Pre-preseason thread: 2016 football

[Applejack]

We still have a bowl game to win, but let's start the chitchat about next year. I'll start with the defense.

DEFENSIVE LINE

Key losses: Viliseni Fauonuku, Jason Fanaika

Key Returning Players: Hunter Dimick, Pita T, Kylie Fitts, Mokofisi, Lowell Lotulelei, Stevie T

Defensive Line outlook: Fanaika is my favorite defensive player on this year's team - a tweener who just makes plays. He'll be missed. I don't worry about the D-line anymore under Whittingham; They always find people to replace whatever we lose. Plus, look at the embarrassment of riches we have returning: Dimick, Pita, Kylie Fitts, Mokofisi, Lowell L, Stevie T. We'll be fine, especially up front were we're stacked for the next couple of years.

Newcomers: Handsome Tanielu is a defensive tackle from Snow who had offers at BYU, Oregon St, Boise St, and Mizzou among others. There's always room for more d-lineman at Utah. At defensive end, I'm excited we have Chris Hart, a big 2015 recruit out of Florida. I haven't heard much about him this year and assume he red-shirted. He played LB in high school but I was under the impression that we wanted him at D-end. Anyone heard anything on him?

DEFENSIVE BACKS

Key losses: Tevin Carter

Key Returning Players: Domo Hatfield, Marcus Williams, Justin Thomas, Reginald Porter, Brian Allen, Cory BB, Chase Hansen. Minor parts: Andre Godfrey, Boobie

Defensive Backs outlook: We look really solid here, with the possible exception of free saftey (where Tevin leaves a big hole). I hope Chase Hanson secures that position for the next three years, but that hope is just that: hope. We have Andre Godfrey who could take the leap next season.

Newcomers: We have signed a bunch of safeties, but relying on freshman is a dicey proposition for DBs.

LINEBACKERS

Key losses: Jason Whittingham, Jared Norris, Gionni Paul

Key Returning Players: ???????????????????

Linebacker Outlook: The cupboard had been destroyed. Our two most experienced returning linebackers are Uaea Masina and Sunia Tauteoli. If you haven't heard of them, you are not alone. We have NOTHING at the most important position defensively. Unless this is Whit's master plan to play 2 Whittingham walkons at the same time, I'm confused about what we're doing at LB next year.

Newcomers: Linebacker, surprisingly, has not been a position of emphasis in recruiting this year. Except for Kurtis Tafua, a lightly recruited linebacker from Snow College, there is no one coming in that plays the position. Maybe they develop some in-house talent; maybe they have some transfers in the pipeline; maybe some recruit is changing positions and will be the next Mike Singleterry. But this position scares me for next year.

[sancho]

There was talk once of Chase Hansen bulking up to LB. I dunno. Looks like we were caught unprepared at that position.

You need to add Chase to the key returning players list at DB.

[U-Ute]

The LB issue has nagged me all season. I had been hoping to see someone start to emerge towards the latter half of the season.

Would they move Fitts?

[sancho]

The LB issue has nagged me all season. I had been hoping to see someone start to emerge towards the latter half of the season.

Would they move Fitts?

There's always that Troy Williams guy. Heard he's fast.

[U-Ute]

There's always that Troy Williams guy. Heard he's fast.

So if both Chase Hansen and Troy Williams are on defense, who do we get to play QB? Or does this mean we're hiring Doman and going Wildcat 100% of the time?

[Applejack]

There was talk once of Chase Hansen bulking up to LB. I dunno. Looks like we were caught unprepared at that position.

You need to add Chase to the key returning players list at DB.

Thanks, done.

If Chase is going to play linebacker, he has some serious bulking to do.

[sancho]

So if both Chase Hansen and Troy Williams are on defense, who do we get to play QB? Or does this mean we're hiring Doman and going Wildcat 100% of the time?

Gotta grab Hekking off his mission early and get him to play both ways at QB/LB. Neves too.

[Brian]

There's always that Troy Williams guy. Heard he's fast.

Don't give Whitt any ideas!!!!

[SeattleUte]

there's always that troy williams guy. Heard he's fast.

not funny.

[SeattleUte]

So if both Chase Hansen and Troy Williams are on defense, who do we get to play QB? Or does this mean we're hiring Doman and going Wildcat 100% of the time?

Are you serious?

[DrumNFeather]

Hart is listed as a DE, but played LB in high school. He could move.

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[U-Ute]

Are you serious?

We don't have any other QB's on the roster do we? I wouldn't expect Huntley to come in and take the job. If he were that good he'd be going to a Florida school.

[UTEopia]

We don't have any other QB's on the roster do we? I wouldn't expect Huntley to come in and take the job. If he were that good he'd be going to a Florida school.

I don't think any of us have a real handle on what will transpire in the QB battle. What will Chase Hansen's physical status be? Can Cox stay injury free an entire spring? How quickly with Williams and Huntley pick up the offense? Huntley certainly looks like he has a tremendous upside. I hope we can hang onto him because I think we will see him get some serious looks from other schools in the coming month.

[concerned]

I don't think any of us have a real handle on what will transpire in the QB battle. What will Chase Hansen's physical status be? Can Cox stay injury free an entire spring? How quickly with Williams and Huntley pick up the offense? Huntley certainly looks like he has a tremendous upside. I hope we can hang onto him because I think we will see him get some serious looks from other schools in the coming month.

Has anybody heard exactly what Hansen's injury is, or the recovery time? Same with Covey--will he be available for a bowl game?

[Jarid in Cedar]

Has anybody heard exactly what Hansen's injury is, or the recovery time? Same with Covey--will he be available for a bowl game?

Covey had a high ankle sprain. I think the bowl timing will determine his availability. Later= better

[wally]

Guys, we are supposed to be talking about the defense for 2016, NOT the QB battle in 2016. Sorry to be a buzzkill, but we are getting off track.

[U-Ute]

Guys, we are supposed to be talking about the defense for 2016, NOT the QB battle in 2016. Sorry to be a buzzkill, but we are getting off track.

But these two topics appear to be one and the same since our quarterbacks seem to make really good safeties.

[UtahsMrSports]

Whats the deal with that Masina kid? wasn't he supposed to be really good? Could he come in and fill one of those roles next year at LB? I also don't think it would be crazy to see Chase Hansen get to 235 or so and play there.

[LA Ute]

Covey had a high ankle sprain. I think the bowl timing will determine his availability. Later= better

This is the rankest of gossip, but yesterday at the gym I overheard two guys talking who seemed very knowledgeable about Utah football. One of them quoted a team physician -- sounded like he was close to him, maybe related -- as telling him Covey had a high ankle sprain and there's no way he'd be back for the bowl game. Hey, forget about HIPAA!

[U-Ute]

It feels like we have 22 positions to fill, and 18 players to do it with.

[Applejack]

Guys, we are supposed to be talking about the defense for 2016, NOT the QB battle in 2016. Sorry to be a buzzkill, but we are getting off track.

Thank you, Wally!


Whats the deal with that Masina kid? wasn't he supposed to be really good? Could he come in and fill one of those roles next year at LB? I also don't think it would be crazy to see Chase Hansen get to 235 or so and play there.

Yes, Osa Masina was a really, really highly recruited linebacker from Brighton. Five star, I think. But he signed with USC and has played significantly.

UAEA Masina, on the other hand, was a lightly recruited linebacker from the same high school and family. He's a Ute. We beat out BYU and Colorado for him. :sad:

[UtahsMrSports]

Thank you, Wally!



Yes, Osa Masina was a really, really highly recruited linebacker from Brighton. Five star, I think. But he signed with USC and has played significantly.

UAEA Masina, on the other hand, was a lightly recruited linebacker from the same high school and family. He's a Ute. We beat out BYU and Colorado for him. :sad:

Haha, I knew someone was going to do that. I walked right into it. I guess maybe I was reading too much hype from the recruiting folks. A couple of them were saying that Uaea was an nfl prospect in his own right.

[concerned]

Haha, I knew someone was going to do that. I walked right into it. I guess maybe I was reading too much hype from the recruiting folks. A couple of them were saying that Uaea was an nfl prospect in his own right.

wish fulfillment; very Freudian of you.

[SeattleUte]

wish fulfillment; very Freudian of you.

You know what, we'll beat USC for a recruit we battle it head to head for when the sea level rises enough to inundate USC. Time is on our side!

[U-Ute]

You know what, we'll beat USC for a recruit we battle it head to head for when the sea level rises enough to inundate USC. Time is on our side!

A compelling reason to bury one's head on the issue of global warming if there ever was one.

[Redbird]

I think Utah should aim to win 8 games next season. 3-0 OOC, plus Colorado, OSU, Wash, and 2 of ASU/UA/USC/Cal. I have no expectation for Oregon or UCLA.

[Applejack]

I have no expectation for Oregon

Just like this year's Oregon game!!!!!!!!!!!!

:rave:

[DrumNFeather]

Just like this year's Oregon game!!!!!!!!!!!!

:rave:

There will be a new OC there too...

[U-Ute]

There will be a new OC there too...

But Vernon Adams will be healthy.

[sancho]

But Vernon Adams will be healthy.

An army of healthy Vernon Adams doesn't make up for 62-20. That's one thing we can say this year - we legitimately demolished a borderline NY6 Oregon team.

[concerned]

But Vernon Adams will be healthy.

I think he will also be out of eligibility. I thought he was a 1 to play 1 transfer, but I could be wrong.

[SeattleUte]

I think he will also be out of eligibility. I thought he was a 1 to play 1 transfer, but I could be wrong.

He's done.

[Applejack]

But Vernon Adams will be healthy.


An army of healthy Vernon Adams doesn't make up for 62-20. That's one thing we can say this year - we legitimately demolished a borderline NY6 Oregon team.

The Jr is part of his name, it's not his graduation year. He had his shot at the Utes. I would say he failed.

[U-Ute]

The Jr is part of his name, it's not his graduation year. He had his shot at the Utes. I would say he failed.


:jig:

[U-Ute]

Holy smokes. This kid practices kicking 77 yard field goals.

https://twitter.com/eddypineiro1/status/671830408380686336

I'm sure he wouldn't be able to do it in a game given the angle of the kick clearing the line of scrimmage. But... Wow...

[concerned]

I laughed at this cougarboard thread.

Read down about 2/3 of the way on the twitter responses, and you will see that Mr. Crismson still has a flair for humor, language and metaphor.

http://www.cougarboard.com/board/message.html?id=15001774

[LA Ute]

I laughed at this cougarboard thread.

Read down about 2/3 of the way on the twitter responses, and you will see that Mr. Crismson still has a flair for humor, language and metaphor.

http://www.cougarboard.com/board/message.html?id=15001774

Can't see any tweets from him.

[concerned]

Can't see any tweets from him.

His twitter nom de guerre is MactheSpork.

[Applejack]

We've covered the defense, how about the other main area of Utah football? The specialists!

Kicker: Andy Phillips is a great kicker and he's back for his senior year. He's lost the nickname "Automatic", but he still kicks field goals at an elite level. His kickoffs could use some work, though.

Long Snapper: Chase Dominguez is the most consistent player on the team. Here's to a huge senior year.

Punter: We lose the Ray Guy award winner in 2014, the Ray Guy award nominee for the current year (with only a couple of MWC guys standing in his way of repeating), a three time all Pac12 first teamer, a member of the Pac12 All Century team, and an all around cool dude. Tom Hackett is the greatest punter, not only in PAc12 history, but in the history of western civilization. He's irreplaceable.

