your grasp.

[Diehard Ute]

In Matt Pipers article on Clay yesterday it's mentioned he missed a season with Cal due to injury and the U hopes he can get a medical hardship next year.

Can't apply until the season is over, but they plan on trying.

http://m.sltrib.com/sltrib/mobile3/58365722-219/clay-utah-season-kaelin.html.csp

[U-Ute]

In Matt Pipers article on Clay yesterday it's mentioned he missed a season with Cal due to injury and the U hopes he can get a medical hardship next year.

Can't apply until the season is over, but they plan on trying.

http://m.sltrib.com/sltrib/mobile3/58365722-219/clay-utah-season-kaelin.html.csp

One thing I find intriguing about Clay is that for how fast he is, he isn't slight. For the sake of comparison, Dres is listed at 190 and Clay at 193, but Clay seems a lot stronger and more physical.

Maybe it is the 3" Anderson has on him.

[Utah]

We've never looked this bad vs a FCS school, and ISU was picked 12th in a 13-team Big Sky. I'm gonna have to see it before I believe it about our defense.

You blocked the Northern Colorado game from your memory?

[sancho]

I worked for Tulane for 4 years. Everyone should live in that city for a while. I bought season tix each year for about $40. Good times. Lots of losses in a cavernous, cold, empty Superdome. Matt Forte was about 70% of the offense his last year there. Tulane is building a new stadium. Much needed.


This article on Tulane's new stadium is great. He describes the Superdome experience perfectly.

http://grantland.com/the-triangle/tulane-football-new-orleans-new-stadium-new-conference-curtis-johnson/

I'll have to get back there for a game in the new place someday. Waup - you are welcome to join.

[Mormon Red Death]

This article on Tulane's new stadium is great. He describes the Superdome experience perfectly.

http://grantland.com/the-triangle/tulane-football-new-orleans-new-stadium-new-conference-curtis-johnson/

I'll have to get back there for a game in the new place someday. Waup - you are welcome to join.

What about me? I lived on the corner of Carrollton and Esplanade. I Love New Orleans. In fact, I tried to get you to come watch the Pitt Utah game with Me but you declined.

[sancho]

What about me? I lived on the corner of Carrollton and Esplanade. I Love New Orleans. In fact, I tried to get you to come watch the Pitt Utah game with Me but you declined.

Yeah man, let's do it. I did decline. I believe I watched that game on a crappy stream on a crappy laptop. I should have accepted your offer.

[Applejack]

ISU continues to shoot itself in the foot (rimshot!): http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/govbeat/wp/2014/09/05/idaho-professor-shoots-himself-in-foot-two-months-after-state-legalizes-guns-on-campuses/