If a Tree Falls in Rice Eccles Stadium - Utah vs. Stanford 10/7/17

[DrumNFeather]

I know it's early for a thread, but the kick time was announced: 8:15 Mountain, Fox Sports 1.

[U-Ute]

I know it's early for a thread, but the kick time was announced: 8:15 Mountain, Fox Sports 1.

ugh.

xT8qBvH1pAhtfSx52U

[sancho]

ugh.


Hey, it gives Kylie an extra hour or two of healing time.

[U-Ute]

I'm not a uniform snob, but I'm digging these.

915626026910212097

[sancho]

I'm not a uniform snob, but I'm digging these.



Red and white, no black. Fits the rules. Thumbs up.

[Scorcho]

Hans Olsen‏ @975Hans (https://twitter.com/975Hans) 40m40 minutes ago (https://twitter.com/975Hans/status/915647309693644801)More



Stanford beat writer says JJ Arcega-Whiteside won't play for Stanford this Saturday."He's their best WR on the field."

______________________

probably inconsequential since they weren't going to throw the ball anyway

[sancho]

probably inconsequential since they weren't going to throw the ball anyway

Exactly. Wake me up when it's an offensive lineman.

[concerned]

Exactly. Wake me up when it's an offensive lineman.

Or Bryce Love

[sancho]

Or Bryce Love

I'd also take any of the local kids who ran from their destiny to the lazy comfort of Palo Alto, just so their friends and family don't get to see them play.

[Diehard Ute]

I'm not a uniform snob, but I'm digging these.

915626026910212097

As someone who spent too much time around Mac...hate white pants. Ma’ake will understand


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[U-Ute]

As someone who spent too much time around Mac...hate white pants. Ma’ake will understand


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I feel like we've overcome that curse.

[sancho]

10 position battles to watch this week:

https://athlonsports.com/college-football/college-footballs-10-best-position-battles-watch-week-6-2017


5. Utah DL Lowell Lotulelei, LB Kavika Luafatasaga and DB Chase Hansen vs. Stanford RB Bryce LoveCardinal running back Bryce Love is shooting up everybody’s Heisman list and it’s not hard to see why considering he’s leading the country in rushing at a pace not seen in 20 years. While he’s already faced some solid defenses, it’s a point of pride in Salt Lake City to stop the run and Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham has the track record to back it up. The Utes will need to have sure tacklers at every single level on Saturday night if they stand any chance in slowing the terrific tailback from the Farm however.

[LA Ute]

The pundits on Riley's show all seem to agree that Utah needs to keep Love out of the secondary. Nothing revolutionary there. the idea is that if they can at least slow him down at the LOS, he'll be less productive and might be held to 100 yards or so.

[DrumNFeather]

The last time we beat these guys in RES, we threw a ton of screens out on the edge to Poole (7 catches for 75 yards). Poole also ran for 111 yards on 22 carries. This makes me think that McCormick and DHC could be featured this week prominently. Hopefully the inside/out game is humming with Moss and the two previously mentioned.

I think Stanford will test our LBs with both Love and with former Bingham Tight End Dalton Shultz, who has two TDs on the year, and who will want to have a big game in his only appearance in front of family and friends.

How good is Bryce Love? He's got 8 rushing TDs on the season...we've got 7 as a team.

[LA Ute]

I have a single ticket for tomorrow's game. W13, Row 45. Face value is $71.00. Any takers?

[sancho]

How good is Bryce Love? He's got 8 rushing TDs on the season...we've got 7 as a team.

They are opening ridiculous holes for him, and once he's through a hole, he's gone.

[sancho]

I think Stanford will test our LBs with both Love and with former Bingham Tight End Dalton Shultz, who has two TDs on the year, and who will want to have a big game in his only appearance in front of family and friends.


This is a good time to point out the dishonesty in those who play for Stanford. They universally say they are going because they want a great education, but when they arrive, they immediately seek out the easiest majors on campus. They don't care about education; they want to belong to an elite club because they believe it will bring them easy fortune.

Of course, none of them would be admitted to Stanford without football.

[Mormon Red Death]

This is a good time to point out the dishonesty in those who play for Stanford. They universally say they are going because they want a great education, but when they arrive, they immediately seek out the easiest majors on campus. They don't care about education; they want to belong to an elite club because they believe it will bring them easy fortune.

Of course, none of them would be admitted to Stanford without football.
It's like those that go to duke. Michigan however would never be like that :p

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[Mormon Red Death]

If Williams would have just stepped up and ran on that 3rd down we get the first

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[mpfunk]

We are getting screwed by these officials. Absolutely screwed.

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[Diehard Ute]

Anyone want to send the ref a dictionary with the word incidental highlighted and bookmarked?


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[mpfunk]

Still waiting for some makeup calls after getting completely screwed over on 2 calls.

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[LA Ute]

Anyone want to send the ref a dictionary with the word incidental highlighted and bookmarked?


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The Stanford player took two steps before hitting Gay.

[mpfunk]

The Stanford player took two steps before hitting Gay.And that wasn't even the worst call on that series. 2 huge terrible and unacceptable calls that changed the game. Either one is called right and we score on that drive.

Then they compound it when Whittingham calls them on their shit with the personal foul. Just a joke.

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[chrisrenrut]

We keep blitzing on 3rd and long, and they keep converting with good Oline play and a good pass.

[LA Ute]

We keep blitzing on 3rd and long, and they keep converting with good Oline play and a good pass.

Yep

[SeattleUte]

Where is Carrington?

[Mormon Red Death]

Has the Stanford oline ever been called for holding?

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[sancho]

Has the Stanford oline ever been called for holding?

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Not in the harbaugh/shaw era.

[LA Ute]

Where is Carrington?

Stanford is double teaming him. Troy was able to make them pay for that early on by hitting other receivers left open but it seems like his accuracy problem kept him from doing that in the 2nd Q.

[SeattleUte]

I hate our snapper/center. How can he be so bad.

[chrisrenrut]

I hate our snapper/center. How can he be so bad.

Nepotism. Just kidding. I think Alex Whittingham was replaced. I didn't catch who was doing long snapping today.

[LA Ute]

I hate our snapper/center. How can he be so bad.

I think it’s Kyle’s son?

[chrisrenrut]

Red zone issues again. 1st and goal on the 2, and we end up with a field goal.

[LA Ute]

How is it we can’t punch it in from the 2?

[Diehard Ute]

Nepotism. Just kidding. I think Alex Whittingham was replaced. I didn't catch who was doing long snapping today.