We'll try an replace him with Mitch Wishnowsky from Santa Barbara City College. I haven't followed SBCC much this year, but he better be good. You never think about your punter, but there will be times next year when we struggle on offense (!) and you think to yourself, "Good thing Tom will pin these jokers inside the 5 because we sure ain't scoring", and then you'll realize that Punting Jesus is no more.

Kick/punt Returner: Covey was great in this spot, especially punts. Boobie could replace him, but as we saw last game he needs some seasoning. Who else do we have? Troy McCormick took a kickoff his freshman year so maybe he'll handle kickoffs.

[Dwight Schr-Ute]

We've covered the defense, how about the other main area of Utah football? The specialists!

Kicker: Andy Phillips is a great kicker and he's back for his senior year. He's lost the nickname "Automatic", but he still kicks field goals at an elite level. His kickoffs could use some work, though.

Long Snapper: Chase Dominguez is the most consistent player on the team. Here's to a huge senior year.

Punter: We lose the Ray Guy award winner in 2014, the Ray Guy award nominee for the current year (with only a couple of MWC guys standing in his way of repeating), a three time all Pac12 first teamer, a member of the Pac12 All Century team, and an all around cool dude. Tom Hackett is the greatest punter, not only in PAc12 history, but in the history of western civilization. He's irreplaceable.

We'll try an replace him with Mitch Wishnowsky from Santa Barbara City College. I haven't followed SBCC much this year, but he better be good. You never think about your punter, but there will be times next year when we struggle on offense (!) and you think to yourself, "Good thing Tom will pin these jokers inside the 5 because we sure ain't scoring", and then you'll realize that Punting Jesus is no more.

Which is funny.

2013: 17/20 = 85%
2014: 23/28 = 82%
2015: 24/27 = 85% This will likely change one way or the other before we're all done.

[LA Ute]

Here's an interview with Troy Williams' OC at Santa Monica College:

http://kfanav.s3.amazonaws.com/20151202_120115_tim-kaub-WEB.mp3

It's hard not to want to at least sip the Kool-Aid, but we shouldn't. Still, it's fun to contemplate the possibilities.

[sancho]

We've covered the defense, how about the other main area of Utah football? The specialists!

Kicker: Andy Phillips is a great kicker and he's back for his senior year. He's lost the nickname "Automatic", but he still kicks field goals at an elite level. His kickoffs could use some work, though.

Long Snapper: Chase Dominguez is the most consistent player on the team. Here's to a huge senior year.

Punter: We lose the Ray Guy award winner in 2014, the Ray Guy award nominee for the current year (with only a couple of MWC guys standing in his way of repeating), a three time all Pac12 first teamer, a member of the Pac12 All Century team, and an all around cool dude. Tom Hackett is the greatest punter, not only in PAc12 history, but in the history of western civilization. He's irreplaceable.

We'll try an replace him with Mitch Wishnowsky from Santa Barbara City College. I haven't followed SBCC much this year, but he better be good. You never think about your punter, but there will be times next year when we struggle on offense (!) and you think to yourself, "Good thing Tom will pin these jokers inside the 5 because we sure ain't scoring", and then you'll realize that Punting Jesus is no more.

What about kick returns? Is Hobbs still the returner after the two fumbles last week? Covey is gone. Who replaces him?

[Applejack]

What about kick returns? Is Hobbs still the returner after the two fumbles last week? Covey is gone. Who replaces him?

Thanks, updated.

T. McCormick could do it. Anyone else?

[Dwight Schr-Ute]

What about kick returns? Is Hobbs still the returner after the two fumbles last week? Covey is gone. Who replaces him?

Can't we get Cory Butler-Byrd back there? Hobbs is awful. Even we he does get a clean catch, he's never gotten more than a step or two. Just call fair catch every time and concentration on actually catching it.

What was CBB's big sin that got him removed from kick returns? The fact that he kept bringing it out of the end zone, no matter what?

[UBlender]

Can't we get Cory Butler-Byrd back there? Hobbs is awful. Even we he does get a clean catch, he's never gotten more than a step or two. Just call fair catch every time and concentration on actually catching it.

What was CBB's big sin that got him removed from kick returns? The fact that he kept bringing it out of the end zone, no matter what?

Utah wanted to get a better passer back there #ThrowGame

[Diehard Ute]

I think any criticism of Phillps is off base. His stats were the best in the conference. And all of his misses were beyond 41.


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[Dwight Schr-Ute]

I think any criticism of Phillps is off base. His stats were the best in the conference. And all of his misses were beyond 41.


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Unfavorable weather for a couple of those Washington one, as well.

[DrumNFeather]

I think any criticism of Phillps is off base. His stats were the best in the conference. And all of his misses were beyond 41.


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I've called him Quasi-Automatic Andy in the past, but mostly in jest. I've actually wondered if he might walk away at season's end...only because he's a little older, has a kid now, etc.

[Applejack]

I've called him Quasi-Automatic Andy in the past, but mostly in jest. I've actually wondered if he might walk away at season's end...only because he's a little older, has a kid now, etc.
I was under the impression he had hopes of going pro, no? I'd think he'd get some looks as a free agent.

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[Diehard Ute]

I was under the impression he had hopes of going pro, no? I'd think he'd get some looks as a free agent.

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He's got to prove he can consistently kick off into the Endzone before they'll give him a look.

That's the reason Sakoda never made it.


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[mpfunk]

http://www.oregonlive.com/collegefootball/index.ssf/2015/12/former_linfield_qb_brett_ellio.html

Looks like Brett Elliott is doing well coaching. Not sure he would be ready to be a QB coach at the FBS level, but with Meyer and Mullen he has learned from some good coaches.

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[U-Ute]

http://www.oregonlive.com/collegefootball/index.ssf/2015/12/former_linfield_qb_brett_ellio.html

Looks like Brett Elliott is doing well coaching. Not sure he would be ready to be a QB coach at the FBS level, but with Meyer and Mullen he has learned from some good coaches.

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He's 33?

Gawd I'm old.

[UTEopia]

Sitting here watching the PAC 12 Championship game has me both disappointed and encouraged about Utah football going forward. Two games we easily could have won are the difference between me sitting at home and sitting in Santa Clara. This, with an offense led by a a gutty QB who is an above average runner and a below average passer and a WR group that does not have 1 player who would start on any other PAC 12 team. While we certainly lose a number of quality players and have huge question marks at LB, QB and especially at WR, the players have shown that they are tough, determined and willing to do what it takes to be successful. Add a couple of playmakers to what we have and there is no reason to think that the Utes cannot continue to compete in the PAC.

As for the bowl game, Whit has proven that he has the ability to get players ready for bowl games. I don't expect the Utes to suddenly become an offensive juggernaut and any game we play will be won by playing error free offense, opportunistic defense with solid special teams. Go Utes!

[concerned]

Sitting here watching the PAC 12 Championship game has me both disappointed and encouraged about Utah football going forward. Two games we easily could have won are the difference between me sitting at home and sitting in Santa Clara. This, with an offense led by a a gutty QB who is an above average runner and a below average passer and a WR group that does not have 1 player who would start on any other PAC 12 team. While we certainly lose a number of quality players and have huge question marks at LB, QB and especially at WR, the players have shown that they are tough, determined and willing to do what it takes to be successful. Add a couple of playmakers to what we have and there is no reason to think that the Utes cannot continue to compete in the PAC.

As for the bowl game, Whit has proven that he has the ability to get players ready for bowl games. I don't expect the Utes to suddenly become an offensive juggernaut and any game we play will be won by playing error free offense, opportunistic defense with solid special teams. Go Utes!

USC has had trouble against everybody except us. We are the only team their defense looked good against

[LA Ute]

USC has had trouble against everybody except us. We are the only team their defense looked good against

That's what we call a dubious distinction.

[DrumNFeather]

I've called him Quasi-Automatic Andy in the past, but mostly in jest. I've actually wondered if he might walk away at season's end...only because he's a little older, has a kid now, etc.

Andy intends to test the waters, or at least decide whether or not to return next year.

[sancho]

Andy intends to test the waters, or at least decide whether or not to return next year.

May he learn from Jake Murphy and stick around.

My senior year of college was great. I wouldn't want to miss that just to get an earlier jump into the workforce. I imagine that feeling would just be amplified if I were part of a team.

[NorthwestUteFan]

The only kicker of note i can remember who left college early was Sebastian Janikowski. Andy is good, but I doubt he is 'OMG, get this kid out of college so I cab take him early in the draft!' good.

If Andy wants to go to the NFL next year, he had better put all 6 kickoffs through the end zone against the zoobs next week.

[UBlender]

The only kicker of note i can remember who left college early was Sebastian Janikowski. Andy is good, but I doubt he is 'OMG, get this kid out of college so I cab take him early in the draft!' good.

If Andy wants to go to the NFL next year, he had better put all 6 kickoffs through the end zone against the zoobs next week.

I'm not in Andy's head but I doubt it's so much about the NFL as it is about just being ready to move on with life. Isn't he about 27 now? I know he's older because of his ski team experience and a mission in there. My guess is that he has a family, probably has a degree and is ready to start making money. (Sure, he'll try to make the NFL whichever year he comes out, but that's not what's really driving the decision IMO).

[Applejack]

OK, I've been putting this off for too long. An update on Utah's offense next year. Those with small children should switch channels.

QB's returning: Brandon Cox, Conner Manning, Chase Hanson

Overview: The end of the Travis Wilson era is a bittersweet one. Travis did not consistently improve since his freshman year, but he was a good quarterback and he fought through a lot of things that would have forced a lesser man to retire. He is without a doubt our best QB since the Sugar Bowl. Unfortunately, that isn't a very high bar. That leaves Chase Hanson, Brandon Cox, and Conner Manning on the roster. None of them have inspired great confidence. I think for all the long-suffering Ute fans out there that desire someone who will light up the scoreboard (LAUte), it's not going to happen.

Key newcomers: Hope springs eternal and new QBs are always the next great thing. Troy Williams, the former UW signee, comes to us from Santa Monica College (Santa Monica is also the home of Steve Smith, his cousin). He's the projected stater. Also, Tyler Hundley from Florida will join the Utes next year.

WR's returning: Tyrone Smith, Raelon Singleton, Jameson Field, Delshawn McClellon, Kenric Young, Siasoi Wilson, Tim Patrick (can he get a medical redshirt?)

WR Overview: We lose most of our production from the WR position in Scott (graduation) and Covey (mission, subject to approval by SU). What's left is underwhelming. Smith will be our big target next year, but he disappeared towards the end of the year. Someone needs to step up.

WR Newcomers: Alec Dana is a JC guy who had an offer from Wazzu. Demari Simpkins choose us over Wisconsin and Alabama! Oh, Alabama State. But, Wisconsin! A bunch of other lower tier guys, including a guy from Snow who might flip on his commitment to BYU over concerns about the triple option. Basically, a bunch of WR commits, which is good. Problem is, they might all be mediocre and we just have a ton of average WR.

TE's returning: Caleb Repp, Siale Faikaloatonga, Harrison Handley, Evan Moeai (med redshirt possibility)

TE overview: Finally! A position that is (for the offense) stacked. With another year of experience for Repp and Handley, while getting Siale and hopefully Evan back, this should be a position of strength.

