Hammering Thor: SUU at Utah (9-1-16)

[Solon]

Let's get this started!

I have a soft spot in my heart for the T-birds, but this should be an easy tune-up for the Utes. I just hope the Utes avoid major injuries and get some good experience for their new QB.

The 2015 SUU team that came within a whisker of beating Utah State in Logan, won the Big Sky championship, and made an appearance in the FCS playoffs has been gutted. Two T-Bird defensive players were drafted in 2016 (a school record), and a few others are fighting for NFL roster spots (QB Ammon Olsen, who had a brief stint at the byu, had an even briefer tryout with the Colts; James Cowser looks like he is going to stick with the Raiders). Head Coach Ed Lamb is now Assistant to the Regional Manager in Provo, and baby-faced Demario Williams will be in his first game as SUU's HC, having been promoted from DC.

Most of the pre-season attention for SUU has been focused on OLB Mike Needham who has some wheels, and the punter (Tate Lewis).

I expect the T-Birds to be playing defense and punting a lot on Sept. 1, so maybe these guys can pad their stats a bit.

[Dwight Schr-Ute]

I can't believe how close we're getting.


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[DrumNFeather]

This should be a great opportunity to get playing time for just about everyone who needs it. It will be interesting to see how they handle reps for Troy Williams, particularly if we have a huge lead at the half. I would expect to see Brandon Cox for much of the second half, as well as a pretty vanilla offense/defense in advance of our week 2 contest.

[SoCalPat]

This should be a great opportunity to get playing time for just about everyone who needs it. It will be interesting to see how they handle reps for Troy Williams, particularly if we have a huge lead at the half. I would expect to see Brandon Cox for much of the second half, as well as a pretty vanilla offense/defense in advance of our week 2 contest.

Last two FCS games featured sizeable leads at halftime and trusted backups that took over at halftime.

But in 2012, we beat Northern Colorado 41-0, led only 21-0 at halftime, and Jordan Wynn played well into the fourth quarter. Having missed the final 8 games of the previous year, he needed the work.

I think Troy Williams is in a similar boat. We also don't want BYU to be his first "coming out of the locker room" action of the year. We could be up 73-0 at halftime vs. SUU, but Troy will play a series or two in the second half. I wouldn't be surprised if Troy plays into the fourth quarter, even if he's just handing off and throwing the occasional third-down pass -- he needs to experience the bullets flying more than anyone, even if those bullets are from a BB gun and not an assault rifle.

[Utah]

Isn't SUU starting two freshmen on the OL? If so, I feel bad for their mothers.

[Dwight Schr-Ute]

I read today that SUU still hasn't picked a quarterback, yet.


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[Brian]

I read today that SUU still hasn't picked a quarterback, yet.


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Don't want to show Scalley all their cards.

[Solon]

Don't want to show Scalley all their cards.
I read that too in The Spectrum.
IMO, they're just being cute with that "every day is competitive" stuff.

Byu-transfer McCoy Hill won the job in spring and is supposed to be having a good August.

That byu-suu quarterback pipeline has really been good for the T-birds. Brad Sorensen transferred when it appeared that Jake Heaps was going to start for 4 years. Ammon Olsen would have had a shot to play for the Cougars in 2014 when byu was down to Christian Stewart (although Olsen started as a T-Bird, went on a mission, went to byu, and then transferred back to SUU).

[Dwight Schr-Ute]

Here's an article out of the Southern Utah rag about SUU's young and inexperienced O-line. Good Lord, help those poor boys.

http://www.thespectrum.com/story/sports/college/southern-utah/2016/08/24/suu-football-t-birds-fresh-faced-linemen-set-face-utahs-powerhouse-defense/89316772/?hootPostID=91d3b643d13fa6c2073b63ae84fd1879



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[Diehard Ute]

Here's an article out of the Southern Utah rag about SUU's young and inexperienced O-line. Good Lord, help those poor boys.

http://www.thespectrum.com/story/sports/college/southern-utah/2016/08/24/suu-football-t-birds-fresh-faced-linemen-set-face-utahs-powerhouse-defense/89316772/?hootPostID=91d3b643d13fa6c2073b63ae84fd1879



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300 is their biggest starter

Their DL has one 350 pound guy but everyone else is 230-280.

One of their starting corners doesn't have a bio on their roster. Just his name.


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[Solon]

300 is their biggest starter

Their DL has one 350 pound guy but everyone else is 230-280.

One of their starting corners doesn't have a bio on their roster. Just his name.


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kid is a walk-on. Has only been on the team for a few weeks.

[Dwight Schr-Ute]

kid is a walk-on. Has only been on the team for a few weeks.

Next week's unis.

https://twitter.com/UtesEquipment/status/768958088862773249

[sancho]

Next week's unis.

https://twitter.com/UtesEquipment/status/768958088862773249

Approved. Could be better if they lost the black on the helmet and the mountains. We are close to a really great uniform.