Alex snapped the last field goal....which was way low.


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[Diehard Ute]

We’re seeing why Huntley was the guy


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[concerned]

We’re seeing why Huntley was the guy


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We would be winning if Huntley were playing

[Diehard Ute]

We would be winning if Huntley were playing

Agreed


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[concerned]

We would be winning if Huntley were playing

Until that last run

[Brian]

Not enough offense to win now, I fear.....

Why did we go away from the run on that last series?

[LA Ute]

Not enough offense to win now, I fear.....

Why did we go away from the run on that last series?

I’m just hoping it doesn’t get worse now.

[LA Ute]

Hey, with the 5-yard penalty we avoid the red zone. Let’s see if we can score from outside the red zone.

[Diehard Ute]

I honestly think I’d rather see Cooper Bateman right now.


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[Diehard Ute]

Yeah....if Huntley can’t go we need to try someone else.


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[LA Ute]

I think the components of the team that let us down tonight are first, the offensive line, and second, poor quarterback play.

[SoCalPat]

I think the components of the team that let us down tonight are first, the offensive line, and second, poor quarterback play.

And poor special teams play. We handed them 3 points on the bad punt snap. Kyle needs to be asked why family continues to underperform at such a crucial position.

Scalley's reckless blitzing handed Stanford its first TD. And I don't know what Marquise Blair was doing on the Love TD.

The defense, good as it was, never created a turnover.

You lose by 3, at home, everyone in the entire program shares blame equally.

[chrisrenrut]

If the Offense and Troy continue to play the way they did this game, I see maybe 2or 3 more wins on our schedule. ASU and Colorado feel winnable. At Oregon and UCLA are toss-ups. I don't see us winning any of the others unless we can find some way to improve offensively, or get more contribution in turnovers and scoring from the defense/special teams.

Our special teams struggles are bizarre. All of our problems are around snapping the ball. The amazing extra point at the end wasn't a bad snap per se, but I wonder if the holder is a affected by being nervous wondering where the snap is going to end up.

[sancho]

I think the components of the team that let us down tonight are first, the offensive line, and second, poor quarterback play.

I agree. Troy had no time to throw. I feel like we should have run the ball more than we did. I hated the decision to throw on 3rd and goal, knowing that Troy wouldn't have time to make anything happen. Really hurt to settle for a FG on our best drive of the game.

We didn't get pressure on their QB at all. Maybe that's because we were focused on stopping the run. Even when we blitzed, though, we didn't get close.

It's crazy to me that we only lost by 3. The offense was so bad. Stop Love on the one run, and there may be a different outcome. I don't think this Stanford team is very good.

The last few series are a reminder that you have to play smart, even when things seem desperate. Those were desperation interceptions, and we would kill to have those throws back.

I hope the geniuses who were ejected for targeting watch their defense give up 30 points in the first half next week. Those were textbook examples of why we have that rule.

[sancho]

And poor special teams play. We handed them 3 points on the bad punt snap. Kyle needs to be asked why family continues to underperform at such a crucial position.

Scalley's reckless blitzing handed Stanford its first TD. And I don't know what Marquise Blair was doing on the Love TD.


On the special teams snaps...ugh. All season long. How can we not get this fixed?

When your blitz fails to reach the QB, you have to stop blitzing! I think Scalley was mixing up differnt blitzes, trying to find one that would work. I mean, it makes sense to try it. Stanford's QBs have been their weakness all season. On a clear passing down, make the QB panic. But you have to get there.

[LA Ute]

And poor special teams play. We handed them 3 points on the bad punt snap. Kyle needs to be asked why family continues to underperform at such a crucial position.

Scalley's reckless blitzing handed Stanford its first TD. And I don't know what Marquise Blair was doing on the Love TD.

The defense, good as it was, never created a turnover.

You lose by 3, at home, everyone in the entire program shares blame equally.

Excellent points. I wondered why Scalley kept blitzing on 3rd and long when it became clear they were burning us on blitzes. On 2-3 third downs we almost got to the Stanford QB but he still completed a nice pass for a first down. And I too was surprised that the D couldn't manage a TO. Maybe Stanford just played too smart.

The O-line simply needed to allow us to punch it in on 2nd and goal from the 2, and they needed to give Williams some time to throw in the second half. He was running for his life too much. And poor Troy is too experienced to make the horrible decisions he made at times when we desperately needed someone to make a play.

[sancho]

And I too was surprised that the D couldn't manage a TO.

You can't plan on TOs. Fumbles are mostly luck. Interceptions will happen when you pressure a QB, which we didn't do at all.

[sancho]

From Wilner:

http://www.mercurynews.com/2017/10/08/saturday-night-five-lessons-from-week-six-tate-breaks-out-oregon-utah-break-down-a-november-to-remember-in-the-north/


Meanwhile, Utah’s Troy Williams played like a rookie making an emergency start, not a senior taking over the team he led one year ago.Williams forced passes, missed open receivers and generally looked out of sorts against Stanford. He undoubtedly made Utah fans miss Tyler Huntley all the more.
Then again, I place some of the fault for Utah’s performance (a 23-20 loss to Stanford) on the playcalling.
The Utes’ running backs averaged 6.1 yards per carry against a mediocre Stanford run defense. Why attempt only 22 running plays and have Williams throw 39 passes?
Should have been the other way around.

Our fan base would have killed ARod for this. Plus, even though we could not stop their pass rush, we regularly went with an empty backfield and no TEs.

[Utebiquitous]

Wilner is right on as to the play-calling. I'm not going to go BYU on Troy Taylor and declare our relatively inexperienced offensive coordinator a bust but we're seeing some growing pains, aren't we?

I'm particularly disappointed that the tight end simply is lost to Coach Taylor - especially routes in the middle of the field - shallow and middle seam routes. Harry Handley is 6'5" and 250 pounds - and he can run. We have our own Dalton Schultz and we're not using him. He was injured during training camp but he's been healthy all season. I don't get it. I suppose some of this is on the quarterbacks - I don't know that either Huntley or Williams sees the middle of the field well. On the other hand, Taylor's offense seems to be very boundary-oriented. The quarterbacks seem to be starting their progressions most of the time to the far right or far left and moving methodically across the field. Of course, tonight, Williams had about "one Mississippi" before needing to scramble.

[LA Ute]

KW’s post-game presser:

https://www.facebook.com/blocku/videos/1943918595822944/

[LA Ute]

You can't plan on TOs. Fumbles are mostly luck. Interceptions will happen when you pressure a QB, which we didn't do at all.