TE Newcomers: Cole Fotheringham is a frosh from Cali with offers from BYU and Boise.

RB's returning: Joe Williams, Troy McCormick, a bunch of guys that are young

RB overview: With Joe and (a healthy) McCormick, we're in good hands. But they aren't DeVontae Booker. We will definitely need more out of the "throw game" (I hate that term) next year.

RB newcomers: Thomas McDonald is a JC guy that turned down a Texas offer to come be a Ute! Oh, damn. Texas State? That's a place?

O-line returnees: Sam Tevi, Salesi Uhatafe, Jackson Barton, JJ Dielman, Hiva Letui

O-line overview: Everyone but Siaosi Aiono is back, making this one of the most experienced O-lines in recent memory. I expect them to be good next year, whereas this year they were just so-so. They protected Travis for the most part, but they didn't open up many run lanes for Booker. Next year should be better.

O-line newcomers: We invested heavily in the line the past two years and we should start to see the fruits of that. Tucker Scott (calif) and Johnny Maea (East) are freshman, and freshman OL don't play in their first year.

[sancho]

TE's returning: Caleb Repp, Siale Faikaloatonga, Harrison Handley, Evan Moeai (med redshirt possibility)

TE overview: Finally! A position that is (for the offense) stacked. With another year of experience for Repp and Handley, while getting Siale and hopefully Evan back, this should be a position of strength.

TE Newcomers: Cole Fotheringham is a frosh from Cali with offers from BYU and Boise.


Is Wallace Gonzalez returning? Small sample size, but he averaged 10 yards per carry this year.

EDIT: the CU box score has him with 1 carry for 1 yard with a long of 10 yards. I seem to remember that play as 10 yards. Anyone else?

We probably need to evaluate each of these guys for LB potential.

[concerned]

I thought Troy McCormick is going to play in the slot--either the Covey or Bubba Poole position, rather than back up tailback to Williams????

[Ma'ake]

As for the bowl game, Whit has proven that he has the ability to get players ready for bowl games. I don't expect the Utes to suddenly become an offensive juggernaut and any game we play will be won by playing error free offense, opportunistic defense with solid special teams. Go Utes!

I look back at last year's LV bowl and think we may see a similar (apparent) opening up of the offense, which will really be more a result of not playing against a PAC-12 defense.

BYU's more talented than Colorado State, I'm not expecting that lopsided of a contest, but suffice it to say with 2 weeks to prepare and industrial strength levels of motivation, our offense will be better than most think. BYU's front seven is good, but the most improved part of our offense has been OL.

With Travis, Ken Scott, Sioasi Aiono, Kendal Thompson and Joe Williams (pushed from behind by Booker), we've got guys who want to go out with a "W", and looking forward to next year, I think these guys motivate and pass the torch to some young guys who will need to emerge next year.

[Applejack]

I thought Troy McCormick is going to play in the slot--either the Covey or Bubba Poole position, rather than back up tailback to Williams????

He could, but everything I heard about him in the spring was that he was the #2 tailback.

[Jarid in Cedar]

You forgot Wallace Gonzales at Tight end. He is coming around after not playing football for a few years. And Cole Fotheringham is mission bound. We will see him in 2018

[concerned]

You forgot Wallace Gonzales at Tight end. He is coming around after not playing football for a few years. And Cole Fotheringham is mission bound. We will see him in 2018

I thought Johnny Maea also mission bound.

[NorthwestUteFan]

Is Wallace Gonzalez returning? Small sample size, but he averaged 10 yards per carry this year.

EDIT: the CU box score has him with 1 carry for 1 yard with a long of 10 yards. I seem to remember that play as 10 yards. Anyone else?

We probably need to evaluate each of these guys for LB potential.

Probably a typo.

The one play was a double-pass. The receivers were covered so he kept it and rumbled through about 11 yards and through 4 tacklers to get beyond the LOS for a 1 yd gain.

[Dwight Schr-Ute]

Is this OL list going off the rumor that Isaac Asiata is headed to BYU with KW?!

[Dwight Schr-Ute]

Tyler Huntley and Demari Simpkins officially signed today.

[Jarid in Cedar]

I thought Johnny Maea also mission bound.


He is.

[Applejack]

Is Wallace Gonzalez returning? Small sample size, but he averaged 10 yards per carry this year.

EDIT: the CU box score has him with 1 carry for 1 yard with a long of 10 yards. I seem to remember that play as 10 yards. Anyone else?

We probably need to evaluate each of these guys for LB potential.


You forgot Wallace Gonzales at Tight end. He is coming around after not playing football for a few years. And Cole Fotheringham is mission bound. We will see him in 2018

I didn't include Gonzalez because we've seen next to nothing so far. I'm skeptical of walkons who generate buzz. He might be great, but we had injuries to our best two tight ends this year and he rarely saw the field. Color me hopeful, but skeptical.

[LA Ute]

Just noticed that Huntley is only 6'1" and 180 lbs. Will he really play QB at Utah?


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[Jarid in Cedar]

Just noticed that Huntley is only 6'1" and 180 lbs. Will he really play QB at Utah?


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How many times and how many places are you going to ask this question? :what:

[sancho]

How many times and how many places are you going to ask this question? :what:

That was the first time I saw it, unless I'm forgetting something.

Troy Williams is the QB next year. Huntley will have some time to bulk up a little (hopefully two years). Just hope we don't need a backup.

[Jarid in Cedar]

That was the first time I saw it, unless I'm forgetting something.

Troy Williams is the QB next year. Huntley will have some time to bulk up a little (hopefully two years). Just hope we don't need a backup.

He has asked the same thing on Utezone at least two other times. Huntley is one badass quarterback. Probably the best high school quarterback ever recruited to Utah.

LAU still lives under the false impression that the reason we struggle at quarterback is that Whitt always moves the talented ones to defense. The reason we struggle is that we haven't been able to recruit quarterbacks as talented as Williams and Huntley.

[LA Ute]

How many times and how many places are you going to ask this question? :what:

I should have said I wasn't sure if I'd already asked. (Maybe no one's ever given me a decent answer.) Now, does anyone know where I left my glasses?


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[Jarid in Cedar]

I should have said I wasn't sure if I'd already asked. (Maybe no one's ever given me a decent answer.) Now, does anyone know where I left my glasses?


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Here is the link to the thread with your answer

https://utah.forums.rivals.com/threads/tyler-huntley-strikes-again.6725/#post-69632

[LA Ute]

LAU still lives under the false impression that the reason we struggle at quarterback is that Whitt always moves the talented ones to defense. The reason we struggle is that we haven't been able to recruit quarterbacks as talented as Williams and Huntley.

Oh, now, that's not so. I did once suspect Whitt did that too often (not "always") but my view has evolved. So you can erase your now-false impression of what my false impression is.

I do believe that KW is evidently so passionate about defense that the Utah offense gets the short shrift (perhaps unintentionally, but the result shows up in the musical chairs at the OC position, in the offensive stats, and in the win-loss column). So I looked at Huntley and his size, and wondered if I was looking at a future DB or WR. I hope he's a great QB.


Here is the link to the thread with your answer

https://utah.forums.rivals.com/threads/tyler-huntley-strikes-again.6725/#post-69632


http://www.orkugifs.com/en/images/smiley-sticking-tongue-out_1843.gif

[concerned]

If Huntley is so good why does he have so few P-5 offers?

[Dwight Schr-Ute]

If Huntley is so good why does he have so few P-5 offers?

Because he's 6'1", 180. Keep up.

[LA Ute]

Because he's 6'1", 180. Keep up.

We're not supposed to mention that.


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[Jarid in Cedar]

I do believe that KW is evidently so passionate about defense that the Utah offense gets the short shrift (perhaps unintentionally, but the result shows up in the musical chairs at the OC position, in the offensive stats, and in the win-loss column). So I looked at Huntley and his size, and wondered if I was looking at a future DB or WR. I hope he's a great QB.



The biggest mistake KW has made was not doing enough (like getting him a raise like every other assistant at the time) to keep Ludwig around. So lets look after that.

2009-10: Schramm and Roderick. Promoted from within. Roderick has the job all by himself if he doesn't jump to UW for 2 weeks. Schramm was promoted in his absence, and Roderick given the Co-title because he is who Whitt wanted to have the job all along.

2011: Chow. Honestly, this was a hire that Whitt was compelled to make. How do you turn down his pedigree? Especially since UCLA was footing over half of his salary. Whitt couldn't foresee that Chow would be offered the HC job at Hawaii at the end of the season. Whitt didn't jump ship to the next guy because he wanted to. It was forced by Chow taking another job.

2012: Johnson. Whitt was basically rejected by everyone he pursued for this position. He was left to choose between BJ and ARod. Honestly, I think he went with Johnson because he wasn't that enthused about recycling Arod after Chow. I am also in the minority, but Johnson was a good hire 4 years too early.

2013: Erickson. Again, another hire that you just had to make. And I think that Erickson led the best offense of the last 5 years. All he lacked was a running back. But Whitt would be forced to make another change at DE's request. He would have been very happy to keep Dennis as OC indefinitely.

2014: Christiansen. This hire doesn't happen if Erickson wanted to remain the OC. But he didn't. He didn't want the added responsibility of the position, and stepped down. DC was a disaster from a personality standpoint, and he didn't like being here either. He found the first landing spot that he could after the season ended. This caused another forced change because a guy left. But this one wasn't as one sided. I think everyone was relieved that DC left town

2015: Harding and Roderick. This was a hire for continuity sake, and Harding has been a lights out recruiter as well. Time will tell if there are any adjustments after this season, but I think if there are, it will be because both of them decided to leave for other positions.

Basically, the narrative about 6 OC's in 7 years is accurate, but several of the moves were forced upon Whitt because of guys leaving/stepping down. It isn't like he released Chow or Erickson. They wanted different things than to be the OC at Utah.

[Jarid in Cedar]

Also, I challenge any of you offensive conspiracy drones to name 2 players in the last 6 years that were moved from offense to defense that would have benefit the offense if they would have stayed.

And I will give you one: Domo Hatfield. He had the ball skills to be a very good receiver. But he was ultimately moved because of the injury to Reggie Porter in 2014 fall camp. He moved and was immediately the starter, which should tell you how dire the situation was at cornerback that season. IOW, if Hatfield doesn't move, then Davion Orphay would have been the starter all season opposite a guy who was just moved from safety in fall camp, Eric Rowe.

I will be waiting patiently for your other selection...

[concerned]

Also, I challenge any of you offensive conspiracy drones to name 2 players in the last 6 years that were moved from offense to defense that would have benefit the offense if they would have stayed.

And I will give you one: Domo Hatfield. He had the ball skills to be a very good receiver. But he was ultimately moved because of the injury to Reggie Porter in 2014 fall camp. He moved and was immediately the starter, which should tell you how dire the situation was at cornerback that season. IOW, if Hatfield doesn't move, then Davion Orphay would have been the starter all season opposite a guy who was just moved from safety in fall camp, Eric Rowe.

I will be waiting patiently for your other selection...

Nate Orchard. He would have been a good wr or te. Better on defense, but would have been good on offense. And we needed receivers. Your patience is rewarded. P.s. I am not a conspiracy drone. I don't think KW does it without caring about the offense.