Remember the three rules:

1) Any red/white combo with no black is approved
2) A black/white combo with no red is approved once a year
3) A throwback is approved once a year

[Dwight Schr-Ute]

Approved. Could be better if they lost the black on the helmet and the mountains. We are close to a really great uniform.

Remember the three rules:

1) Any SOLID red/white combo with no black OR RANDOMLY PLACE WHITE OR RED GEOMETIC SHAPES is approved (WELL CRAFTED STRIPES ON THE SLEEVES SIMILAR TO HISTORIC DESIGNS ARE EXEMPT.)
2) A black/white combo with no red is approved once a year
3) A throwback is approved once a year

I've made your statement more true.


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[sancho]

2) A black/white combo with no red is approved once a year


Has anyone tried this? Oregon came close, and they looked great. Why won't anyone try the stormtrooper uniform?

[mUUser]

I know it'll be over by halftime, but we can't make it till then. Will it be worth it to see the second half?

[DrumNFeather]

Week 1 Depth Chart Notes:

OL, L to R, Bolles, Asiata, Diehlman, Uhtafe, Tevi

WRs Tyrone Smith, Kyle Fulks, Tim Patrick

DE Pita gets the nod over Fitts....that's depth

Rover - Barton and Luafatasanga listed as "Or"

PR - Boobie Hobbs

KR - Burgess, Blackmon (both Fr)

Hey guys! We have a game this week! :rockon:

[DrumNFeather]

Week 1 Depth Chart Notes:

OL, L to R, Bolles, Asiata, Diehlman, Uhtafe, Tevi

WRs Tyrone Smith, Kyle Fulks, Tim Patrick

DE Pita gets the nod over Fitts....that's depth

Rover - Barton and Luafatasanga listed as "Or"

PR - Boobie Hobbs

KR - Burgess, Blackmon (both Fr)

Hey guys! We have a game this week! :rockon:

Per Whit's presser...this should not be an "or,' Barton is the starter.

[Applejack]

Per Whit's presser...this should not be an "or,' Barton is the starter.

My faith in the LBing corp is being tested.

[DrumNFeather]

My faith in the LBing corp is being tested.

He's motivating Kavika.

[Applejack]

He's motivating Kavika.

I hope so. Barton and Sunia as the starting lbers gives me the jumps.

[Rocker Ute]

If I should start a new thread for this but if anyone is looking to unload two tickets for the game I'm interested. It is for my son and his friend, who frankly I'm just as happy letting them stay home.


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[Irving Washington]

So how do you know which color to wear, red or white? I'm in section 36.

[Diehard Ute]

So how do you know which color to wear, red or white? I'm in section 36.

http://www.utahutes.com/sports/2016/8/5/Checker_Rice-Eccles.aspx


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[Diehard Ute]

http://www.thespectrum.com/story/sports/2016/08/31/suu-football-notes-mike-needham-not-buying-hype-new-utah-qb/89683818/

Wonder if this will find its way to our locker room tomorrow?


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[DrumNFeather]

Hey friends, we have a game today!

:jig::rave::clap::clap::clap::football::snack:

[Dwight Schr-Ute]

Diehard beat me to it. By 12 hours.

[Applejack]

Hey friends, we have a game today!

:jig::rave::clap::clap::clap::football::snack:

Hell yes!

[Diehard Ute]

Diehard beat me to it. By 12 hours.

I've worked graveyards for 8+ years now. I tend to do things at odd times ;)


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[DrumNFeather]

My yearly advice to my fellow Ute fans: Enjoy the ride!

We only get 12 of these regular season games, one conf. title game and one bowl game or two playoff games. Should be a fun season. Enjoy it folks!

[Diehard Ute]

Appears Zack Moss is dinged up and not playing tonight. Says he'll be back next week.


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[DrumNFeather]

Appears Zack Moss is dinged up and not playing tonight. Says he'll be back next week.


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And Davir Hamilton may be heading towards a redshirt.

[sancho]

I have to say. I'm pretty excited to see this Troy Williams fellow. Been a while since we had something unknown at QB.

[DrumNFeather]

I have to say. I'm pretty excited to see this Troy Williams fellow. Been a while since we had something unknown at QB.

That's right! We need a new guy under center to complain about! ;)

[Dwight Schr-Ute]

Probably no Domo either. That situation is still fuzzy.

[Solon]

That's right! We need a new guy under center to complain about! ;)

I hope he's under center. I'm sick of the shotgun spread.

[Diehard Ute]

I hope he's under center. I'm sick of the shotgun spread.

Kyle said this week we'll be in shotgun 80-90% of the time this season.


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[Solon]

Kyle said this week we'll be in shotgun 80-90% of the time this season.


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Sigh. Yeah, I figured things wouldn't change.