KW said the big difference in the game was the -2 turnover margin, that the stats were otherwise pretty even. That’s not to blame Troy Williams 100%. It points to poor pressure on Stanford’s QB. Fumbles aren’t always about luck; they’re often forced. Stanford just took good care of the ball. So did our runners.

[LA Ute]

I have to admit I'm not enthused about going to the Coliseum next Saturday if I have to watch last night's Williams against USC. I'll go, but not looking forward to that aspect of the game.

[sancho]

Fumbles aren’t always about luck; they’re often forced. Stanford just took good care of the ball. So did our runners.

I think forced fumbles are mostly a matter of luck too. Everyone ball carrier is trying to hold onto the ball, and every defender is trying to jar it loose. A helmet hits the ball just right, and a fumble happens. Sometimes carelessness plays a role, but it's not something you can plan on.

[LA Ute]

Statistically a very even game except for TOs:

http://www.espn.com/college-football/matchup?gameId=400935291

[concerned]

Statistically a very even game except for TOs:

And the most important TO doesnt show up in the stats--the botched snap and punt.

Q for everyone: we were debating the chicken and the egg question throughout--does Williams hold the ball too long, not make is reads correctly, thus allowing the pass rush to collapse on him, or does the o line not give him time to go through those progressions, or both. Does he have happy feet or is he running for his life?

Huntley seems to make decisions and get the ball out much faster. That, and his ability to evade the rush and run against a mediocre run defense at best, is why we all thought we would have won with him. (Kylie Fitts and Anae would have helped big time too.)

[UTEopia]

My takeaways.

1. The OL is decent at straight ahead run blocking but terrible at pass blocking. Agasiva is particularly bad and was frequently replaced by a recently converted DL.
2. Huntley partly made up for poor OL play with his athleticism.
3. It is hard to get comfortable and be consistent as a QB when you have pressure. Even when you have time, you are jumpy.
4. Too much changing of personnel groups for my taste. Players need to play in order to get a feel for the game.
5. Scoring TD's in the redzone is hard. Our D held Stanford to 3 FG attempts when they were inside the redzone.
6. Neither Handley not Whittingham seem capable of snapping the ball.
7. We had a very difficult time generating a pass rush without Fitts and Anae.
8. QB's who aren't pressured usually don't throw picks.
9. Huntley isn't coming back soon - In post game interview with Riley, Whit said that Williams and Bateman would compete this week in practice.
10. It is never as good or as bad as it looks - ask Oklahoma, Michigan, Florida . . .
11. The schedule doesn't get any easier.
12. The opponent has players who are doing their best to win. Sometimes they do.

[Diehard Ute]

And the most important TO doesnt show up in the stats--the botched snap and punt.

Q for everyone: we were debating the chicken and the egg question throughout--does Williams hold the ball too long, not make is reads correctly, thus allowing the pass rush to collapse on him, or does the o lone not give him time to go through those progressions, or both. Does he have happy feet or is he running for his life?

Huntley seems to make decisions and get the ball out much faster. That, and his ability to evade the rush and run against a mediocre run defense at best, is why we all thought we would have won with him. (Kylie Fitts and Anae would have helped big time too.)

Troy has target lock

He rarely runs through his progressions. I think it makes it easier to rush him because he will sit and watch that guy and not see anything else.

I like the guy, but even the way he handled the last two minutes bugged me. He was the slowest guy to get to the line. No running, no hustle, just wandering around. I expect more from a captain at QB.


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[Ma'ake]

KW said the big difference in the game was the -2 turnover margin, that the stats were otherwise pretty even. That’s not to blame Troy Williams 100%. It points to poor pressure on Stanford’s QB. Fumbles aren’t always about luck; they’re often forced. Stanford just took good care of the ball. So did our runners.

Clearly not Troy Williams' best game. Overthrows, underthrows, missing guys... ultimately throwing picks. He can play better than that.

But the difference in protection for QBs was stark. Stanford's DL beat Utah's OL, Williams was flushed out of the pocket it seemed like 2/3 of the time. Huntley would have done better, almost certainly, but he also would have had LBs or Safeties coming up to lay a serious hit on him.

I watched part of Arizona's win at Boulder, where UA brought in Khalil Tate, who is very similar to Dawkins in being a real dual threat QB, and he quickly ripped off two long TD runs Colorado had no answer for.

Next year - are we a dual threat QB offense under Huntley, or a pocket QB offense, under Tuttle? (I think there's room for both styles, and wish Troy would have backed up my point last night.) If you're a team that runs your QBs, you need 4 of that type of QB.


Brilliant defensive game plan by Scalley. The backbreaker run by Love was when Stanford got us into a spread defense, which allowed him to break a few tackles and go long distance.

[Diehard Ute]

Clearly not Troy Williams' best game. Overthrows, underthrows, missing guys... ultimately throwing picks. He can play better than that.

But the difference in protection for QBs was stark. Stanford's DL beat Utah's OL, Williams was flushed out of the pocket it seemed like 2/3 of the time. Huntley would have done better, almost certainly, but he also would have had LBs or Safeties coming up to lay a serious hit on him.

I watched part of Arizona's win at Boulder, where UA brought in Khalil Tate, who is very similar to Dawkins in being a real dual threat QB, and he quickly ripped off two long TD runs Colorado had no answer for.

Next year - are we a dual threat QB offense under Huntley, or a pocket QB offense, under Tuttle? (I think there's room for both styles, and wish Troy would have backed up my point last night.) If you're a team that runs your QBs, you need 4 of that type of QB.


Brilliant defensive game plan by Scalley. The backbreaker run by Love was when Stanford got us into a spread defense, which allowed him to break a few tackles and go long distance.

While I don’t think the protection is great, I don’t know that Troy let some plays develop.

It’s always hard to judge watching things live and in person, but several times he seemed flustered and intent to move when he had a decent pocket, but his first receiver was covered.

Just looked to me like he had happy feet all night. Maybe it was nerves, who knows.


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[sancho]

Huntley seems to make decisions and get the ball out much faster. That, and his ability to evade the rush and run against a mediocre run defense at best, is why we all thought we would have won with him. (Kylie Fitts and Anae would have helped big time too.)

Huntley is also accurate while moving.

[sancho]

How did Utah become cursed in the screen game? Feels like over a decade since we had any success with screens.

[UTEopia]

And the most important TO doesnt show up in the stats--the botched snap and punt.

Q for everyone: we were debating the chicken and the egg question throughout--does Williams hold the ball too long, not make is reads correctly, thus allowing the pass rush to collapse on him, or does the o line not give him time to go through those progressions, or both. Does he have happy feet or is he running for his life?