[LA Ute]

JIC, as far as I'm concerned Kyle can be the head coach at Utah until he doesn't want the job anymore, but he has not succeeded yet at putting together anything but a very poor offense in the PAC-12, and it's his job to do better than that. I think we are past the point of looking for excuses, and he's not making them himself. He's got to get it done. I'll keep cheering for him to do that.

[Jarid in Cedar]

Nate Orchard. He would have been a good wr or te. Better on defense, but would have been good on offense. And we needed receivers. Your patience is rewarded. P.s. I am not a conspiracy drone. I don't think KW does it without caring about the offense.


Nate is a good one. Size and speedwise, he probably ends up at tight end. I can't see him at receiver in the Pac-12 at 240-260.

[concerned]

Nate was slim in h s and could have kept that build. He really bulked up to play defense.

[DrumNFeather]

Also, I challenge any of you offensive conspiracy drones to name 2 players in the last 6 years that were moved from offense to defense that would have benefit the offense if they would have stayed.

And I will give you one: Domo Hatfield. He had the ball skills to be a very good receiver. But he was ultimately moved because of the injury to Reggie Porter in 2014 fall camp. He moved and was immediately the starter, which should tell you how dire the situation was at cornerback that season. IOW, if Hatfield doesn't move, then Davion Orphay would have been the starter all season opposite a guy who was just moved from safety in fall camp, Eric Rowe.

I will be waiting patiently for your other selection...
Chase Hansen...I kid, I kid.

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[Jarid in Cedar]

JIC, as far as I'm concerned Kyle can be the head coach at Utah until he doesn't want the job anymore, but he has not succeeded yet at putting together anything but a very poor offense in the PAC-12, and it's his job to do better than that. I think we are past the point of looking for excuses, and he's not making them himself. He's got to get it done. I'll keep cheering for him to do that.


Whitt deserves plenty of criticism for the offensive performance. The results are what they are. I am also not making excuses. There are valid criticisms for the offensive performance, and I think I will start a thread to discuss what I see as the underlying issues.

But the primary criticisms that you and others level at him, specifically

A)moving special talent off the offense because it benefits the defense to the detriment to the team as a whole,
B)that quarterback is a mess because of moving them to defense
C) that he changes OC's on a whim,

are just factually incorrect. These points have been ignorantly repeated enough times by many, including you, that they have taken on a life of their own, and are now deemed "facts" by ignorant fans.

[Jarid in Cedar]

Nate was slim in h s and could have kept that build. He really bulked up to play defense.


I never had an opportunity to watch Nate play in High school. How do you think his speed would compare to Kenneth Scott before all of his leg injuries?

[Jarid in Cedar]

Chase Hansen...I kid, I kid.

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And I would counter with both Scout and Rivals listing Chase as an Athlete in their databases, not as a QB. If anything, Whitt is going against the grain on what most evaluators thought would be Chase's college position.

[LA Ute]

Whitt deserves plenty of criticism for the offensive performance. The results are what they are. I am also not making excuses. There are valid criticisms for the offensive performance, and I think I will start a thread to discuss what I see as the underlying issues.

But the primary criticisms that you and others level at him, specifically

A)moving special talent off the offense because it benefits the defense to the detriment to the team as a whole,

I don't think this criticism is a fair or accurate criticism of Whit. As I've said, I was once suspicious that this was happening but am not any longer.


B)that quarterback is a mess because of moving them to defense

Ditto (A) above. I don't think I've ever said this. I'm not sure how widespread this view really is. It is kind of a ridiculous idea, I think. Would Kruger have been better at QB than at DE? Could Devonte Christopher have played QB? I don't think so. I've said that if Chase Hansen can be an NFL-quality safety but only an average PAC-12 QB, he should play safety.


C) that he changes OC's on a whim,

I don't think he has done this. I think that he is either the unluckiest HC we've ever seen when it comes to hiring OCs, or that he has simply bungled that aspect of his job. Maybe it's both. It certainly looks like a mess and the offensive results stink. When I add those facts -- and that's what I think they are -- to Whit's passion for defense and the undeniably superb defenses he's been able to put together, I do wonder if he doesn't need to "get religion" about the offense. He's a very smart guy. He can figure this out. It's his job.


These points have been ignorantly repeated enough times by many, including you, that they have taken on a life of their own, and are now deemed "facts" by ignorant fans.

Maybe. The above is what I think about (A), (B) and (C). I think a lot of knowledgeable fans, who care a lot about the program, and who are critical of his approach to offense think the same way.

[concerned]

Very comparable but nate is stronger.

[sancho]

and are now deemed "facts"

The sad thing is that once these kinds of "facts" are established, the reputation can be hard to shake. I don't know the extent to which it hurts us with recruits, but it can't be a good thing. And it can be a self-fulfilling prophecy in a way.

[mUUser]

Just noticed that Huntley is only 6'1" and 180 lbs. Will he really play QB at Utah?


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I mentioned in a previous post that I listened to an interview with Mack Brown last week, and shared his opinion on the number of bowl games available.

The second part of the interview focused on recruiting, and he was adament that in today's game, you need to recruit 5 quarterbacks every year, and move those that don't work out.

[Diehard Ute]

I mentioned in a previous post that I listened to an interview with Mack Brown last week, and shared his opinion on the number of bowl games available.

The second part of the interview focused on recruiting, and he was adament that in today's game, you need to recruit 5 quarterbacks every year, and move those that don't work out.

Just don't see that as being a viable option with the more rigid 25 per year rule.

1/5 of every class can't be QB's, even if you're going to move some. Cause often those kids will transfer to stay as a QB.


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[Jarid in Cedar]

Just don't see that as being a viable option with the more rigid 25 per year rule.

1/5 of every class can't be QB's, even if you're going to move some. Cause often those kids will transfer to stay as a QB.


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Exactly. Based on his track record of misses, Mack Brown is the last ex-coach who should be doling out advice on QB recruiting.

[Dwight Schr-Ute]

2012: Johnson. Whitt was basically rejected by everyone he pursued for this position. He was left to choose between BJ and ARod. Honestly, I think he went with Johnson because he wasn't that enthused about recycling Arod after Chow. I am also in the minority, but Johnson was a good hire 4 years too early.


My only comment would be that a good hire made four years too early is a bad hire.



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[Jarid in Cedar]

My only comment would be that a good hire made four years too early is a bad hire.



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To which I agree.

[DrumNFeather]

And I would counter with both Scout and Rivals listing Chase as an Athlete in their databases, not as a QB. If anything, Whitt is going against the grain on what most evaluators thought would be Chase's college position.

He would not have a broken leg if he was holding a clipboard on the sideline! :)

You know me, in Whit I trust!

I think some of the criticism for the offense needs to fall on the players as well. If we're going to bag on Wilson for all his limitations, we need to do the same for some of our WRs who can't seem to win on their route or do other things to stay in the game (block downfield etc.).

[LA Ute]

The sad thing is that once these kinds of "facts" are established, the reputation can be hard to shake. I don't know the extent to which it hurts us with recruits, but it can't be a good thing. And it can be a self-fulfilling prophecy in a way.

I'm not sure I get this. The discussion began with me wondering if Huntley is big enough to play QB (a question that other P5 schools apparently also asked) and now we're talking about fans hurting the program by talking about the head coach's well-known struggles with developing a successful offense.


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[sancho]

I'm not sure I get this. The discussion began with me wondering if Huntley is big enough to play QB (a question that other P5 schools apparently also asked) and now we're talking about fans hurting the program by talking about the head coach's well-known struggles with developing a successful offense.



With the size question answered, we moved on.

[LA Ute]

Well, turning the conversation back to the future, I for one am pretty optimistic about the offense. Williams looks like a stud, Huntley looks like a stud (and is two inches taller than Russell Wilson, who does OK at QB) so we may have solid QB play going forward. Williams has shown he can run explosively. Our speedy freshman WRs (except for Covey) will be back and should be better blockers and route-runners.

Hope is the thing with feathers
That perches in the soul,
And sings the tune without the words,
And never stops at all,

And sweetest in the gale is heard;
And sore must be the storm
That could abash the little bird
That kept so many warm.

I’ve heard it in the chillest land,
And on the strangest sea;
Yet, never, in extremity,
It asked a crumb of me.

[chrisrenrut]

Well, turning the conversation back to the future, I for one am pretty optimistic about the offense. Williams looks like a stud, Huntley looks like a stud (and is two inches taller than Russell Wilson, who does OK at QB) so we may have solid QB play going forward. Williams has shown he can run explosively. Our speedy freshman WRs (except for Covey) will be back and should be better blockers and route-runners.

Hope is the thing with feathers
That perches in the soul,
And sings the tune without the words,
And never stops at all,

And sweetest in the gale is heard;
And sore must be the storm
That could abash the little bird
That kept so many warm.

I’ve heard it in the chillest land,
And on the strangest sea;
Yet, never, in extremity,
It asked a crumb of me.

Poetry in a football thread? I think a limerick might be the only acceptable form, and only then is slightly off-color.

[sancho]

Hope is the thing with feathers


It seems that our hopes at QB at WR will rest on the newcomers.

At QB, it's all about Troy. He is our Vernon Adams.

At WR, the hopes lie on Tim Patrick (can he play?), the JC newcomer (can he qualify?), Smith (can he make a sophomore leap?), and the freshman from FL (ready to go?). There is still hope in the recruiting pipeline. A couple of good WRs out of that mix would make a huge difference. I guess McCormick may end up on this list as the new Bubba Poole.

[mUUser]

Well, turning the conversation back to the future, I for one am pretty optimistic about the offense. Williams looks like a stud, Huntley looks like a stud (and is two inches taller than Russell Wilson, who does OK at QB) so we may have solid QB play going forward. Williams has shown he can run explosively. Our speedy freshman WRs (except for Covey) will be back and should be better blockers and route-runners......


I'm not bullish at all on the offense next year. We've lost over 70% of our offensive production and 85% of our scoring production, and will play a QB that will not have thrown a college pass in two years. Joe Williams looks serviceable but wouldn't anoint him a stud at this point. Our young receivers were less than impressive, dropping passes left and right and didn't improve downfield blocking from game 1 to the end of season.

I'm hunkering down for a brutal rebuilding year.

[Applejack]

I'm not bullish at all on the offense next year. We've lost over 70% of our offensive production and 85% of our scoring production, and will play a QB that will not have thrown a college pass in two years. Joe Williams looks serviceable but wouldn't anoint him a stud at this point. Our young receivers were less than impressive, dropping passes left and right and didn't improve downfield blocking from game 1 to the end of season.

I'm hunkering down for a brutal rebuilding year.

Unfortunately, this is my view too. The offense is a complete rebuild, relying on a JC transfer at QB, and a menagerie of parts at WR. I could get behind it if we had anyone playing LB. At least on offense we have a plan: The JC kid is out of this world good, the WR develop and they get an infusion of talent, Joe Williams learns to hold onto the ball, and everyone stays healthy; unlikely, but it is a plan. Can anyone tell me what our plan is at LB?

[sancho]

Unfortunately, this is my view too. The offense is a complete rebuild, relying on a JC transfer at QB, and a menagerie of parts at WR. I could get behind it if we had anyone playing LB. At least on offense we have a plan: The JC kid is out of this world good, the WR develop and they get an infusion of talent, Joe Williams learns to hold onto the ball, and everyone stays healthy; unlikely, but it is a plan. Can anyone tell me what our plan is at LB?

