Bedeviling the Sun Devils 2017

[LA Ute]

Well, let’s get this one started. I hope the Utes come out this week angry and determined.

[chrisrenrut]

Well, let’s get this one started. I hope the Utes come out this week angry and determined.

Did anyone watch the ASU/Washington game? What did the Sun Devils do to hold the Washington offense to 7 points? I fear for our offense a bit if the Sun Devil defense is confident and disruptive.

[sancho]

Did anyone watch the ASU/Washington game? What did the Sun Devils do to hold the Washington offense to 7 points? I fear for our offense a bit if the Sun Devil defense is confident and disruptive.

ASU did what they always do - blitzed like mad.

[DrumNFeather]

This game all of the sudden has some intrigue as ASU is a real threat to get bowl eligible in the South, as are their counterparts the Wildcats. However, this is the Pac 12, and is fairly inconsistent from week to week. I like the Utes in this one, big.

[SoCalPat]

Did anyone watch the ASU/Washington game? What did the Sun Devils do to hold the Washington offense to 7 points? I fear for our offense a bit if the Sun Devil defense is confident and disruptive.

ASU had a bye week prior to this game. We mock Todd Graham, but he and his coaches didn't get to where they're at by not being able to generate good gameplans. Props to the coaches for the gameplan and to the players for carrying out their instructions.

Watkins is a good QB, and was statistically better than Troy last year. The problem at ASU has never been about offense, just like the problem at Utah has never been about defense. I think we win, but I don't know about covering 10.5 points. I will say it would be incredibly discouraging to lose and find ourselves two full games back of a team whose coach was a dead man walking not even a month ago.

[chrisrenrut]

Looking at the game summary and box score-

ASU was coming off a bye week, and playing at home. One ASU player said after the game that "It's not a shock to us. This game is what's going to turn the ship around. We dominated them tonight." That's an interesting mix of confidence and hope. My hope is that they do what happens a lot after a team has a huge win, a big letdown the following week.

Washington missed 2 short field goals. Browning was sacked 5 times. It was a very clean game on both sides in both turnovers and penalties. Washington was held to 230 yards total offense. ASU also had more time of possession 35 minutes to 25 minutes.

[SoCalPat]

This game all of the sudden has some intrigue as ASU is a real threat to get bowl eligible in the South, as are their counterparts the Wildcats. However, this is the Pac 12, and is fairly inconsistent from week to week. I like the Utes in this one, big.

I think bowl eligibility is a formality for ASU now. Their last four are all very winnable, and one of their two road games is at Oregon State. They're the last team standing that can realistically challenge USC for the South title. They'll be ready -- win this one and the next week they get USC in Tempe for what will likely decide the South crown.

[concerned]

I think bowl eligibility is a formality for ASU now. Their last four are all very winnable, and one of their two road games is at Oregon State. They're the last team standing that can realistically challenge USC for the South title. They'll be ready -- win this one and the next week they get USC in Tempe for what will likely decide the South crown.


sounds like a classic trap game to me. I hope.

[SoCalPat]

sounds like a classic trap game to me. I hope.

If we beat ASU, and ASU can beat USC, we're right back in this thing. Tiebreaker should favor the team that doesn't have to play Oregon State.

[Diehard Ute]

Huntley told Bill Riley this afternoon he’s cleared to practice.

Said he has no pain, his passes have the same zip, and he tried to sneak in to practice and take reps the past two weeks but got kicked out

Said he thought he had a chance to play last week, said it’s a greater chance this week


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[sancho]

Huntley told Bill Riley this afternoon he’s cleared to practice.

Said he has no pain, his passes have the same zip, and he tried to sneak in to practice and take reps the past two weeks but got kicked out

Said he thought he had a chance to play last week, said it’s a greater chance this week


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Sweet! Feel for Troy. He was so close (twice) to getting us a win.