Huntley seems to make decisions and get the ball out much faster. That, and his ability to evade the rush and run against a mediocre run defense at best, is why we all thought we would have won with him. (Kylie Fitts and Anae would have helped big time too.)


I believe that Huntley is the better QB, but I also don't think it is fair to compare what Huntley did against sub-par defenses in SJSU, BYU and ND to the defenses Williams played against. The defenses are not comparable. Stanford was in Troy's face early and often. Huntley has not yet faced that and although we believe his athleticism will allow him to be successful, we don't know.

This game was a winnable game. IMO, it came down to several plays.

1. The botched snap that led to a Stanford FG and a 16-10 lead. Great effort by the D.
2. The inability on the next drive to punch it in on 2nd and 1 and take a 17-16 lead. Great drive and response by O before that.
3. Allowing Love to score on the second play, a 74 yard run, of the next drive.
4. The two interceptions.

[concerned]

I believe that Huntley is the better QB, but I also don't think it is fair to compare what Huntley did against sub-par defenses in SJSU, BYU and ND to the defenses Williams played against.


I hope I am not coming the two against different levels of competition. It just seems their mechanics are different. Example--the sideline throw to Carrington or a rb a yard or two behind the line. Huntley gets the ball out there more quickly than Troy, and the d has less time to react. I think that is tyrue on most throws. It takes Troy longer.

And as Sancho noted, Huntley is much more accurate throwing on the run, and seemingly better at finding receivers downfield as he runs. FWIW.

[UBlender]

I hope I am not coming the two against different levels of competition. It just seems their mechanics are different. Example--the sideline throw to Carrington or a rb a yard or two behind the line. Huntley gets the ball out there more quickly than Troy, and the d has less time to react. I think that is tyrue on most throws. It takes Troy longer.

And as Sancho noted, Huntley is much more accurate throwing on the run, and seemingly better at finding receivers downfield as he runs. FWIW.

I agree with this. Huntley may have inflated some stats against some bad teams. Stanford has a reputation as a great defense but statistically they are mediocre this year. They may yet be better than any other defense Utah has faced so far, but they aren't great. Troy just flat out missed a lot of guys that were open with inaccurate throws (in addition to not seeing a couple of wide open WRs). He's a strange QB, he can drop some beautiful dimes and then turn around and completely miss an open man on what appears to be a relatively basic throw.

I don't know if Troy has regressed or he checked out when he lost the job (despite saying all of the right things in public) or if he is simply not a fit for this offense. Whatever the case, he doesn't look like the same guy that calmly led Utah 95 yards downfield to win it in the waning seconds against USC.

I hope Huntley is back soon, but if not then I am also ready to see what Bateman can do. We're probably losing to USC no matter which of the three QBs plays so if we can take our lumps this week and improve our chances down the road then we need to do that.

[sancho]

I don't know if Troy has regressed or he checked out when he lost the job (despite saying all of the right things in public) or if he is simply not a fit for this offense. Whatever the case, he doesn't look like the same guy that calmly led Utah 95 yards downfield to win it in the waning seconds against USC.


He looked like Troy. Made some great throws, missed a handful of easy throws. He's had great moments, but the drive you reference vs USC isn't representative. Going into the season, I had hopes that another year of experience would bring out more of the strong moments.

[Diehard Ute]

Troy is Troy. His career completion percentage is 53%.


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[UTEopia]

Just watched the goal line series where it started 1st and goal from the 3 and we moved it to the 1/2 yard line. On 2nd down the right guard and center got blown up and we actually lost. On 3rd down, the play call was a WR screen to the left. The DB had it covered perfectly and Williams tried to escape and was sacked. Don't like the play call.

[Old Standing ute]

He looked like Troy. Made some great throws, missed a handful of easy throws. He's had great moments, but the drive you reference vs USC isn't representative. Going into the season, I had hopes that another year of experience would bring out more of the strong moments.easy score.


He consistently misses throws high-- although he skipped a few off the ground last night.
Missed Singleton on first series behind everyone when he threw a high line drive instead of lofting the throw--
Missed Carrington when he was open multiple times & he refuses to run when the pull it & keep it on the run option is wide open. Stanford's non-athlete QBs killed us with that play.

There is a reason Chris Peterson did not use him at Washington.
BUT he is the best option now---Groan.

[Dwight Schr-Ute]

I believe that Huntley is the better QB, but I also don't think it is fair to compare what Huntley did against sub-par defenses in SJSU, BYU and ND to the defenses Williams played against. The defenses are not comparable. Stanford was in Troy's face early and often. Huntley has not yet faced that and although we believe his athleticism will allow him to be successful, we don't know.


Don’t we have something to compare though? The first quarter of the Arizona game while Huntley was still in sure felt a lot different than the last three quarters when Williams was in. At first I chalked it up to Williams coming in cold. But after having two weeks, and looking more or less the same, I’m afraid that there’s a significant difference between the two.


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[SoCalPat]

Brilliant defensive game plan by Scalley. The backbreaker run by Love was when Stanford got us into a spread defense, which allowed him to break a few tackles and go long distance.

It was a good gameplan, especially in the second half when he stopped his maniacal blitzing. Once we started dropping guys in obvious pass downs, Stanford's air attack was pretty much shut down. Twice on Stanford's first TD drive, we sent 7 and got nowhere close to getting to the QB, who completed long passes for first downs. This is not the first time this year Morgan's hyper-aggressiveness has been on display.

[concerned]

I thought scalley made a good halftime adjustment to get the edge russers to stay home and shut down the qb keeper on the read option. Not much success on that after halftime.

[UTEopia]

Don’t we have something to compare though? The first quarter of the Arizona game while Huntley was still in sure felt a lot different than the last three quarters when Williams was in. At first I chalked it up to Williams coming in cold. But after having two weeks, and looking more or less the same, I’m afraid that there’s a significant difference between the two.

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I think you need more than a quarter. If you took the 2nd half of last year's USC game and said that is Troy Williams, I think you get my point. I am not saying that Tyler is not the better QB. I think from all indications, he is. I'm just not sure how he would look facing much, much better defenses. I don't think any of us do. Our OL is a huge problem for whoever is QB and unless that gets straightened out, we could be in for a tough second half of the season.

[Diehard Ute]

I think you need more than a quarter. If you took the 2nd half of last year's USC game and said that is Troy Williams, I think you get my point. I am not saying that Tyler is not the better QB. I think from all indications, he is. I'm just not sure how he would look facing much, much better defenses. I don't think any of us do. Our OL is a huge problem for whoever is QB and unless that gets straightened out, we could be in for a tough second half of the season.