[sancho]

Sigh. Yeah, I figured things wouldn't change.

Meet the new boss!


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zYMD_W_r3Fg

[Diehard Ute]

No Domo, he's not dressed.


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[Dwight Schr-Ute]

No Domo, he's not dressed.


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Sounds like he sprained his knee in Monday's practice. Hopes to be back by conference play.


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[Diehard Ute]

Andy Phillips has two broken toes. He'll be place kicking but will not handle kickoffs.


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[Dwight Schr-Ute]

Andy Phillips has two broken toes. He'll be place kicking but will not handle kickoffs.


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Good lord.


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[DrumNFeather]

52 yard pass to Singleton looked real nice.

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[Dwight Schr-Ute]

#throwgame looking promising. O-line having a slow start.


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[DrumNFeather]

Very deliberate game plan...just have to finish drives.

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[mpfunk]

Not impressed with the oline so far. Hopefully, just first game issues.

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[DrumNFeather]

I think it will become evident to Kyle quickly that we need someone to pound the middle. In other words...Zac Moss.

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[Solon]

I think it will become evident to Kyle quickly that we need someone to pound the middle. In other words...Zac Moss.

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There's talent on this offense. Still a little raw, though. It'll come.

[mpfunk]

There's talent on this offense. Still a little raw, though. It'll come.
Speaking of raw talent, Bolles certainly needs some work.

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[justaute]

When does the basketball season start?

[LA Ute]

We are working out the kinks. I'm a little disappointed we haven't scored a TD yet against this team.

[LA Ute]

I like what we're seeing out of Troy W.

[DrumNFeather]

Much better.

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[Devildog]

WTF Offensive line? My score prediction was unduly influenced by Sancho and Solon. Clearly I've been swiggin the kool-aide too much.

Yes, Sancho I blame your ass if I start this season prediction thread in the hole.

[Solon]

WTF Offensive line? My score prediction was unduly influenced by Sancho and Solon. Clearly I've been swiggin the kool-aide too much.

T-Birds are hanging tougher than I had thought.
we miss devontae.

[Devildog]

T-Birds are hanging tougher than I had thought.
we miss devontae.

The offensive line can't block for shit.

[DrumNFeather]

Looks like Bolles has been replaced by Barton

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[justaute]

In recent years, pretty much o-line is touted as a "strength", but it has disappointed pretty much every year.

[Dwight Schr-Ute]

Who's worse: our o-line or our clock person?


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[Solon]

The offensive line can't block for shit.

Yes, and there's that.

[Devildog]

Yes, and there's that.

Uh well... Hell yeah Professor. This O- line needs fawkin' work.

Seriously though... I fawkin blame Sancho.

[LA Ute]

The O-line seems to be pretty bad tonight. Our RBs are getting tackled in the backfield. 7 tackles by SUU for a loss.

[Devildog]

The O-line seems to be pretty bad tonight. Our RBs are getting tackled in the backfield. 7 tackles by SUU for a loss.

Genius counsel there LA. Jesus Christ our o-line needs more fawkin' work.

[DrumNFeather]

The O-line seems to be pretty bad tonight. Our RBs are getting tackled in the backfield. 7 tackles by SUU for a loss.
Combo of poor line play and RBs not hitting the hole. Joe Williams doesn't remotely look like the player he was last year...almost as though his head isn't in it.

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[Devildog]

O-line... seriously. You are responsible for this mess. You sucked tonight. The PAC will destroy this line. Please get your shit together.

Damn... I'm sorry to have bought in with the offensive hype... Clearly, it is not ready for prime time yet. Jesus, not even close yet. The o line really sucked. We are not ready yet. SUU kicked your ass.

[sancho]

Combo of poor line play and RBs not hitting the hole. Joe Williams doesn't remotely look like the player he was last year

The fumble looked like last year!

[LA Ute]

Huntley looks good.

[LA Ute]

The fumble looked like last year!

As in, nobody even touched him or the ball?

[DrumNFeather]

The fumble looked like last year!
LOL touche.

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[tooblue]

This thread is hilarious. This game tells us nothing about Utah. SUU is hopelessly overmatched, and Utah is playing possum with an even more vanilla game plan offensively than usual. The QB looks like he can sling it when asked. The only question is will he be asked to do more than throw the screen and the fly up the side-line—can he make the reads, find and hit receivers over the middle? The defense looks solid, and potentially dominant ... but again, the gameplay overall is vanilla.

[LA Ute]

Seems to me people think BYU has a decent D-line. Unless our O-line steps things up, it might be a tough game on the 10th.

[Devildog]

The fumble looked like last year!

Your fault Sancho. This lame ass performance I completely blame on you. Your fault fawker.

[sancho]

My post game thoughts:

I wanted to see the qb and wr play, and I'm encouraged. Williams looks like an adequate replacement for Travis with potential to be very good. We spread the ball to a lot of receivers, and Patrick was great.