Bingo. At least on offense, there is something for me to hope for. It's not unreasonable to hope that Troy is the real deal. If he is, the offense will be alright.

But nobody knows what's going on at LB. Right now, Chase Hansen bulking up is still the best we got.

[LA Ute]

Poetry in a football thread? I think a limerick might be the only acceptable form, and only then is slightly off-color.

Maybe a haiku?

Announcers ready.
Players practiced and ready.
Fans ready... GO TEAM!!!

[LA Ute]

Unfortunately, this is my view too. The offense is a complete rebuild, relying on a JC transfer at QB, and a menagerie of parts at WR. I could get behind it if we had anyone playing LB. At least on offense we have a plan: The JC kid is out of this world good, the WR develop and they get an infusion of talent, Joe Williams learns to hold onto the ball, and everyone stays healthy; unlikely, but it is a plan. Can anyone tell me what our plan is at LB?

Rebuilding can be grounds for hope too. If next year is the first year of a serious turnaround in Utah's offensive identity, then that's something to be happy about.

[DrumNFeather]

Rebuilding can be grounds for hope too. If next year is the first year of a serious turnaround in Utah's offensive identity, then that's something to be happy about.

It's also made easier when you have studs in the trenches, which we have on both sides of the ball.

[LA Ute]

Poetry in a football thread? I think a limerick might be the only acceptable form, and only then is slightly off-color.

So we’re playing the Y in Sin City
And some think that the matchup’s not pretty
But Utes fans can see
Though we may not agree
We’ll prove that the Cougs are just kitties.

[Applejack]

So we’re playing the Y in Sin City
And some think that the matchup’s not pretty
But Utes fans can see
Though we may not agree
We’ll prove that the Cougs are just kitties.

:Ashamed:

[LA Ute]

:Ashamed:

It's chrisrenrut's fault. Don't look at me.

[DrumNFeather]

Pac 12 announcing its 2016 Schedule tonight. Be there!

Maybe they'll give us Arizona early and we'll have a chance to beat them. Probably not. See you in November, RichRod.

[hostile]

:Ashamed:

Not even close to being "slightly off-color"

[DrumNFeather]

Pac 12 announcing its 2016 Schedule tonight. Be there!

Maybe they'll give us Arizona early and we'll have a chance to beat them. Probably not. See you in November, RichRod.

We play two home games the first three weeks of the season before a roadie at San Jose St...so I'm gonna say that for the second year in a row, we start out on the road.

Here's my wild guess at the schedule:

9/1 vs. SUU
9/10 vs. BYU
9/17 @ SJSU
9/24 @Oregon St.
10/1 - BYE
10/8 vs. Washington
10/13 (TH) vs. USC
10/22 @ UCLA
10/29 @ ASU
11/5 vs. Oregon
11/12 @Cal
11/19 vs. Arizona
11/26 @ Colorado

[chrisrenrut]

Not even close to being "slightly off-color"

In LAUte's mind it might have been. It did have the word "sin".

[LA Ute]

Not even close to being "slightly off-color"

I did struggle with avoiding the word that rhymes with "City" that would have been pretty funny in describing the bowl matchup. But I have a reputation to protect. Now get off my lawn.

1724

[U-Ute]

Just don't see that as being a viable option with the more rigid 25 per year rule.

1/5 of every class can't be QB's, even if you're going to move some. Cause often those kids will transfer to stay as a QB.

With the Prukop commit, Oregon goes into next year with 8 QB's on their roster. That's an average of 2 per year?

http://www.dailyemerald.com/2015/12/14/four-star-quarterback-flips-commitment-to-oregon-setting-up-seven-man-position-battle-next-season/

[sancho]

With the Prukop commit, Oregon goes into next year with 8 QB's on their roster.

I bet the other 7 were thrilled at the news.

[DrumNFeather]

We play two home games the first three weeks of the season before a roadie at San Jose St...so I'm gonna say that for the second year in a row, we start out on the road.

Here's my wild guess at the schedule:

9/1 vs. SUU
9/10 vs. BYU
9/17 @ SJSU
9/24 @Oregon St.
10/1 - BYE
10/8 vs. Washington
10/13 (TH) vs. USC
10/22 @ UCLA
10/29 @ ASU
11/5 vs. Oregon
11/12 @Cal
11/19 vs. Arizona
11/26 @ Colorado
Official schedule:

9/23 vs. USC
10/1 @ Cal
10/8 vs. Arizona
10/15 @OSU
10/22 @UCLA
10/29 vs WAS
BYE
11/10 @ASU
11/19 vs Oregon
11/26 @Colorado

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[sancho]

Official schedule:

9/23 vs. USC
10/1 @ Cal
10/8 vs. Arizona
10/15 @OSU
10/22 @UCLA
10/29 vs WAS
BYE
11/10 @ASU
11/19 vs Oregon
11/26 @Colorado


Looks great to me. Only back-to-back road games includes the conference's weakest team. The superpowers USC and Oregon are far apart. The weakest teams OSU and CU are spread out too. We get two of the conferences five new QBs (USC and Cal) early on.

Toughest stretch of two games: tie between UCLA/@UW and @ASU/Oregon.

There's no real murderer's row of three games thanks to the bye week.

[Redbird]

Official schedule:

9/23 vs. USC
10/1 @ Cal
10/8 vs. Arizona
10/15 @OSU
10/22 @UCLA
10/29 vs WAS
BYE
11/10 @ASU
11/19 vs Oregon
11/26 @Colorado

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USC on a Friday. ASU on a Thursday (which means two extra days to prep for Oregon).

None of the games are a surprise, and the sequence doesn't help or hurt us. I still think 8 wins is a good season, but getting to a bowl game has to be the #1 goal.

[NorthwestUteFan]

Rebuilding can be grounds for hope too. If next year is the first year of a serious turnaround in Utah's offensive identity, then that's something to be happy about.

Just look at basketball. Four years ago Loveridge was a game-changing recruit. Next year he might have been a walk-on recruit, if he was targeted at all.

It wasn't even that long ago that we would have KILLED to have Travis Wilson as our QB, and now we only complain about him. (I'm talking about the late 90s, early 2000s -imagine having TW in the MWC instead of Darnell Arceneaux and Lance Rice)...

[LA Ute]

Troy Williams interview on a SLC sports talk station:

http://kfanav.s3.amazonaws.com/20151211_121115_Troy-Williams-WEB.mp3



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[Redbird]

Just look at basketball. Four years ago Loveridge was a game-changing recruit. Next year he might have been a walk-on recruit, if he was targeted at all.

It wasn't even that long ago that we would have KILLED to have Travis Wilson as our QB, and now we only complain about him. (I'm talking about the late 90s, early 2000s -imagine having TW in the MWC instead of Darnell Arceneaux and Lance Rice)...

I don't think I agree with this line of reasoning. With Loveridge, it was the first meaningful in-state signing since Majerus was HC. He's been an important player since he got to campus. If he's a part of the 2016 class he's still a scholarship player and probably a part of the 8-man rotation.

As for Wilson, he had a fine pedigree coming into Utah, but he's not better than Alex Smith or Brian Johnson. Mike McCoy did some fine things for us in 1994, I don't know that Wilson is better than him.

That said, Wilson gave us a pretty good 2014. None of the numbers really stack up against anyone nationally (60% completion, 18 TD's, 5 INT's, 6.97 YPA), but he's a huge reason we went from not going to a bowl game to finishing the season ranked.

[NorthwestUteFan]

My point is McCoy was solid in '94, Alex had a stellar year and a half from '03 through '04, and BJ had some success in '04, was injured in '05/redshirted '06, was decent in '07, and was great in '08. Jordan Wynn/Terence Cain were decent enough in 2009 (esp the bowl game) and into 2010, but injuries

In between we had a lot of bad QB play. There is a huge gap of 8 years between McCoy and Alex, and a few dropoff years between Alex and BJ (although Brett Ratliff had his moments).

Travis Wilson hasn't been our most prolific qb and has made hus share of mistakes along the way, but on the last football game of his career on Saturday he will show us what he can do to a G5 Defense.

[Applejack]

Just look at basketball. Four years ago Loveridge was a game-changing recruit. Next year he might have been a walk-on recruit, if he was targeted at all.

It wasn't even that long ago that we would have KILLED to have Travis Wilson as our QB, and now we only complain about him. (I'm talking about the late 90s, early 2000s -imagine having TW in the MWC instead of Darnell Arceneaux and Lance Rice)...

LOL. Loveridge was highly recruited and would be today.

[DrumNFeather]

USC will be without Cravens next year, he's entering the draft. Good news.

[UtahsMrSports]

Manning is transferring. Good luck to him.

Whenever i think of him, ill remember how low rated former morning host Monty was trying to convince everyone that conor was hands down our best option.

[DrumNFeather]

Manning is transferring. Good luck to him.

Whenever i think of him, ill remember how low rated former morning host Monty was trying to convince everyone that conor was hands down our best option.

Yeah, hopefully he's able to go do what Brett Elliot did somewhere else.

[Ma'ake]

Troy Williams interview on a SLC sports talk station:


Troy's interview was pretty good, but nothing spectacular, mostly just "player-speak".

I thought his JC and HS OC's interview was far better, more revealing. He coached him in both HS and JC, which is pretty unusual, and those are lower levels of football, but a couple of things stood out:

1. Williams is one of those hyper-competitors who wants to win in everything, from basketball, to tiddly winks, to rock-paper-scissors. The stories we hear about Michael Jordan having this personality type, the card games on airplanes... we all know what happened in the late 90s vs the Jazz. MJ and Kobe had a will to win that elevated them above their talent level.

Example: Williams threw 6 first half TDs in their JC championship game this year, and told his coach he was going to throw 10 for the game, when the coach had to settle him down, add some sanity. He desperately wants to get revenge against UW and show everyone in the PAC-12 what he can do.

This could either be really good, or it could go bad.

2. When asked to name Williams' best football attribute, his OC said he can instinctively see through what defenses are trying to do to disguise their scheme. He knows where to go with the pass. His OC said he quickly can see that while it looks like a game of chess, underneath it's really a game of checkers. One of things that took Wilson a while to develop was reading defenses.

Massive difference between JC ball and the PAC-12, but those are some interesting ingredients. We'll see.

I'm also keen to see how Brandon Cox emerges. A-Rod told me when BC was a freshman to keep an eye on him.

[concerned]

Just heard Doman on the radio, saying he thinks it will be hard for Utah to improve offensively because of the culture. He said he listened to KW's post game interview, and that he thinks it is really hard for the offensive staff (identified ARod by name) to do their jobs because KW does not let the offense play opportunisticly. Said the defense and special teams both play to be opportunistic, but the offense is the opposite. He was referring to KW's comment that he shut down the offense when we were up 35-0, and threw out the game plan, but said that is indicative of the general philosophy.

Said it was obvious from the first snap that there is a talent and athleticism difference between the U and the Y, esp. Utah's defensive players. Said Utah should have 3 or 4 qbs on the roster every year who can play the position, but doesnt. Said we should have receivers who are as skilled and athletic as our db's but we dont. Said Utah needs to upgrade on offense as it has on defense.

Said it will be difficult to improve the offense or recruit the skill players we need unless the culture changes. Said that will be hard going forward. FWIW.