While I don’t necessarily disagree with you, I think it’s hard to ignore Troy’s history.

He had a good OL last year, and completed 53% of his passes. He’s at 50% through 7 quarters this year.

We just need to be realistic with Troy, he’s going to have several bad throws a game.


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[UTEopia]

While I don’t necessarily disagree with you, I think it’s hard to ignore Troy’s history.

He had a good OL last year, and completed 53% of his passes. He’s at 50% through 7 quarters this year.

We just need to be realistic with Troy, he’s going to have several bad throws a game.


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You are probably right. I just don't think the problems last night can all be put on him. I think the redzone failure from the 1 was poor execution by the OL on the 2nd down and a terrible play call on the 3rd down.

[SoCalPat]

While I don’t necessarily disagree with you, I think it’s hard to ignore Troy’s history.

He had a good OL last year, and completed 53% of his passes. He’s at 50% through 7 quarters this year.

We just need to be realistic with Troy, he’s going to have several bad throws a game.


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We throw deep more often with Troy, which leads to a lower completion percentage, but more chunk plays in the passing game.

YPA is a more meaningful stat than completion percentage, and Troy was better among his peers in that regard than he was completion percentage.

Troy's biggest issue surrounding him is that we have a hard time setting up play-action, because our O-line is so bad at pass blocking.

[Scorcho]

positives
- only 1 injury that I remember (special teams captain)
- reduced number of penalties
- run game looked good ( 6 yrd. avg, except only 22 runs vs. 39 pass )


negatives
- no defensive QB pressure
- no takeaways
- pass protection and TW's happy feet are a bad combo ( especially if you're going to throw it 39 times )

This reminded me of last year's Cal game, except Stanford is better than last years Cal team.

[Two Utes]

I hope I am not coming the two against different levels of competition. It just seems their mechanics are different. Example--the sideline throw to Carrington or a rb a yard or two behind the line. Huntley gets the ball out there more quickly than Troy, and the d has less time to react. I think that is tyrue on most throws. It takes Troy longer.

And as Sancho noted, Huntley is much more accurate throwing on the run, and seemingly better at finding receivers downfield as he runs. FWIW.

Huntley gets it off quicker. Williams also takes off from the pocket quicker instead of staying in the pocket and delivering. And then he ALWAYS rolls right. And he can't run half as well as Huntley. He holds the ball a second or two too long before he delivers. And the defense doesn't respect his ability to keep the ball on the spread option.

And does anybody know why we were so much quicker calling plays with Huntley than Williams? Was that because we were playing Stanford or because we had to slow down for Williams?

[sancho]

And does anybody know why we were so much quicker calling plays with Huntley than Williams? Was that because we were playing Stanford or because we had to slow down for Williams?

I suspect that we slowed the offense down in the 3rd quarter because we wanted to give our defense time to recuperate. If you are going 3-and-out, you can't hurry up the offense.

I haven't heard anyone official say that, though.

[UTEopia]

And does anybody know why we were so much quicker calling plays with Huntley than Williams? Was that because we were playing Stanford or because we had to slow down for Williams?


It it looked like we struggled getting the right personnel groups on the field and we kept moving the trips from left to right and it takes time. When the offense is rolling it is easy to call plays. When it isn't, you take a few seconds longer. Players are standing waiting and then have to move to formation. WR's need to be set.

[Solon]

Huntley gets it off quicker. Williams also takes off from the pocket quicker instead of staying in the pocket and delivering. And then he ALWAYS rolls right. And he can't run half as well as Huntley. He holds the ball a second or two too long before he delivers. And the defense doesn't respect his ability to keep the ball on the spread option.

And does anybody know why we were so much quicker calling plays with Huntley than Williams? Was that because we were playing Stanford or because we had to slow down for Williams?

This is along the lines of what I was wondering. Even after the bye week to prepare, Williams might not have the green-light with the entire playbook. They definitely seemed to be running a stripped-down version of the playbook, but - again - that might be a factor of the competition more than a feature of the QB.

[SoCalPat]

positives
- only 1 injury that I remember (special teams captain)
- reduced number of penalties
- run game looked good ( 6 yrd. avg, except only 22 runs vs. 39 pass )


This reminded me of last year's Cal game, except Stanford is better than last years Cal team.

This is what worries me most about Taylor. Stanford ranked 94th vs. the run this year. We knew that for a full week. We also knew that passing a lot behind this O-line with Troy at QB was a scenario we wanted to avoid as much as possible and went a long ways toward Huntley earning the job. Taylor called the game he wanted or is used to calling, rather than adjusting for his own personnel and the opponent.

It's a team loss all the way across players and coaches, but at least Scalley adjusted as the night went on. Taylor was abysmal.

First drive, 2nd and 3 is followed by two incomplete passes.

Second drive, our best drive of the night, but you can see Taylor getting into pass-happy mode here. All three times before the short TD run by Moss, we passed on 1st and 10.

Third drive, twice we pass incomplete on 1st and 10. The one time we ran on 1st and 10? DHC busts a 31-yard gain.

Fourth drive, 3 and out, featuring you know what on 1st and 10.

Fifth drive, would've been our best drive if we finished with a TD. Mixed run and pass well. But we go run-run-pass in goal-to-go and settle for 3.

Sixth drive, an INC would've been better there than the 3-yard loss to Carrington. 3 and out

Seventh drive, Moss and DHC combine for 22 carries. 9 came on this drive alone. And again, we go run-run-pass in the red zone and settle for 3. Way beyond predictable. I've said it before, I'll say it again: I am convinced Kyle takes over playcalling inside the 5 or in goal-to-go situations. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if Kyle called this entire drive. Troy Taylor did not rise through the coaching ranks as fast as he has by being so vanilla in goal-to-go. There's no other explanation, and Kyle wouldn't be the first coach I know of to do likewise.

Eighth drive, one first down, six plays, five pass attempts and a 1-yard run by Troy. Now we're in full personality disorder mode on offense.

Ninth drive, after the long Love TD run to put us down by 10. There's 12:02 left. Plenty of time, but we gotta be careful as we can't drain too much clock. Finally, we find Carrington for two big pass plays, and use a 16-yard Williams run to get out of a hole created by a holding penalty to start the drive. But again, we pass on first down (1st-and-15) and Troy makes one of the five worst throws I've seen a Utah QB make. Everything failed us on this play.