Everything else was about as expected for me. I knew we'd miss Booker a lot, but we might miss him even more than I thought. Have to wonder who's getting the carries next week.

[tooblue]

Seems to me people think BYU has a decent D-line. Unless our O-line steps things up, it might be a tough game on the 10th.

In light of your comment, I'd love to be optimistic. But Utah is playing possum ... this is a scrimmage and nothing more.

[sancho]

Your fault Sancho. This lame ass performance I completely blame on you. Your fault fawker.

That's fair. I'm gonna do better next week.

[Solon]

O-line... seriously. You are responsible for this mess. You sucked tonight. The PAC will destroy this line. Please get your shit together.

Damn... I'm sorry to have bought in with the offensive hype... Clearly, it is not ready for prime time yet. Jesus, not even close yet. The o line really sucked. We are not ready yet. SUU kicked your ass.

hey, it was a 24-0 win. SUU's offense did nothing. Utes got a lead & protected it.
i am encouraged by this game. We saw some 3rd down conversions tonight through the air - something we rarely saw last year. This was SUU's Super Bowl & the Utes dominated. There's a lot to work on, but I am bullish on this team.

[Devildog]

hey, it was a 24-0 win. SUU's offense did nothing. Utes got a lead & protected it.
i am encouraged by this game. We saw some 3rd down conversions tonight through the air - something we rarely saw last year. This was SUU's Super Bowl & the Utes dominated. There's a lot to work on, but I am bullish on this team.

This is ridiculous. SUU really has no business showing respectfully against Utah. The difference in players should be obvious. 24 -0? Against an FCS team? Our O-line needs to huddle up and talk. The bYu would have hurt us. Jesus... SUU made our o-line look weak.

[Utah]

Well...my 70-0 prediction was...half right?

The funny thing is, I feel better about our team now than I did this morning. Our defense was unreal. It dominate...while not really being there. Marcus Williams is amazing.

I love what I saw from Troy Williams. His pocket presence, his reading through progressions, his keeping his eyes downfield...I like what we have in him. I really like what we have in him.

Our OL needs help. We need to do better. Good thing BYU's DL is so banged up coming into our game.

We need a RB that can run through the tackles. If we can find a RB that can get us three yards...we could be really, really solid. Combined with our Defense? We could be good.

We aren't there yet. Right now we are an 8 win team. If we can improve the OL and find a tough RB, we could be much, much better.

[LA Ute]

There is a lot to be happy about. We can all just hope that this will be a good learning experience that has shown the coaches and the players what they need to do. The offensive line seems like the place to start.

[Utah]

There is a lot to be happy about. We can all just hope that this will be a good learning experience that has shown the coaches and the players what they need to do. The offensive line seems like the place to start.

The most improvement comes between week 1 and week 2, correct?

Plus, I think we will be a little more fired up for our next game, don't you?

[LA Ute]

Dolce made a good point about Troy Williams: he had a good game despite the lack of protection his offensive line gave him. That's a potential bright spot. If the O-line improves Troy could be very successful.

[LA Ute]

The most improvement comes between week 1 and week 2, correct?

Plus, I think we will be a little more fired up for our next game, don't you?

Yep!

[UTEopia]

Seems to me people think BYU has a decent D-line. Unless our O-line steps things up, it might be a tough game on the 10th.

USC, UCLA and BYU totally manhandled our OL a year ago. The OL should be embarrassed by their performance tonight. They were pathetic.

[Ma'ake]

USC, UCLA and BYU totally manhandled our OL a year ago. The OL should be embarrassed by their performance tonight. They were pathetic.

Ragged first game. Bomb to Singletary, then only get 3? The OL has a lot to tighten up. They're veterans, they're not going to sag. For that matter, the DL looked scary ragged for way too many snaps.

The receivers took their game up about 3 levels, compared to the spring game. Tim Patrick looks like a nice weapon. Singleton could be productive, Fulks, for a first game, was much better with his hands than expected, and then we pulled him out and went with Moeai in a big formation to get the run game going. Simpkins didn't look like a freshman, Tyrone Smith was lost on some plays where Troy missed him by a mile, but they he made a few plays. I didn't expect to see Siaosi Wilson play, but he didn't embarrass himself.

Troy is the real deal, even knowing to slide in the pocket as pressure collapses near him. Quick release, strong arm, good instincts. Easy to see why he was the #1 dual threat QB in highschool. As the position groups address their technical issues, and we get into warrior mode, Troy has the leadership skills to get into some grilles and lift the offense.

I know the OL didn't open any holes, but Joe Williams looked too soft, and he fumbled. McCormick looked really good, but he has no punch. Armand Shyne could get more & more snaps.