[U-Ute]

Someone asked Whittingham about this yesterday. He said ASU got several sacks (like 6 or 8)

[redastheycome]

Depending on which casino you're looking at, Vegas favors our guys by between 8 1/2 and 10 points. ?!?!?!

I get being favored, but it's like the sportsbooks are writing off the ASU-UW game as a fluke. Surprising, and not sure I agree.

[DrumNFeather]

Depending on which casino you're looking at, Vegas favors our guys by between 8 1/2 and 10 points. ?!?!?!

I get being favored, but it's like the sportsbooks are writing off the ASU-UW game as a fluke. Surprising, and not sure I agree.

On the other hand, ASU is going on the road to one of the tougher venues to go and get a win in against a team who very nearly beat USC on the road and is now somewhat desperate at 1-2 in league play.

[concerned]

Have they said anything about Singleton's injury or status?

[sancho]

In the circumstances we are in - coming off two close losses to the better conference opponents - this game sure feels like a must win. I think most of us came away from USC with more confidence, but playing a great game against USC doesn't really mean much if we follow it up with a loss here.

[Dwight Schr-Ute]

According to Bill Riley, Huntley has officially been cleared to play.


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[LA Ute]

Defense starting off shaky. Hope they tighten up.

[LA Ute]

If our defense does not stiffen up, this could get ugly.

[sancho]

If our defense does not stiffen up, this could get ugly.

This is 100% on the offense so far. Not sure why we don't try to run.

[sancho]

10:30 minutes to 4:30 of possession in 1st Q. Moss with two carries so far.

[LA Ute]

10:30 minutes to 4:30 of possession in 1st Q. Moss with two carries so far.

Right, our offense needs to keep the ASU offense off the field. We need to score. It would be nice to get a turnover at this point.

But is not our defense being pretty much shredded right now?

[LA Ute]

I mean, maybe the defense is tired, but if so they’ve been tired since the first snap of the game.

[sancho]

I mean, maybe the defense is tired, but if so they’ve been tired since the first snap of the game.

You're right. The defense is also to blame. I was wrong about 100% on the O.

Finally got a stop. Let's make some points happen!

[LA Ute]

You're right. The defense is also to blame. I was wrong about 100% on the O.

The bright spot of the game for us right now is our punter’s performance.

[Mormon Red Death]

This is on the d. They gave forced 1 punt

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[sancho]

This is on the d. They gave forced 1 punt


I guess it's been a team effort because the offense has been a disaster.

[Mormon Red Death]

3 drives over 80 yards

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[Mormon Red Death]

We miss Hansen and tauteoli

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[LA Ute]

We miss Hansen and tauteoli

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Looks like the line of scrimmage is where we are being dominated.

[sancho]

2:1 edge on TOP. Maybe the defense was beat from the start, but now they're beat and gassed. Hard to imagine how a comeback happens in the 2nd half.

The defensive line is the most disappointing position group on the season. I think we all assumed it would be strong again, and it isn't.

[Mormon Red Death]

3 times we have had then on the 5 or less and they have scored everytime

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[Mormon Red Death]

One punt in the first half

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[sancho]

Getting out-muscled by a Todd Graham team is embarrassing.

[Mormon Red Death]

Let's build on this #allgayallday

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[Diehard Ute]

At this rate flag football will be here next year.


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[sancho]

At this rate flag football will be here next year.


All QBs should slide with their heads as high as possible.

Can't lead with the helmet. But getting a helmet on the ball is how so many fumbles - like the one we just got - are caused.

[LA Ute]

Well, the fumble recovery might change things. If we can score a touchdown here, suddenly it’s only 16 to 10. But can we score a touchdown?

These Utes are killing me.

[LA Ute]

Whoops, check that. No fumble. Oh well. Another score by ASU and we are pretty much out of this one.

[Diehard Ute]

You can’t play football under these rules, you just can’t.