Tenth drive, INT on first play, but I can't fault the call here. Just a horribly thrown ball by Troy.

11th drive, TD, but again, in hurry-up mode, there's no time to run the ball here.

We passed way too often on first down. Troy's strength is on deep balls. So we're often playing behind the sticks, compounding our offensive problems even further because this is not a great pass-blocking line. We could've gotten a better-called game from a top Madden player. This was atrocious.

[Brian]

Great summary of each drive. Thanks!

That drive #9 was so frustrating. We were killing them with the run on that 6 or 7 minute drive. Our D was shutting them down. Time to drive with the run, score. Then rely on the D to get the ball back and one more drive for the tie/win.

[concerned]

I've said it before, I'll say it again: I am convinced Kyle takes over playcalling inside the 5 or in goal-to-go situations. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if Kyle called this entire drive. Troy Taylor did not rise through the coaching ranks as fast as he has by being so vanilla in goal-to-go. There's no other explanation, and Kyle wouldn't be the first coach I know of to do likewise.

Yep. you say it every year, and every year I say its urban legend. Especially this year. I don't believe for a second that KW told TT the plays to run inside the 10 (or 5) after everything that has been said about giving TT total control of the offense, and the need t improve red zone production. If you tried to convince me that Trump had the largest inauguration crowds, I would believe it first.

[sancho]

It's a team loss all the way across players and coaches, but at least Scalley adjusted as the night went on. Taylor was abysmal.


So, most of us believe we win that game with Huntley instead of Williams. Do we win that game with ARod instead of Taylor?


I've said it before, I'll say it again: I am convinced Kyle takes over playcalling inside the 5 or in goal-to-go situations. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if Kyle called this entire drive. Troy Taylor did not rise through the coaching ranks as fast as he has by being so vanilla in goal-to-go. There's no other explanation, and Kyle wouldn't be the first coach I know of to do likewise.


I'm with concerned. I don't buy this.

When we hit 1st and goal on the 2, I screamed "three runs!" I just had no confidence in a pass play at that point. You can be creative with three runs, or you can run it up the middle each time. I don't care - just run it three times in that game at that time.

[U-Ute]

Thanksgiving dinner should be fun:

Kyle, holding up wishbone: "Alex, do you think you could snap this?" *death stare*

I joke, but there has to be an insane amount of pressure being Kyle's kid.

Interesting note: Twitter said we had a long snapper commit sunday morning.

[Diehard Ute]

We throw deep more often with Troy, which leads to a lower completion percentage, but more chunk plays in the passing game.

YPA is a more meaningful stat than completion percentage, and Troy was better among his peers in that regard than he was completion percentage.
Troy's biggest issue surrounding him is that we have a hard time setting up play-action, because our O-line is so bad at pass blocking.

Yet Troy was at 7.1 last year and 6.4 this year.

Huntley is at 8.1 this year.

While Troy fares slightly better in YPA he’s still bottom 1/3.






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[Rocker Ute]

Thanksgiving dinner should be fun:

Kyle, holding up wishbone: "Alex, do you think you could snap this?" *death stare*

I joke, but there has to be an insane amount of pressure being Kyle's kid.

Interesting note: Twitter said we had a long snapper commit sunday morning.

Whittingham in his press conference today talked about that situation. Apparently Harry Handley was the heir-apparent to Chase Dominguez last year, Kyle claimed he was doing a great job, but of course got hurt. Because they were counting on Handley they didn't have a scholarship for a long snapper. They 'had another guy' on the team who was apparently great, but because he didn't have a scholarship and it looked like Handley would play he transferred. The next guy in line broke his arm and so Alex stepped up because he had been practicing it.

Whittingham mentioned it is hard to have a guy playing on offense and then doing the long snaps because they don't get to warm up, but said they were 'working around the clock' this week to fix the problem. Then he said that Alex was going to do 'short snaps' and Handley would do 'long snaps' going forward.

[SoCalPat]

Yep. you say it every year, and every year I say its urban legend. Especially this year. I don't believe for a second that KW told TT the plays to run inside the 10 (or 5) after everything that has been said about giving TT total control of the offense, and the need t improve red zone production. If you tried to convince me that Trump had the largest inauguration crowds, I would believe it first.

Actually, it's only this year that I've really insisted it's true. I probably brought it up last year/this offseason as a possibility, but wasn't sure. But seeing how the game is called between the 20s, and then when it's goal-to-go -- I would've had no reason to say what I've said about Kyle until this year anyway.

This year, we're 112th in TD percentage in the red zone

Last year, 115th

2015: 65th

2014: 78th

2013: 51st

2012: 38th (Ironically enough, this was the rare shining statistic in what was otherwise our worst offensive team ever under Kyle)

2011: 98th

At best, we've been an average team in this regard. Typically, we're well below average, and it's two years running we're among the nation's worst.

I believe Kyle, if not all/most coaches, have more final say on decisions than most. For me, it's not that big of a leap from deciding to go for it on 4th down to taking over playcalling near the goal line. For the money we're paying Kyle, he has that right to have absolute authority on gameday in key situations. We all just want results, and when it comes to TDs in the red zone, we ain't seeing it by a long shot.

[SoCalPat]

Whittingham in his press conference today talked about that situation. Apparently Harry Handley was the heir-apparent to Chase Dominguez last year, Kyle claimed he was doing a great job, but of course got hurt. Because they were counting on Handley they didn't have a scholarship for a long snapper. They 'had another guy' on the team who was apparently great, but because he didn't have a scholarship and it looked like Handley would play he transferred. The next guy in line broke his arm and so Alex stepped up because he had been practicing it.

Whittingham mentioned it is hard to have a guy playing on offense and then doing the long snaps because they don't get to warm up, but said they were 'working around the clock' this week to fix the problem. Then he said that Alex was going to do 'short snaps' and Handley would do 'long snaps' going forward.

They even have that noted on the depth chart. I've never seen that happen before, in any program, college or pro.

[SoCalPat]

Yet Troy was at 7.1 last year and 6.4 this year.

Huntley is at 8.1 this year.

While Troy fares slightly better in YPA he’s still bottom 1/3.






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Huntley is at 8.1 with only the worst of our schedule in the books. It's an encouraging number, but I bet Troy's YPA was better through 4 games than it was at season's end, too.

[SoCalPat]

So, most of us believe we win that game with Huntley instead of Williams. Do we win that game with ARod instead of Taylor?