Among the backers, Sunia's like Gionni Paul, except faster, with probably less voodoo intuition. Barton got better as the game went a long, and I'm glad Kavika is getting plenty of snaps, and can easily get into a 3 point and be a good DE.

Mysteries (to me): Hatfield, and Moss.

With 9 days to prep for the next game, I think we can get most of the correctable problems 80% addressed.

It's only one game, but Mitch has a seriously strong leg, and the kick off kicker is an improvement.

Guys are going to get blasted in the film room, seniors will lift players that need to be led, a couple of extra days to fully absorb the corrective actions coming, and get cranked up for BYU.

[Diehard Ute]

Ragged first game. Bomb to Singletary, then only get 3? The OL has a lot to tighten up. They're veterans, they're not going to sag. For that matter, the DL looked scary ragged for way too many snaps.

The receivers took their game up about 3 levels, compared to the spring game. Tim Patrick looks like a nice weapon. Singleton could be productive, Fulks, for a first game, was much better with his hands than expected, and then we pulled him out and went with Moeai in a big formation to get the run game going. Simpkins didn't look like a freshman, Tyrone Smith was lost on some plays where Troy missed him by a mile, but they he made a few plays. I didn't expect to see Siaosi Wilson play, but he didn't embarrass himself.

Troy is the real deal, even knowing to slide in the pocket as pressure collapses near him. Quick release, strong arm, good instincts. Easy to see why he was the #1 dual threat QB in highschool. As the position groups address their technical issues, and we get into warrior mode, Troy has the leadership skills to get into some grilles and lift the offense.

I know the OL didn't open any holes, but Joe Williams looked too soft, and he fumbled. McCormick looked really good, but he has no punch. Armand Shyne could get more & more snaps.

Among the backers, Sunia's like Gionni Paul, except faster, with probably less voodoo intuition. Barton got better as the game went a long, and I'm glad Kavika is getting plenty of snaps, and can easily get into a 3 point and be a good DE.

Mysteries (to me): Hatfield, and Moss.

With 9 days to prep for the next game, I think we can get most of the correctable problems 80% addressed.

It's only one game, but Mitch has a seriously strong leg, and the kick off kicker is an improvement.

Guys are going to get blasted in the film room, seniors will lift players that need to be led, a couple of extra days to fully absorb the corrective actions coming, and get cranked up for BYU.

Domo sprained his knee Monday in practice. Hoping to be back for USC.

Moss tweeted (before the game) he'll be back next week.

Thought Riley and Dolce made a good point about the 5 DL look not being effective early. I know Dimick says he likes it but I'm not sold on one backer.

Oh and Phillips isn't in the running to kick off with his two broken toes.



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[LA Ute]

We didn't see much from Chase Hansen in this game. Or did I miss it?

[Redbird]

I thought we looked okay. Troy Williams looked pretty good. The o-line has nowhere to go but up. And the D made some nice adjustments after the first quarter.

[sancho]

We didn't see much from Chase Hansen in this game. Or did I miss it?

I guess there weren't many opportunities to make plays back there.

[NorthwestUteFan]

SUU had 156 yds of Offense and only 7 First Downs.

Utah has a passing game thst isn't 'chuck it and pray somebody grabs it'.

Joe Williams still carries the ball too far out. Troy McCormick is still a firecracker. Saw some good plays from Armand Shyne.

Tim Patrick looked very good.

Coaches all get to scream at the players all week. That is good. Especially on the O line. Garret Bolles had a bad case of the Cullens. He will get that fixed.

[Ma'ake]

We didn't see much from Chase Hansen in this game. Or did I miss it?

Chase played, he has a big club on his right hand, which is another reason to have Jason Thompson as the #3 QB.

If was a first game, against a FCS school that was determined to not disrespect themselves - hence the stout resistance on the lines - so it was an unconventional matchup where Chase didn't really have a good chance make an impact.

Andre Godfrey played some SS, as well, and Chase was on the sidelines, not hurt or anything, so it was more about getting some snaps for Godfrey.

With Domo out, Brian Allen looked really good. He got picked on less than Porter, I think they decided to use their best WR and their pretty impressive QB Hill on out routes vs Porter.

First game out of the way, minimal injuries, plenty of fuel for making the guys want to show better next week, especially up front. On balance, a solid first outing, though ragged.

[DrumNFeather]

DNF's 5 Key Takeaways from Game #1:

1) Nothing from this game indicates what kind of season we're going to have. This is who we are...we look sluggish against bad teams and Whit doesn't really care about style points. To that end...
2) I wonder if a big part of our OL issues had to do with the opponent....i.e. they knew they were bigger, stronger, faster, and did not give maximum effort. Also, you have to wonder if all of the shuffling of lineman during fall camp, including Diehlman at Center made it so that this OL is just not a cohesive unit yet.
3) It seemed to me like part of the reason SUU got so much penetration, particularly off the edge was the poor blocking by our TEs. Moei got beat a few times by the DE...so they'll need to clean that up.
4) The offense was so vanilla it might have put itself to sleep. I had visions last night of Troy McCormick running those swing pass/screens that we ran so effectively against Stanford when we beat them at RES and CSU in the bowl game before he got hurt. I think we'll see a lot more of that in the coming weeks, and I suspect it will be difficult for some folks to stop.
5) RBs need to hit the hole. I hope Joe Williams returns from wherever he was last night, because I think we're going to need all hands on deck at the RB position thus year.