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[Mormon Red Death]

Defense needs to sack up

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[Diehard Ute]

Defense needs to sack up

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Can’t. They’ll get ejected


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[Diehard Ute]

And frankly if either of those are targeting, ASU’s running back should have been ejected for targeting in the first half when he lowered his head to use the crown of his helmet.


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[Diehard Ute]

And that’s your ball game.


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[LA Ute]

You can’t play football under these rules, you just can’t.


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Indeed. How does a DB tackle an opponent who's diving for the end zone, and at the same time carefully avoid hitting the guy's head?

[Mormon Red Death]

Indeed. How does a DB tackle an opponent who's diving for the end zone, and at the same time carefully avoid hitting the guy's head?
put his hands out

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[Mormon Red Death]

How is it that we get penalized so much more than our opponents? 2 penalties on asu today

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[Diehard Ute]

How is it that we get penalized so much more than our opponents? 2 penalties on asu today

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ASU hasn’t been penalized all year.


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[LA Ute]

Maybe ASU was just a sleeper who is now waking up. After beating Washington the way they did, and now routing us at home, aren’t they a serious contender in the south?

[Mormon Red Death]

Maybe ASU was just a sleeper who is now waking up. After beating Washington the way they did, and now routing us at home, aren’t they a serious contender in the south?
They, Arizona and usc control their Own destiny

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[LA Ute]

Against PAC-12 competition it’s not at all clear that Huntley is better than Williams. Maybe Tyler’s just rusty after being out for 3 games.

[sancho]

Maybe ASU was just a sleeper who is now waking up. After beating Washington the way they did, and now routing us at home, aren’t they a serious contender in the south?

I think this has more to do with Utah than with ASU, but we'll see.

[Mormon Red Death]

Against PAC-12 competition it’s not at all clear that Huntley is better than Williams. Maybe Tyler’s just rusty after being out for 3 games.
It's clear his shoulder is hurt still. Every long pass sailed high

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[sancho]

It's clear his shoulder is hurt still. Every long pass sailed high


We only called a couple of runs for him (or for anyone). That's very different than the approach before.

[LA Ute]

An old adage/reminder for myself and others who might need it: You're never as bad as your worst game, or as good as your best game.

[hostile]

Wow. That was awesome. I think I would have preferred a colonoscopy. At least you get some sedation before getting bent over

[LA Ute]

In the post game interview, Kyle said he "had a sneaking suspicion" coming into this game that the two back-to-back losses by 4 points to ranked teams might have had a lingering impact on the team. I wondered the same thing when we saw how flat the team came out in the first quarter. I guess there is only so much a coach can do to counteract problems like that.

[concerned]

In the post game interview, Kyle said he "had a sneaking suspicion" coming into this game that the two back-to-back losses by 4 points to ranked teams might have had a lingering impact on the team. I wondered the same thing when we saw how flat the team came out in the first quarter. I guess there is only so much a coach can do to counteract problems like that.

Looks like last week could be having a lingering effect on USC too

[sancho]

Looks like last week could be having a lingering effect on USC too

Good. I hope they never win again.

[sancho]

An old adage/reminder for myself and others who might need it: You're never as bad as your worst game, or as good as your best game.

I think this is true. In a way, it's a testament to Kyle that these types of games have been so rare.

But...ugh. That was awful.

[Ma'ake]

Against PAC-12 competition it’s not at all clear that Huntley is better than Williams. Maybe Tyler’s just rusty after being out for 3 games.

Agree. It's easy to sit in the back seat and critique the driving, but it was clear right away to me that TH's arm strength was maybe 70% of his max.

Oregon got spanked by UCLA, so they'll be looking to turn things around against us, and if Huntley starts and his arm strength isn't significantly better, the UO safeties will be salivating at opportunities to pick off high school speed passes.

At least Williams won't be the one needing to be consoled and coached up, this week. Maybe he'll seize an opportunity. (Assuming there is one, which is a big assumption.)

[UTEopia]

Well, let’s get this one started. I hope the Utes come out this week angry and determined.