This was a weird loss because the usual suspects (OC, play calling) weren't being trotted out like they have in the past. Having our backup QB in there, plus some uncharacteristic breakdowns in special teams -- this loss felt much different than previous losses. Also, Stanford was favored, and Utah actually covered the spread. I can't really find a parallel since we've been in the Pac-12.

[sancho]

This is what worries me most about Taylor. Stanford ranked 94th vs. the run this year. We knew that for a full week. We also knew that passing a lot behind this O-line with Troy at QB was a scenario we wanted to avoid as much as possible and went a long ways toward Huntley earning the job. Taylor called the game he wanted or is used to calling, rather than adjusting for his own personnel and the opponent.

It's a team loss all the way across players and coaches, but at least Scalley adjusted as the night went on. Taylor was abysmal.


So, I think we've all noticed that the TE position is dead in the new offense. We also seem to go with an empty backfield an awful lot. I'm not sure what aspects of an offensive system can be adjusted real time, but something has to be done in that situation to protect the QB.

[LA Ute]

This is what worries me most about Taylor. Stanford ranked 94th vs. the run this year. We knew that for a full week. We also knew that passing a lot behind this O-line with Troy at QB was a scenario we wanted to avoid as much as possible and went a long ways toward Huntley earning the job. Taylor called the game he wanted or is used to calling, rather than adjusting for his own personnel and the opponent.

It's a team loss all the way across players and coaches, but at least Scalley adjusted as the night went on. Taylor was abysmal.

First drive, 2nd and 3 is followed by two incomplete passes.

Second drive, our best drive of the night, but you can see Taylor getting into pass-happy mode here. All three times before the short TD run by Moss, we passed on 1st and 10.

Third drive, twice we pass incomplete on 1st and 10. The one time we ran on 1st and 10? DHC busts a 31-yard gain.

Fourth drive, 3 and out, featuring you know what on 1st and 10.

Fifth drive, would've been our best drive if we finished with a TD. Mixed run and pass well. But we go run-run-pass in goal-to-go and settle for 3.

Sixth drive, an INC would've been better there than the 3-yard loss to Carrington. 3 and out

Seventh drive, Moss and DHC combine for 22 carries. 9 came on this drive alone. And again, we go run-run-pass in the red zone and settle for 3. Way beyond predictable. I've said it before, I'll say it again: I am convinced Kyle takes over playcalling inside the 5 or in goal-to-go situations. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if Kyle called this entire drive. Troy Taylor did not rise through the coaching ranks as fast as he has by being so vanilla in goal-to-go. There's no other explanation, and Kyle wouldn't be the first coach I know of to do likewise.

Eighth drive, one first down, six plays, five pass attempts and a 1-yard run by Troy. Now we're in full personality disorder mode on offense.

Ninth drive, after the long Love TD run to put us down by 10. There's 12:02 left. Plenty of time, but we gotta be careful as we can't drain too much clock. Finally, we find Carrington for two big pass plays, and use a 16-yard Williams run to get out of a hole created by a holding penalty to start the drive. But again, we pass on first down (1st-and-15) and Troy makes one of the five worst throws I've seen a Utah QB make. Everything failed us on this play.

Tenth drive, INT on first play, but I can't fault the call here. Just a horribly thrown ball by Troy.

11th drive, TD, but again, in hurry-up mode, there's no time to run the ball here.

We passed way too often on first down. Troy's strength is on deep balls. So we're often playing behind the sticks, compounding our offensive problems even further because this is not a great pass-blocking line. We could've gotten a better-called game from a top Madden player. This was atrocious.

Great post.

[SoCalPat]

So, I think we've all noticed that the TE position is dead in the new offense. We also seem to go with an empty backfield an awful lot. I'm not sure what aspects of an offensive system can be adjusted real time, but something has to be done in that situation to protect the QB.

We've been using a TE in the backfield on some short yardage plays. I remember one play against Arizona that should've gone for huge yardage, but Moss just wasn't fast enough to get through the hole, and a UA defender clipped him at the ankles. I'm also going to be paying attention to formations and motion more. I get lulled into the game, and it's rare that something sticks out. I'm gonna pay more attention to that this week.

[Diehard Ute]

We've been using a TE in the backfield on some short yardage plays. I remember one play against Arizona that should've gone for huge yardage, but Moss just wasn't fast enough to get through the hole, and a UA defender clipped him at the ankles. I'm also going to be paying attention to formations and motion more. I get lulled into the game, and it's rare that something sticks out. I'm gonna pay more attention to that this week.

I remember a couple of interviews with Taylor where he said he wanted the TE to be able to line up in the backfield, on the end of the line or split out. I haven’t payed attention to the formations enough, but I imagine it’s no happening like he described it much.

I still wonder how much the injuries to both our TE’s affected things. They basically missed all of call camp.


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[SoCalPat]

I remember a couple of interviews with Taylor where he said he wanted the TE to be able to line up in the backfield, on the end of the line or split out. I haven’t payed attention to the formations enough, but I imagine it’s no happening like he described it much.

I still wonder how much the injuries to both our TE’s affected things. They basically missed all of call camp.

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I would say we have 2-3 plays per game in which we have a TE in the backfield, minimum. I can't remember one that didn't come in short-yardage or goal-to-go.

That said, when your base offense isn't based on a heavy formation, it's tough to go to one when you need it. Meanwhile, Stanford rolls out their 3 TE sets in their sleep.

[Utebiquitous]

Diehard, Uteopia, Socal - and anyone else with more football knowledge than me,
The tight end issue is driving me nuts. Can not being well for camp still be affecting using them? Is it quarterbacks who simply have their preferences and may not be very good looking at the short and intermediate middle routes normally reserved for tight ends? Is it Taylor's offense emphasizing boundary to boundary reads which basically eliminates one side of the field because the quarterback is looking left to right or right to left and taught to get the ball out quick?

We have tight ends in Handley and Siale who could basically "post-up" a linebacker or safety in the middle of the field and I just don't see those kinds of routes. It seems to me that the two passing priorities this offense should do is look for Carrington (nice adjustments in the second half Saturday to do that) and throw to the tight ends given their size and Handley's pass-catching ability.

I don't get it.

[sancho]

I would say we have 2-3 plays per game in which we have a TE in the backfield, minimum. I can't remember one that didn't come in short-yardage or goal-to-go.


We used a fullback, right? Who was that again?

Kinda related - did anyone see the block in the KC Chiefs game last night to protect Alex Smith? Flipped a cornerback blitz upside down.

[concerned]

We used a fullback, right? Who was that again?

Kinda related - did anyone see the block in the KC Chiefs game last night to protect Alex Smith? Flipped a cornerback blitz upside down.