Bonus takeaway: I really like Troy Williams. Had a couple of overthrows, but that timing will come.

Bonus takeaway II: Boobie is gonna break one next week vs. BYU.

Kyle Whittingham win total: 96...four more until he reaches 100.

[LA Ute]

DNF's 5 Key Takeaways from Game #1:

1) Nothing from this game indicates what kind of season we're going to have. This is who we are...we look sluggish against bad teams and Whit doesn't really care about style points. To that end...
2) I wonder if a big part of our OL issues had to do with the opponent....i.e. they knew they were bigger, stronger, faster, and did not give maximum effort. Also, you have to wonder if all of the shuffling of lineman during fall camp, including Diehlman at Center made it so that this OL is just not a cohesive unit yet.
3) It seemed to me like part of the reason SUU got so much penetration, particularly off the edge was the poor blocking by our TEs. Moei got beat a few times by the DE...so they'll need to clean that up.
4) The offense was so vanilla it might have put itself to sleep. I had visions last night of Troy McCormick running those swing pass/screens that we ran so effectively against Stanford when we beat them at RES and CSU in the bowl game before he got hurt. I think we'll see a lot more of that in the coming weeks, and I suspect it will be difficult for some folks to stop.
5) RBs need to hit the hole. I hope Joe Williams returns from wherever he was last night, because I think we're going to need all hands on deck at the RB position thus year.

Bonus takeaway: I really like Troy Williams. Had a couple of overthrows, but that timing will come.

Bonus takeaway II: Boobie is gonna break one next week vs. BYU.

Kyle Whittingham win total: 96...four more until he reaches 100.

Good post. I also enjoyed Ma'ake's breakdown.

[LA Ute]

I guess there weren't many opportunities to make plays back there.

Maybe. I wasn't criticizing him, it just occurred to me after the game that his name hadn't come up. In the last game he played before getting hurt, he had 11 tackles while playing safety. I'm sure will be hearing his name as the season rolls along.

[LA Ute]

SUU had 156 yds of Offense and only 7 First Downs.

Utah has a passing game thst isn't 'chuck it and pray somebody grabs it'.

Joe Williams still carries the ball too far out. Troy McCormick is still a firecracker. Saw some good plays from Armand Shyne.

Tim Patrick looked very good.

Coaches all get to scream at the players all week. That is good. Especially on the O line. Garret Bolles had a bad case of the Cullens. He will get that fixed.

Good breakdown.

[concerned]

anybody know why Caleb Repp didnt play (at least i dont think I saw him).

[Diehard Ute]

Dielman's struggles snapping the ball certainly didn't help. When every snap is low it has to throw the timing of some plays off. Williams did a good job making it less of an issue.


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[sancho]

DNF's 5 Key Takeaways from Game #1:


Agree with all!

We already knew we had a good defense. Our one question mark is LB, and this game doesn't tell us anything about that position.

On offense, we were hoping that our WR corps would go from abyssmal to serviceable, and there's still reason to hold that hope.

We had a good QB last season, and we at least aren't going to be worse this season. I think we might be better. Williams had a few really bad misses, but he also had some nice throws.

The only position where we clearly regressed is RB, and anyone should have seen that coming. Booker is a special back. It is extremely rare to have a RB where you feel 100% confident in short yardage situations. That's a once-in-a-generation luxury for a team.

I'm not worried about our Oline. They are experienced and have had success in the past. I don't think we were a great run block team last season either, but Booker made up for it.

[sancho]

Dielman's struggles snapping the ball certainly didn't help. When every snap is low it has to throw the timing of some plays off. Williams did a good job making it less of an issue.


That connection was definitely an issue.

[Utebiquitous]

Sancho,
I thought the game gave the linebackers something to work on. Both of them were slow to move into the gaps and make tackles at or behind the line of scrimmage on several occasions. They sat back and waited for the action to come to them. I think they both have the ability and physicality. A few more games and I think they become a strength.

[NorthwestUteFan]

Tim Patrick's technique on the TD where he boxed the defender away from the ball and caught the ball right in his gut was a thing beauty. I know or WRs are all physically talented, but the coaching upgrade is working its magic as well.

[Applejack]

I take nothing away from this game. But, a win (and a shutout) is a win. That's all I can ask for.

And what's up with Devildog? I've never seen a grown man bellyache so much about a 24-0 win. Chin up, fella, it's a long season. There will be real problems to cry about.