(Also said he expect Sitake to bring a new toughness to the Y, especially in the trenches.)

[DrumNFeather]

Just heard Doman on the radio, saying he thinks it will be hard for Utah to improve offensively because of the culture. He said he listened to KW's post game interview, and that he thinks it is really hard for the offensive staff (identified ARod by name) to do their jobs because KW does not let the offense play opportunisticly. Said the defense and special teams both play to be opportunistic, but the offense is the opposite. He was referring to KW's comment that he shut down the offense when we were up 35-0, and threw out the game plan, but said that is indicative of the general philosophy.

Said it was obvious from the first snap that there is a talent and athleticism difference between the U and the Y, esp. Utah's defensive players. Said Utah should have 3 or 4 qbs on the roster every year who can play the position, but doesnt. Said we should have receivers who are as skilled and athletic as our db's but we dont. Said Utah needs to upgrade on offense as it has on defense.

Said it will be difficult to improve the offense or recruit the skill players we need unless the culture changes. Said that will be hard going forward. FWIW.

(Also said he expect Sitake to bring a new toughness to the Y, especially in the trenches.)

Is it too cynical of me to think that Doman might be lobbying for a job there a little bit?

[UtahsMrSports]

Is it too cynical of me to think that Doman might be lobbying for a job there a little bit?

For the last two years, Doman has all but come out and asked for a job at the U with these weekly interviews on the zone. Almost every single week.

[concerned]

Is it too cynical of me to think that Doman might be lobbying for a job there a little bit?

From the way he was talking, sounded as though he did not think that being an offensive coach at the U was an ideal career move, but beggars cant be choosers I suppose.

[DrumNFeather]

From the way he was talking, sounded as though he did not think that being an offensive coach at the U was an ideal career move, but beggars cant be choosers I suppose.

I guess we'll find out next year how "handcuffed" the offensive staff is here. It's still a narrative that I don't completely buy. I think that in this game in particular, they didn't want to let Travis throw BYU back into the game, and with all our limitations at WR etc, I get why they tried to grind it out.

[LA Ute]

I keep hearing that Kyle has a hands-off approach to the offensive design (although it looks like he does make the major strategic in-game decisions). Maybe he needs to get more involved in designing the offense. He's rightly getting blamed for his subordinates' failures, so why not get deeper into the overall offensive strategy and identity? Just wondering, and admittedly from a low information and knowledge base.

BTW, did Kyle really say that after we got the 35-0 lead, he decided to throw the Vegas Bowl offensive game plan out the window and go conservative?


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[LA Ute]

I guess we'll find out next year how "handcuffed" the offensive staff is here. It's still a narrative that I don't completely buy. I think that in this game in particular, they didn't want to let Travis throw BYU back into the game, and with all our limitations at WR etc, I get why they tried to grind it out.

I get that too, but am still puzzled at how badly our D played in giving up 4 TDs (long drive after long drive). Hindsight is always 20-20, I guess.


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[sancho]

Just heard Doman on the radio, saying he thinks it will be hard for Utah to improve offensively because of the culture. He said he listened to KW's post game interview, and that he thinks it is really hard for the offensive staff (identified ARod by name) to do their jobs because KW does not let the offense play opportunisticly. Said the defense and special teams both play to be opportunistic, but the offense is the opposite. He was referring to KW's comment that he shut down the offense when we were up 35-0, and threw out the game plan, but said that is indicative of the general philosophy.

Said it was obvious from the first snap that there is a talent and athleticism difference between the U and the Y, esp. Utah's defensive players. Said Utah should have 3 or 4 qbs on the roster every year who can play the position, but doesnt. Said we should have receivers who are as skilled and athletic as our db's but we dont. Said Utah needs to upgrade on offense as it has on defense.

Said it will be difficult to improve the offense or recruit the skill players we need unless the culture changes. Said that will be hard going forward. FWIW.

(Also said he expect Sitake to bring a new toughness to the Y, especially in the trenches.)


I feel like Doman just quoted word for word the rantings of about a dozen different utefans posters. I don't see any original insight there that hasn't been tossed around regularly for the past two years. Maybe that means it's correct. I think it's just become an accepted narrative.

I do agree that it will be tough to improve the offense. We have an identity now, and it's tough to break out of that kind of thing.

When a team has a 35-0 lead, there are only two possible ways to lose the game: (1) turnovers or (2) complete failure of the offense to get any first downs at all. Based on the game to that point (Joe Williams 10 yard run on his first carry, converting a 4th and 1, punching in a 1st and goal, Wilson with a 20 yard TD scramble), it seemed next to impossible that we would completely fail to move the ball. Losing the game on turnovers seemed much more likely. I can't blame them for trying to run time off the clock. What I don't get - and this goes way beyond Utah - is why it's so hard to turn the switch back on once it has been turned off. Of course, in the end, we did get enough first downs to run out the clock, especially on the last two possessions of the game.

Does anyone feel like BYU has been soft in the trenches? Haven't run defense and offensive line play been the lone bright spots for BYU over the past few years?

[sancho]

I get that too, but am still puzzled at how badly our D played in giving up 4 TDs (long drive after long drive). Hindsight is always 20-20, I guess.


Looking at that BYU offense, there's no way we should be giving up 28 points. But we've had a hard time on 3rd/4th and long all year. It's been maddening.

Of course, no defense can be expected to hold over and over again when the offense is doing nothing.

[concerned]

Looking at that BYU offense, there's no way we should be giving up 28 points. But we've had a hard time on 3rd/4th and long all year. It's been maddening.

Of course, no defense can be expected to hold over and over again when the offense is doing nothing.


What was astonishing is how many 3rd and long's they completed (7 or 8 in a row?), and of course the 4th and 12, where somebody fell asleep.

[concerned]

I feel like Doman just quoted word for word the rantings of about a dozen different utefans posters. I don't see any original insight there that hasn't been tossed around regularly for the past two years. Maybe that means it's correct. I think it's just become an accepted narrative.

Once it becomes the accepted narrative, how to recruit skill players to play in that offense. That is the issue to me. Perception becomes or is reality.

[sancho]

Once it becomes the accepted narrative, how to recruit skill players to play in that offense. That is the issue to me. Perception becomes or is reality.

I agree with you. That is now the challenge. The good news there is that a false perceived reality is easier to break than an actual reality. It will take one QB/WR combo to smash this thing. Hopefully TW2 with the new JC guy is good for what ails us.

[mpfunk]

Here is the thing that is frustrating to me with the offense.

We don't need a great offense. We don't even need a good offense. We need a mediocre offense to be successful. It is perfectly fine that the culture at Utah is defense first. It is perfectly fine to move your best talent to defense. It is what we have had success with and what Whittingham knows as a coach. He should not go away from what he knows.

However, Whittingham needs to get this offense to mediocrity and we are in great shape. I don't think I'm being unreasonable asking for a mediocre offense.

I'd love to not see a single change on the defensive staff this offseason. No reason to shake up what is working. I don't even want to see much change on the offensive staff. The only change that I really want to see is at QB coach. It is time to bring in someone with experience as a QB coach, preferably a former QB. If it is A-Rod or Stubblefield that needs to go to make that happen, just make it happen.

We did really have a good season this past year, it is time to refine the staff to fix this long standing offense problem.

I also really hope that Williams wins the starting QB job, I don't want to see Utah going with a true freshman. I'm also skeptical of Cox as he couldn't even beat out our future all-conference safety for the 3rd string job.

[sancho]

I'm also skeptical of Cox as he couldn't even beat out our future all-conference safety for the 3rd string job.

Yeah, as far as I can tell, we only have Williams and Huntley at QB next year. Gotta hope TW2 does't get hurt.

I agree with you on QB coach. Sark is still the only real name I've heard. I guess Mitchell too, but I'm not excited about that. Maybe it's Utah who should go after Ty Detmer.

[concerned]

Yeah, as far as I can tell, we only have Williams and Huntley at QB next year. Gotta hope TW2 does't get hurt.

I agree with you on QB coach. Sark is still the only real name I've heard. I guess Mitchell too, but I'm not excited about that. Maybe it's Utah who should go after Ty Detmer.

Lots of media reporting that Detmer is joining Sitake either as OC or qb coach.

[sancho]

Lots of media reporting that Detmer is joining Sitake either as OC or qb coach.

Well, maybe we should look around at other failed Heisman QBs. What are Tebow, Troy Smith, RG3, Leinhart, White, Weinke, Crouch, Wuerffel, Torretta, and Ware doing now? I'd even take a runner up. Harrington?

[concerned]

Well, maybe we should look around at other failed Heisman QBs. What are Tebow, Troy Smith, RG3, Leinhart, White, Weinke, Crouch, Wuerffel, Torretta, and Ware doing now? I'd even take a runner up. Harrington?

Although Detmer just tweeted that such reports "are inaccurate at this time." Whatever that qualifier means.

[LA Ute]

Well, maybe we should look around at other failed Heisman QBs. What are Tebow, Troy Smith, RG3, Leinhart, White, Weinke, Crouch, Wuerffel, Torretta, and Ware doing now? I'd even take a runner up. Harrington?

LOL. Well, Spurrier had a good career. The biggest worry about Detmer is that he has never coached at the college level, unless I am forgetting something.


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[U-Ute]

Although Detmer just tweeted that such reports "are inaccurate at this time." Whatever that qualifier means.

It probably means they are talking, but haven't agreed on any terms.

[NorthwestUteFan]

LOL. Well, Spurrier had a good career. The biggest worry about Detmer is that he has never coached at the college level, unless I am forgetting something.


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Utah has become the home for retired coaches. May as well hire Sark while he still has mojo left in the tank. He can recruit, he can develop QBs and WRs, and he can be flexible and responsive to the Defense gives him. Plus he actually played the #1 most important position on the field.

If he was fired then surely his non-compete clause is not valid...

[Xamius]

Well, maybe we should look around at other failed Heisman QBs. What are Tebow, Troy Smith, RG3, Leinhart, White, Weinke, Crouch, Wuerffel, Torretta, and Ware doing now? I'd even take a runner up. Harrington?

How could you possibly stipulate Detmer is a "failed Heisman QB"?

[sancho]

Scalley tweets that defensive staff will all return next season.

[Diehard Ute]

Scalley just tweeted he's 'coming back for more' and is looking forward to another year with Pease, Shah and Ena.


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[LA Ute]

How could you possibly stipulate Detmer is a "failed Heisman QB"?

The list sancho gave is of Heisman winners who flopped as NFL players.

[sancho]

Stubbelfield not returning.

Utah Twitter wants Guy Holiday from Provo.

In the tradition of taking BYU people for our coaching positions, how about Austin Collie. Heck of a wr, maybe he can tell our guys the secret to getting open.

[Diehard Ute]

Stubbelfield not returning.

Utah Twitter wants Guy Holiday from Provo.

In the tradition of taking BYU people for our coaching positions, how about Austin Collie. Heck of a wr, maybe he can tell our guys the secret to getting open.

Guessing we hire a QB coach. A Rod goes back to WR


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[sancho]

Guessing we hire a QB coach. A Rod goes back to WR


I'd rather keep Collie with the wrs, but I guess we could give him a go with the qbs.

[LA Ute]

Stubbelfield not returning.

Utah Twitter wants Guy Holiday from Provo.