The fullback was Ippolito, #48.

[U-Ute]

So, I think we've all noticed that the TE position is dead in the new offense. We also seem to go with an empty backfield an awful lot. I'm not sure what aspects of an offensive system can be adjusted real time, but something has to be done in that situation to protect the QB.

To be fair, with Fakalioatonga and Handley injured, we haven't had any TE's available for a while.

[Old Standing ute]

After watching tape of game after being there in person;

Right guard is a problem---Agasiva played first half. Stanford was running a basic stunt where D tackle goes to his right & DE loops behind him. Agasiva followed the DT leaving a huge gap. Or with no one directly over him he blocked down & blitzing LB ran through his gap. He was good on the run blocks.

Havili-Katoa played 2nd half & got completely run over early on when pass blocking--but on last drive was better. he was not as good on run blocks---partly why they did not do as well in 2nd half.

Several times there was a clean pocket & no one open immediately--at least Troy W did not throw it, & instead of hanging in there & stepping up into the pocket--he ran to the right. The Utes Right tackle had his man pushed that way so now Troy was under pressure & he also does not throw well on the run--did not work. Not sure if he can't see over the linemen or if he just gets nervous--but if he hangs in there someone will get open.
He was much better on this towards the end of the last drive.
Plus he missed several times where if he keeps the ball on run-option he had a huge hole---7:15 mark of 3rd quarter.

I was at U Ortho yesterday & word is Huntley may be back for ASU

[concerned]

After watching tape of game after being there in person;

Right guard is a problem---Agasiva played first half. Stanford was running a basic stunt where D tackle goes to his right & DE loops behind him. Agasiva followed the DT leaving a huge gap. Or with no one directly over him he blocked down & blitzing LB ran through his gap. He was good on the run blocks.

Havili-Katoa played 2nd half & got completely run over early on when pass blocking--but on last drive was better. he was not as good on run blocks---partly why they did not do as well in 2nd half.

Several times there was a clean pocket & no one open immediately--at least Troy W did not throw it, & instead of hanging in there & stepping up into the pocket--he ran to the right. The Utes Right tackle had his man pushed that way so now Troy was under pressure & he also does not throw well on the run--did not work. Not sure if he can't see over the linemen or if he just gets nervous--but if he hangs in there someone will get open.
He was much better on this towards the end of the last drive.
Plus he missed several times where if he keeps the ball on run-option he had a huge hole---7:15 mark of 3rd quarter.

I was at U Ortho yesterday & word is Huntley may be back for ASU

I have seen a lot of comments that TW didnt see or throw to open receivers. I did not see that so much at the game; was it obvious on tv?

Hans Olsen had some good breakdowns on you tube of our RG problems, including the play you mention above. He also showed a play where the guard picked up the stunt a few plays later.

[Brian]

What is Jan Jorgensen's youtube channel?

[concerned]

What is Jan Jorgensen's youtube channel?

Brain cramp. I meant Hans Olsen.

[U-Ute]

I have seen a lot of comments that TW didnt see or throw to open receivers. I did not see that so much at the game; was it obvious on tv?

Hans Olsen had some good breakdowns on you tube of our RG problems, including the play you mention above. He also showed a play where the guard picked up the stunt a few plays later.

Yeah, overall it seems like Hans confirmed what we all seemed to see: Our O-line struggled against Stanford.

[sancho]

I have seen a lot of comments that TW didnt see or throw to open receivers. I did not see that so much at the game; was it obvious on tv?


They highlighted it once or twice in replays.

[Utebiquitous]

Concerned,
I think you can see Hans' breakdowns on the 1280 The Zone site. I haven't looked at them for this week but he's posted the others there.

[concerned]

Concerned,
I think you can see Hans' breakdowns on the 1280 The Zone site. I haven't looked at them for this week but he's posted the others there.

I have looked at this weeks. I think he does great analysis. I really like watching them.

[Rocker Ute]

I have looked at this weeks. I think he does great analysis. I really like watching them.

I like Hans too... why do BYU fans hate him so badly now?

[LA Ute]

I like Hans too... why do BYU fans hate him so badly now?

Because he's a professional and doesn't shade his views in favor of the BYU.

[concerned]

Because he's a professional and doesn't shade his views in favor of the BYU.


Which to them means he has gone over to the dark side and has more loyalty to KW than to his alma mater. They also used to think Hans hated Bronco.

[LA Ute]

Which to them means he has gone over to the dark side and has more loyalty to KW than to his alma mater. They also used to think Hans hated Bronco.

Many BYU fans see the university as part of the church, especially athletics. So criticizing any aspect of the BYU is quasi-blasphemous and at the very least in bad taste or indicative of a lack of devotion to the church. I've been seeing this all my life.

[UTEopia]

Diehard, Uteopia, Socal - and anyone else with more football knowledge than me,
The tight end issue is driving me nuts. Can not being well for camp still be affecting using them? Is it quarterbacks who simply have their preferences and may not be very good looking at the short and intermediate middle routes normally reserved for tight ends? Is it Taylor's offense emphasizing boundary to boundary reads which basically eliminates one side of the field because the quarterback is looking left to right or right to left and taught to get the ball out quick?

We have tight ends in Handley and Siale who could basically "post-up" a linebacker or safety in the middle of the field and I just don't see those kinds of routes. It seems to me that the two passing priorities this offense should do is look for Carrington (nice adjustments in the second half Saturday to do that) and throw to the tight ends given their size and Handley's pass-catching ability.

I don't get it.

It is hard to do everything. I did see both Handley and Siale each involved in a couple of pass plays against Stanford. The one I watched from the start was a seam route to Handley that was well covered. I would guess that Taylor believes that his small quick guys are better matches against LBs. We ran more trips with a single receiver opposite against Stanford to make them make a choice. Either cover the single receiver man and have 4 covering 3 on the trips side or double the single side and play 3 v 3 on trips. It will be interesting to see how it evolves. Based on what we have seen so far, I wouldn't expect us to recruit many quality TEs

[SoCalPat]

I was at U Ortho yesterday & word is Huntley may be back for ASU

If he "may be" back for ASU, then he probably shouldn't be playing.

ASU is a freeroll for us as far as Huntley's health is concerned. If we lose to USC, we're not winning the South anyway, so why rush him?

OTOH, if we beat USC, you gotta figure we can beat ASU with a guy who had his best statistical game in league play against the Sun Devils.

[Utebiquitous]

Thanks Uteopia - I get caught up watching the ball so much on offense that I really haven't noticed what we're doing and personnel groups.