[LA Ute]

Tim Patrick's technique on the TD where he boxed the defender away from the ball and caught the ball right in his gut was a thing beauty. I know or WRs are all physically talented, but the coaching upgrade is working its magic as well.

Tim played basketball in JC, so we were seeing that experience in that play.

Also, Troy W. didn't throw two incomplete passes in a row all game long. That's nice. Lots of potential in the passing game.

[concerned]

Tim played basketball in JC, so we were seeing that experience in that play.

Also, Troy W. didn't throw two incomplete passes in a row all game long. That's nice. Lots of potential in the passing game.

I suspect that was a bad pass. I assume Patrick was supposed to jump up and get the ball over the smaller defender, but the pass was short.

[mUUser]

Gee, we won by what should've been the halftime score. Even if we sent the plays into the SUU D, there's no way this should've been a 24-0 game. The D's performance tells us nothing because we played a team that should've been shut out. 10 out of the 12 P12 teams would've thrown a shutout. The O line played abysmal, and was abused in the second half. I expect Shyne to replace Williams. This team really half-:moon:'d out there last night. Disappointing.

[LA Ute]

11 different Utes caught passes last night. I wonder when the last time that happened was?

[concerned]

11 different Utes caught passes last night. I wonder when the last time that happened was?

I wonder when was the last time we completed 11 passes total.

[LA Ute]

Another good thing from this game: future Utah opponents have to respect the threat of a long pass. Something new for us.

[Diehard Ute]

So for the more nuanced football minds on the board. Is it really helping us to not pick 5 OL and play them?

We rotated 3 tackles all night. I've heard many times the idea that chemistry is important with the OL, so is it a problem that we lack chemistry from drive to drive?


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[Utah]

Gee, we won by what should've been the halftime score. Even if we sent the plays into the SUU D, there's no way this should've been a 24-0 game. The D's performance tells us nothing because we played a team that should've been shut out. 10 out of the 12 P12 teams would've thrown a shutout. The O line played abysmal, and was abused in the second half. I expect Shyne to replace Williams. This team really half-:moon:'d out there last night. Disappointing.

It's amazing how much better a defense looks when you only run 3-5 plays for 60 mins.

[Utah]

So for the more nuanced football minds on the board. Is it really helping us to not pick 5 OL and play them?

We rotated 3 tackles all night. I've heard many times the idea that chemistry is important with the OL, so is it a problem that we lack chemistry from drive to drive?


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I think we are still figuring out who our other starting tackle is. Tevi had some bad mistakes early last night. So Whitt put Barton in to see what he can do. I still think we might move Bolles to RT if the RT doesn't get cleaned up fast. We know Tevi is a solid LT. When he switched to the other side, his technique is all backwards. So, if Bolles is an 8 level LT and Tevi is a 5 RT, but Tevi is a 7 LT and Bolles is a 7 RT, then we will move him.

Or if Barton steps up and takes the job.

So, yeah, it's best to stick with one OL. But they weren't good enough to do that.

Also, I think Moss missed a HUGE opportunity last night. It's too bad he was injured. I think when Williams fumbled, he had a huge opportunity to step in take the job. We need a RB that can run through the tackles.

[SeattleUte]

Posts that complain about the margin of victory against a team like SUU early in the season when we still win 24-0 are mindless drivel. Super stupid and a complete waste of everyone's time. Tooblue and the rest of you who said who cares are absolutely right. This king of thing happens over and over again all over the country this time of year. Teams rarely impress in this circumstance. It's almost better to be exposed and 70-3 wins are distasteful anyway. Jesus, get a life.

[sancho]

11 different Utes caught passes last night. I wonder when the last time that happened was?

I love tracking this stat. I don't know if it really correlates with quality, but I think it does.

[snafu]

Posts that complain about the margin of victory against a team like SUU early in the season when we still win 24-0 are mindless drivel. Super stupid and a complete waste of everyone's time. Tooblue and the rest of you who said who cares are absolutely right. This king of thing happens over and over again all over the country this time of year. Teams rarely impress in this circumstance. It's almost better to be exposed and 70-3 wins are distasteful anyway. Jesus, get a life.

Abosolutely right! Its silly to get worked up about it. This team is a work-in-progress, just like pretty much everyone else. This was a glorified scrimmage.

[LA Ute]

Abosolutely right! Its silly to get worked up about it. This team is a work-in-progress, just like pretty much everyone else. This was a glorified scrimmage.

Agreed. We'll see a very different performance next Saturday.

[Applejack]

The one thing we can all agree on is that scheduling D-2/FCS teams is a ripoff to fans. We should make a promise to the fans not to schedule FBS teams.

[wally]

It's over people. Cancel cable subscriptions, turn off the radio and start selling off your tickets. Inside sources are saying that Kyle is going to personally foot the bill to execute the cancellation clause for all remaining games this season. we are doomed.