In the tradition of taking BYU people for our coaching positions, how about Austin Collie. Heck of a wr, maybe he can tell our guys the secret to getting open.

Are you kidding? The secret is living right on and off the field. That's what makes magic happen.

I do applaud the idea of a new WR coach. Why not make A-Rod the WR coach -- he actually played that position in college -- and hire someone new to be the QB coach? Then we might end up with someone effective at both coaching positions.

[LA Ute]

Guessing we hire a QB coach. A Rod goes back to WR


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Great minds....

[concerned]

Great minds....

In the spirit of patting myself on the back, I posted this a couple of weeks ago.

[sancho]

In the spirit of patting myself on the back, I posted this a couple of weeks ago.

As the score pick champion, I salute you.

[concerned]

As the score pick champion, I salute you.

I bow down to you on that one. I sucked.

[Dwight Schr-Ute]

Also, it appears the defense will be returning full strength.

https://twitter.com/safetypride/status/679701690065420288


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[LA Ute]

In the spirit of patting myself on the back, I posted this a couple of weeks ago.

I offer here proof of your idea infringement:

http://www.utahby5.com/showthread.php?1664-The-Offensive-Identity-Thread&p=66910&viewfull=1#post66910

As for me, I stole the idea fair and square from Swinney.

[concerned]

I offer here proof of your idea infringement:

http://www.utahby5.com/showthread.php?1664-The-Offensive-Identity-Thread&p=66910&viewfull=1#post66910

As for me, I stole the idea fair and square from Swinney.

What infringement? I was correctly and presciently telling you that you and Swinney were wrong. That is not infringement; it is insight and understanding.

[NorthwestUteFan]

What about hiring Ed Lamb away from SUU? He did a heck of a job grooming Brad Sorensen at QB.

[sancho]

What about hiring Ed Lamb away from SUU? He did a heck of a job grooming Brad Sorensen at QB.

I don't know either of those two names, but I'm in.

[concerned]

What about hiring Ed Lamb away from SUU? He did a heck of a job grooming Brad Sorensen at QB.
Rumor is byu is hiring him

[sancho]

Rumor is byu is hiring him

Does he have BYU ties or loyalties? I would guess that we can outbid BYU, and I would guess that someone without BYU ties would prefer Utah.

[Diehard Ute]

Does he have BYU ties or loyalties? I would guess that we can outbid BYU, and I would guess that someone without BYU ties would prefer Utah.

He played at BYU and Ricks and was a GA at BYU

But he's not a QB coach, never has been.


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[sancho]

He played at BYU and Ricks and was a GA at BYU

But he's not a QB coach, never has been.



I finally looked him up. He's the head coach? I figured we were talking about an OC or something. Seems unlikely that he would move to become a position coach. Stranger things have happened, but I'm not holding my breath.

(I think I read yesterday that the HC at some MAC school just left to become a position coach at Maryland, so it does happen.)

[U-Ute]

What about Holladay from BYU? He's not following Bronco and has good success with their receivers.

[Diehard Ute]

I finally looked him up. He's the head coach? I figured we were talking about an OC or something. Seems unlikely that he would move to become a position coach. Stranger things have happened, but I'm not holding my breath.

(I think I read yesterday that the HC at some MAC school just left to become a position coach at Maryland, so it does happen.)

Yes. He's the HC, but all of his history is on defense. He played LB and coached defense prior to being a HC.

We need a good offensive mind with experience on that side of the ball, he shouldn't even be mentioned.


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[sancho]

What about Holladay from BYU? He's not following Bronco and has good success with their receivers.

It'll be interesting to see if we go for WR or QB coach. We need both, but we only have room for one. ARod hasn't really impressed as a QB coach or as a WR coach.

[NorthwestUteFan]

For some reason I thought Lamb was a WR.

I also was worried that he would get hired as the HC at byu and make them a potent force in the football world. Luckily he isn't 'active in the churtch' enough for their requirements. Phew!

[NorthwestUteFan]

What about Holladay from BYU? He's not following Bronco and has good success with their receivers.

Halliday seems like a great guy. Not quite sure whether we want a coach on our staff dropping money on Ashley Madison looking for crazy stuff (#HotPiss).

[mpfunk]

In the spirit of patting myself on the back, I posted this a couple of weeks ago.

So did I.

[Irving Washington]

I bow down to you on that one. I sucked.

I sucked worse. Do I owe you lunch?

[LA Ute]

So did I.

We're all brilliant.


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[LA Ute]

Utah football: Former Huskies QB Troy Williams arrives in Salt Lake with something to prove

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3345272-155/utah-football-former-huskies-qb-troy


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[SeattleUte]

Awesome. I think an alpha dog is what we need.


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[concerned]

Awesome. I think an alpha dog is what we need.


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Although if he thought Peterson was too controlling and controlling as a head coach, I shudder to think what his relationship with whit might be like. We will see if he is given a long or short leash.

[LA Ute]

Well, this is just a highlight reel, and the competition is at the JC level, but it does look like Troy Williams can throw a receiver open.

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/939235/highlights/293669389/v2


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[Ma'ake]

Well, this is just a highlight reel, and the competition is at the JC level, but it does look like Troy Williams can throw a receiver open.


Appears to have really good motion, a quick release and good accuracy. I know his OC at Santa Monica basically told him to not run, except if there's no risk of getting hurt, but he looks like he can crank up the speed, when need be. You can tell he wants to make the play via pass vs the run.

He's going against a JC defense, so it will take him a little bit to adjust to P5 defense speed & sophistication, but against a vanilla defense at the JC level, he's very efficient in the pocket, with quick reads and the quick release lets him squeeze the ball into gaps before the D converges.

It will be Cox vs Williams, with Cox having the advantage of knowing our offense, but the Santa Monica offense looked like the average spread.

[UTEopia]

It will be Cox vs Williams

Do not discount Huntley.

[sancho]

It will be Cox vs Williams, with Cox having the advantage of knowing our offense, but the Santa Monica offense looked like the average spread.

Cox has been in many qb competitions now without making any waves at all. He is not the answer. He should be moved to wr now while he still has a hippie of learning something about the position.

[sancho]

Although if he thought Peterson was too controlling and controlling as a head coach, I shudder to think what his relationship with whit might be like. We will see if he is given a long or short leash.

This is the red flag on Williams. Petersen is a great coach, and he didn't want Williams. Of course, even great coaches are wrong sometimes. Hopefully this is one of those times.

[Brian]

Troy is a big kid.... Or maybe it's just him compared to the JC kids.

[U-Ute]

Connor Manning transferring to Georgia State:


I am very excited for the next step in this journey of continuing my… instagram.com/p/_7-RwyrPU_zc…

[DrumNFeather]

Connor Manning transferring to Georgia State:
Outgoing Senior QB threw for 4300 Yards and 28 TDs this season.

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[Applejack]

Connor Manning transferring to Georgia State:

Good for him. I hope he does well.

[sancho]

Woo hoo! New wr to hope for. Nacua commits.

[U-Ute]

Holliday telling recruits he is moving on.

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/16/01/06/7b89cfb4c12d841262c2c023ba5d7ae4.jpg

[Brian]

how tight were Guy and Jonah?

[mpfunk]

Is there some sort of requirement with every story about Guy Holliday to mention he recently bought a house in South Jordan?

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[DrumNFeather]

Is there some sort of requirement with every story about Guy Holliday to mention he recently bought a house in South Jordan?

Sent from my VS985 4G using Tapatalk

It's a hot spot.

[U-Ute]

It's a hot spot.

Its the new cool kid hangout.

[concerned]

Do you think there is any chance that our dual threat quarterback next year can look anything like Clemson's dual-threat quarterback tonight? That would be great

[sancho]

Do you think there is any chance that our dual threat quarterback next year can look anything like Clemson's dual-threat quarterback tonight? That would be great

Not too much to ask, if you ask me.

[sancho]

Do you think there is any chance that our dual threat quarterback next year can look anything like Clemson's dual-threat quarterback tonight? That would be great

On the other hand, Alabama has been proving for years that you can win without a qb. All you need is all world everything else.

[NorthwestUteFan]

I think Travis Wilson would look pretty solid in Alabama's offense.

[U-Ute]

On the other hand, Alabama has been proving for years that you can win without a qb. All you need is all world everything else.

I have recently wondered if Alabama's success is what keeps Kyle believing in his formula.

[Redbird]

Utah opens with 60-1 odds to win the CFP a year from now. UCLA and Stanford are 30-1; Oregon is 40-1; USC is 60-1. Alabama is the favorite at 6-1.

[SeattleUte]

Utah opens with 60-1 odds to win the CFP a year from now. UCLA and Stanford are 30-1; Oregon is 40-1; USC is 60-1. Alabama is the favorite at 6-1.

50-1, not 60-1. Why do you keep doing this?

http://www.cbssports.com/collegefootball/eye-on-college-football/25446945/clemson-alabama-and-oklahoma-lead-early-2017-cfb-title-odds

[sancho]

Wilner's early projections

http://blogs.mercurynews.com/collegesports/2016/01/20/pac-12-football-projections-2016/?doing_wp_cron=1453311428.7630350589752197265625

[Dwight Schr-Ute]

Covey got his call today. Hopefully he doesn't get a tape worm and come home weighing double digits.

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160121/b94b5578ca366411264ca6c8d8be60ce.jpg


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[Brian]

Covey got his call today. Hopefully he doesn't get a tape worm and come home weighing double digits.

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160121/b94b5578ca366411264ca6c8d8be60ce.jpg



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Ha, Ha. Well done.

[NorthwestUteFan]

I hope to see some dramatic improvement in the WR play this year, particularly in BC's absence. Guy Holliday appears to have his stuff together as a WR coach so hopefully we will see some great strides in the passing game.

He is a great source of inspirational quotes on Twitter, if nothing else.

[DrumNFeather]

I hope to see some dramatic improvement in the WR play this year, particularly in BC's absence. Guy Holliday appears to have his stuff together as a WR coach so hopefully we will see some great strides in the passing game.

He is a great source of inspirational quotes on Twitter, if nothing else.

And, as has been pointed out by others in other places, it will be nice for some of these WRs (Cough, McClellon) to get a fresh start with someone else.

[sancho]

And, as has been pointed out by others in other places, it will be nice for some of these WRs (Cough, McClellon) to get a fresh start with someone else.

Can't hurt, but I'm not getting my hopes up for the old crew. My hopes are up, however, for the new crew.

[DrumNFeather]

Can't hurt, but I'm not getting my hopes up for the old crew. My hopes are up, however, for the new crew.

One thing I think is interesting about all the coaching changes this off-season is that the WR position was clearly identified as not good enough. Most people put our offensive woes on Wilson/QB position, but the major move that was made was to swap out the WR coach. Makes me wonder what the coaches are seeing on film etc. when they evaluate the offense versus what the fans think.

[concerned]

Can't hurt, but I'm not getting my hopes up for the old crew. My hopes are up, however, for the new crew.

Gee, sounds just like bb next year.

[sancho]

Gee, sounds just like bb next year.

Yeah. Is it me? I just think it's rare for a player to make a dramatic leap after a few years in a program. I also believe coaching can only do so much for a player.

I see this comment on message boards all the time: "He was a four star recruit, and he hasn't performed like one. That's on the coaches." I just don't believe that kind of statement.