[Diehard Ute]

The one thing we can all agree on is that scheduling D-2/FCS teams is a ripoff to fans. We should make a promise to the fans not to schedule FBS teams.

Nope. I had fun.


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[hostile]

Nope. I had fun.


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I wasn't able to attend due to work. But I came home and watched the recording with my 2 oldest kids. That was fun.

[Utah]

The one thing we can all agree on is that scheduling D-2/FCS teams is a ripoff to fans. We should make a promise to the fans not to schedule FBS teams.

It's a depth issue. Until we recruit a whole heck of a lot better than we have been recruiting, it makes no sense to schedule up in our OOC.

[U-Ute]

Receivers had some drops, but made some plays too.

It was nice to see Patrick living up to the long lived expectations.

We had a deep game without CBB. If/when he comes back, it'll be that much better.

[sancho]

Receivers had some drops, but made some plays too.

It was nice to see Patrick living up to the long lived expectations.


Patrick had the inside on the long throw that Williams missed. Anything to the inside, and I think it would be a catch.

[Solon]

The one thing we can all agree on is that scheduling D-2/FCS teams is a ripoff to fans. We should make a promise to the fans not to schedule FBS teams.

The FCS schools are very grateful for it, FWIW.

[Ma'ake]

For those sweating the 24 points, look how many we left on the field. First drive, Raelon gets tripped up by the 5 yard line, then we can't punch it in. 4 points.

Boobie likewise gets trips on a punt return that might have been a TD. (Can't remember if we scored on that possession). 7 points. Phillips misses a makeable FG. 3 points.

So, it could have easily been 39-0, or 35-0, against a team that cared enough to keep fighting.

Watching the highlights from Logan, I know Jay Hill is dealing with issues far bigger than football, but on a couple of TD runs, the Aggie RB was untouched.

Didn't we smoke Weber last year, 70-7?

As they say in the military, "the enemy has a vote". Give SUU credit for not just showing up and letting us blast forward for 7 yards a carry. That would have been a much bigger disservice to us, the fans, SUU... everyone. I'm glad they punched us in the mouth.

[Dwight Schr-Ute]

For those still enjoying your panty wad, #12 Michigan State is leading mighty Furman 14-3 halfway through the third.


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[Utah]

Ted Miller telling Ute fans to start freaking out:


My thoughts are this: Utah fans should run screaming into the streets.Then, when that gets old or people start to stare, they should go to The Pie and bring me a medium barbecue chicken cilantro because I am starving! First one here gets a slice.
Utah fans, I want you guys to hang out with Cal fans. The meshing of neuroses would be fun to watch. (Cal fans: "That might be fun but ... red ... hmmm. I don't know. Let me meditate on it. But only after Math Time.")
At the top of the Utah checklist, quarterback Troy Williams (http://www.espn.com/college-football/player/_/id/546876/troy-williams) looked good Thursday night. Pretty much the only reason I watched was to get some data on that. But I also noticed: 1. Williams has a solid No. 1 option in receiver Tim Patrick (http://www.espn.com/college-football/player/_/id/3134353/tim-patrick); 2. Troy McCormick looked like more than a backup running back.
Defense? It pitched a shutout. Nothing more needs to be said.
As for the leaky offensive line, well, that was a bit of a surprise, but I suspect a lot of that was due to a syndrome known as "we're playing an FCS team in Week 1."
I will be truly surprised if Utah's season doesn't live up to expectations because of its O-line.

[LA Ute]

Ted Miller telling Ute fans to start freaking out:

Lol. I recorded Swinney's post-game "Ute React" show and was listening this morning. Not sure he is the right guy for that show -- at least not alone. Anyway, he was in full panic mode about the o-line.

[U-Ute]

Huntley reminds me of Ratliff in that he is not afraid to sling it.

[USS Utah]

For those sweating the 24 points, look how many we left on the field. First drive, Raelon gets tripped up by the 5 yard line, then we can't punch it in. 4 points.

Boobie likewise gets trips on a punt return that might have been a TD. (Can't remember if we scored on that possession). 7 points. Phillips misses a makeable FG. 3 points.

Then there was the ref getting in the way of a sure TD pass.

It would have been nice to score more points, but my only real concern is with the OL. I figure Joe Williams just has a bad night.

[Dwight Schr-Ute]

Picking up right where the bacon got left off.

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160905/0273de2998b468a8911a74845c7b7f9e.jpg


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[NorthwestUteFan]

I love that. Mitch Wishnowski is going to surprise people this year. He averaged 55 yds per punt in this game.

I can't wait to see him on a fake punt. He is much bigger and faster than he appears, and is much faster and stronger than Tom Hackett. He is almost as big as Texas's '18-wheeler package' QB. He is going to flat out truck a defender at some point this year.