[Dwight Schr-Ute]

One thing I think is interesting about all the coaching changes this off-season is that the WR position was clearly identified as not good enough. Most people put our offensive woes on Wilson/QB position, but the major move that was made was to swap out the WR coach. Makes me wonder what the coaches are seeing on film etc. when they evaluate the offense versus what the fans think.

Yeah. Kyle Fulks' dad is a member of the UteNation FB and has made repeated, albeit subtle jabs at the lack of opportunity that Kyle was given to shine. He seems optimistic about the Holliday hire.

Yesterday I listened to a podcast with Dan Sorenson about this recruiting round. He spoke very confidently that Travis played at his ceiling and that there's plenty of talent/speed in the receiving corps. I will take his comments with a grain of salt until Troy Williams slings TDs through spring ball. Sorenson also seemed pretty meh about Huntley, for whatever reason.

[DrumNFeather]

Yeah. Is it me? I just think it's rare for a player to make a dramatic leap after a few years in a program. I also believe coaching can only do so much for a player.

I see this comment on message boards all the time: "He was a four star recruit, and he hasn't performed like one. That's on the coaches." I just don't believe that kind of statement.

Couldn't you argue that Brian Johnson made that leap in 2008?

[sancho]

Yesterday I listened to a podcast with Dan Sorenson about this recruiting round. He spoke very confidently that Travis played at his ceiling and that there's plenty of talent/speed in the receiving corps. I will take his comments with a grain of salt until Troy Williams slings TDs through spring ball. Sorenson also seemed pretty meh about Huntley, for whatever reason.

I like hearing different opinions, so I'm glad you shared this. But should Dan's opinion on Travis or Huntley or anyone else carry more weight than the average fan's?

[sancho]

Couldn't you argue that Brian Johnson made that leap in 2008?

Yes, it happens, and it's always something to hope for. BJ's situation was slightly unusual, though. He showed a lot of potential early before multiple injuries.

I guess I shouldn't say I'm not hopeful about guys like McClellon. I hope the coaching change turns him into a great WR. I'd just say that I'm more hopeful about the newcomers.

[Dwight Schr-Ute]

I like hearing different opinions, so I'm glad you shared this. But should Dan's opinion on Travis or Huntley or anyone else carry more weight than the average fan's?

Absolutely not. In fact, I found it curious that the state of Utah's high school recruiting guru lives in Northern California. I bet he gets out for plenty of local Friday Night Lights.

[Diehard Ute]

Absolutely not. In fact, I found it curious that the state of Utah's high school recruiting guru lives in Northern California. I bet he gets out for plenty of local Friday Night Lights.

Self appointed guru?

There are others in Utah who provide better info I think.


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[Rocker Ute]

I believe I mentioned here that I had heard from a few reliable sources that they felt the offensive woes of last year were on the WRs if not more than Wilson. So I decided at the Colorado game that I would focus on what the WRs were doing.

Basically what I saw was lazy routes, little down field blocking and basically you could tell what WR was picked to receive because basically most of the others would take the play off.

Now the chicken and egg question was were they playing that way because they lacked confidence in Wilson, or was it on them completely.

It seems those things are pretty critical regardless of QB confidence as it opens up the field for everything, but what do I know?

So I'm feeling optimistic about he Haliday hire. He seemed to consistently get his WRs to play above three talent level at BYU. And that makes me optimistic for next year.


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[SeattleUte]

Wilner's early projections

http://blogs.mercurynews.com/collegesports/2016/01/20/pac-12-football-projections-2016/?doing_wp_cron=1453311428.7630350589752197265625

Not bad. The future is brighter in football than basketball! But of course Whit is held to a higher standard.

[Applejack]

Not bad. The future is brighter in football than basketball! But of course Whit is held to a higher standard.

I blame the rabid anti-mormon section of our fan base for dissing Whit.

[LA Ute]

Marginally relevant to 2016:

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865645863/Twitter-reacts-to-Utes-wide-receiver-Britain-Covey-receiving-mission-call-to-Chile.html

[Ma'ake]

I hope Holliday instills motivation and hunger with our WRs. Wipe the slate blank, see who wants to make a difference.

Our best established WR will be a true Soph - Tyrone Smith, who waded through whatever the BS was that occurred in that position group, had the playbook down, and answered the bell more often than not when the ball was thrown his way.

Siaosi Wilson had the redshirt, but he certainly passes the eyeball test. Kenric Young, Kyle Fulks, Delshawn McClellon - let's see what they do with a new opportunity. Butler-Byrd has the tools, so does Domo. If those guys get significant reps late in the spring it may be revealing.

Hard to expect much from the incoming freshmen.

Holliday will learn getting PAC level production out of WRs is not a cakewalk. He'll have A-Rod and DE to lean on for insights.

[U-Ute]

Covey got his call today. Hopefully he doesn't get a tape worm and come home weighing double digits.

It wouldn't require a tapeworm to lose 5 pounds.

[U-Ute]

One thing I think is interesting about all the coaching changes this off-season is that the WR position was clearly identified as not good enough. Most people put our offensive woes on Wilson/QB position, but the major move that was made was to swap out the WR coach. Makes me wonder what the coaches are seeing on film etc. when they evaluate the offense versus what the fans think.

I've noticed that even Aaron Rogers is having difficulties throwing the ball with all his receivers being out.

[Brian]

I believe I mentioned here that I had heard from a few reliable sources that they felt the offensive woes of last year were on the WRs if not more than Wilson. So I decided at the Colorado game that I would focus on what the WRs were doing.

Basically what I saw was lazy routes, little down field blocking and basically you could tell what WR was picked to receive because basically most of the others would take the play off.

Now the chicken and egg question was were they playing that way because they lacked confidence in Wilson, or was it on them completely.

It seems those things are pretty critical regardless of QB confidence as it opens up the field for everything, but what do I know?

So I'm feeling optimistic about he Haliday hire. He seemed to consistently get his WRs to play above three talent level at BYU. And that makes me optimistic for next year.


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good insight.
I only see games on TV, but my family members who go to the games have watched the WRs have reported similar things. Nobody getting open, sloppy routes, etc.
Chicken and egg, good point. Excited to see what Guy can do.

[SoCalPat]

Couldn't you argue that Brian Johnson made that leap in 2008?

Absolutely not. Brian was amazing against Oregon State in the 2007 opener before the shoulder injury hampered his effectiveness all season long.

[SoCalPat]

Took a look at our schedule for next year. About as favorable as it can get for being on the wrong end of the 5-4 split. Three of our five road games are against arguably the worst teams in the league in Cal, OSU and Colorado. We get USC and Oregon at home, as well as nemeses Washington and Arizona, who both should be improved. No Stanford or Wazzu. The non-con is weak, but we can generate attention nationally by beating USC in Week 4. Our bye comes at a good time, between our 8th and 9th games. Maybe we'll be underdogs against USC, but past the UCLA roadie, we'll be favored in every game. (EDIT: Every game before our bye)

[concerned]

Took a look at our schedule for next year. About as favorable as it can get for being on the wrong end of the 5-4 split. Three of our five road games are against arguably the worst teams in the league in Cal, OSU and Colorado. We get USC and Oregon at home, as well as nemeses Washington and Arizona, who both should be improved. No Stanford or Wazzu. The non-con is weak, but we can generate attention nationally by beating USC in Week 4. Our bye comes at a good time, between our 8th and 9th games. Maybe we'll be underdogs against USC, but past the UCLA roadie, we'll be favored in every game.

geez I hope our qb and receivers pan out.

[Diehard Ute]

Per Goon, Dave Fox and Riley, Kyle has signed an extension through 2020, $3.3 Million per year.


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[SeattleUte]

Per Goon, Dave Fox and Riley, Kyle has signed an extension through 2020, $3.3 Million per year.


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Nice

[Applejack]

geez I hope our qb and receivers pan out.

Linebackers? Anyone?

[Jarid in Cedar]

Linebackers? Anyone?

Not me. This group is inexperienced, but is going to be a pleasant surprise

[sancho]

Not me. This group is inexperienced, but is going to be a pleasant surprise

I just want to know who is going to be a pleasant surprise. Unlike QB and WR, I don't even know what names I'm rooting for at LB.

[Applejack]

I just want to know who is going to be a pleasant surprise. Unlike QB and WR, I don't even know what names I'm rooting for at LB.

Right. I know Uaea Masina. The rest? I don't even know their names!

[Jarid in Cedar]

I just want to know who is going to be a pleasant surprise. Unlike QB and WR, I don't even know what names I'm rooting for at LB.

Jake Jackson= Jared Norris
Cody Barton, Sunia Tauteoli, Masina

Two potential JC signees from this year, Kurtis Taufua and Luafatasaga

But the name to watch is Jackson

[sancho]

Jake Jackson= Jared Norris
Cody Barton, Sunia Tauteoli, Masina

Two potential JC signees from this year, Kurtis Taufua and Luafatasaga

But the name to watch is Jackson

Thanks! I really hope we get those JCs.

[Applejack]

Jake Jackson= Jared Norris
Cody Barton, Sunia Tauteoli, Masina

Two potential JC signees from this year, Kurtis Taufua and Luafatasaga

But the name to watch is Jackson

But we have to replace 3 LBers! I don't know about you, but I am not high on Barton/Masina. Are people within the program? Kurtis Taufua was a lightly recruited JC transfer. I don't know much about Jackson (how could I?).

I really hope you are right, but that doesn't sound much depth.

[sancho]

But we have to replace 3 LBers! I don't know about you, but I am not high on Barton/Masina. Are people within the program? Kurtis Taufua was a lightly recruited JC transfer. I don't know much about Jackson (how could I?).

I really hope you are right, but that doesn't sound much depth.

I heard Hekking is back or is coming back from his mission (early?). Is he a LB? He better grow a mullet. There are a few freshmen coming in, too.

If Jackson is really great, that will go a long way.

[Dwight Schr-Ute]

I heard Hekking is back or is coming back from his mission (early?). Is he a LB? He better grow a mullet. There are a few freshmen coming in, too.

If Jackson is really great, that will go a long way.

Hekking is back and enrolled, so he'll go through Spring camp.


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[Dwight Schr-Ute]

Am I remembering correctly that Covey counts towards the 2016 class for weird reasons that I don't understand?


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[DrumNFeather]

Hekking is back and enrolled, so he'll go through Spring camp.


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I believe he projects as a TE? Perhaps they'll give him a shot at several spots.

[mpfunk]

Linebackers? Anyone?

I just don't worry about the defense with Whittingham as the coach.

I'm terrified of the offense next year, especially without us addressing our biggest coaching need on offense for another off-season.

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[U-Ute]

I just don't worry about the defense with Whittingham as the coach.

I'm terrified of the offense next year, especially without us addressing our biggest coaching need on offense for another off-season.

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I don't ever worry about the D-Line or secondary, but we've had issues at LB ever since joining the P12. They haven't been athletic enough to cover the big tight ends/slot receivers.

[Dwight Schr-Ute]

This news piece is about a year old but definitely worth checking out concerning Garrett Bolles.

https://www.youtube.com/embed/FoL6ijofwpE


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[Applejack]

I don't ever worry about the D-Line or secondary, but we've had issues at LB ever since joining the P12. They haven't been athletic enough to cover the big tight ends/slot receivers.

Agreed. And the secondary has been average at times. The one constant is the D-line, and that is partially because of Whit, and partially because of the huge Tongans that want to flock to Utah.