It did not appear that they did either. Happy Birthday, by the way

[LA Ute]

It did not appear that they did either. Happy Birthday, by the way

Thanks. I had a great birthday, except for one thing.

[Scorcho]

what the hell was that yesterday

have we essentially destroyed the confidence of both of our QB's now?

[USS Utah]

I think it is rather obvious that this is a rebuilding year -- new offense, new offensive line, not necessarily reloading on the defensive line, young QB who also got hurt, etc. I'm just looking for two more wins at this point.

[sancho]

ARod, BJ, and the others got a ton of criticism from Utah fans over the years, but the games Troy Taylor has called vs Stanford and ASU are as bad as anything the earlier OCs served up. I think Taylor will be a good OC because I think he'll learn from his mistakes, but he hasn't been good. I think it's probably sinking in that he's not in the FCS anymore.

Yesterday, the Sun Devils ran all over us for an average of 4.5 ypc. What did we get on the ground? 4.4 ypc. Zach Moss had 12 carries in the game with 4 in the first half. He had 5 carries on our one good drive of the game to start the 3rd quarter.

Maybe I'm wrong to blame Taylor for the lack of carries, though. Were all those pass plays in the first quarter play action called passes or were they RPOs? Maybe Huntley is the problem because he doesn't ever give it to Moss on an RPO? One thing you can count on with Williams is to give the ball to the RB on any type of option play.

[Old Standing ute]

ARod, BJ, and the others got a ton of criticism from Utah fans over the years, but the games Troy Taylor has called vs Stanford and ASU are as bad as anything the earlier OCs served up. I think Taylor will be a good OC because I think he'll learn from his mistakes, but he hasn't been good. I think it's probably sinking in that he's not in the FCS anymore.

Yesterday, the Sun Devils ran all over us for an average of 4.5 ypc. What did we get on the ground? 4.4 ypc. Zach Moss had 12 carries in the game with 4 in the first half. He had 5 carries on our one good drive of the game to start the 3rd quarter.

Maybe I'm wrong to blame Taylor for the lack of carries, though. Were all those pass plays in the first quarter play action called passes or were they RPOs? Maybe Huntley is the problem because he doesn't ever give it to Moss on an RPO? One thing you can count on with Williams is to give the ball to the RB on any type of option play.

They looked like RPO--where he made the wrong decision.

[LA Ute]

I think it is rather obvious that this is a rebuilding year -- new offense, new offensive line, not necessarily reloading on the defensive line, young QB who also got hurt, etc. I'm just looking for two more wins at this point.

This is probably the reality that we convinced ourselves might not be the reality. At least I did.

[SoCalPat]

This is probably the reality that we convinced ourselves might not be the reality. At least I did.

This is an important lesson. We are not above having a losing season, in any year. Shoot, Oregon had one two seasons removed from playing for the national championship.

[Applejack]

ARod, BJ, and the others got a ton of criticism from Utah fans over the years, but the games Troy Taylor has called vs Stanford and ASU are as bad as anything the earlier OCs served up. I think Taylor will be a good OC because I think he'll learn from his mistakes, but he hasn't been good. I think it's probably sinking in that he's not in the FCS anymore.

Yesterday, the Sun Devils ran all over us for an average of 4.5 ypc. What did we get on the ground? 4.4 ypc. Zach Moss had 12 carries in the game with 4 in the first half. He had 5 carries on our one good drive of the game to start the 3rd quarter.

Maybe I'm wrong to blame Taylor for the lack of carries, though. Were all those pass plays in the first quarter play action called passes or were they RPOs? Maybe Huntley is the problem because he doesn't ever give it to Moss on an RPO? One thing you can count on with Williams is to give the ball to the RB on any type of option play.

This. Troy Taylor has not impressed me much.

[concerned]

Pac-12 (conference only) - % of drives end in TD 1. Arizona 41.7 2. Stanford 37.9 3. UW 34.8 10. ASU 20.0 11. OSU 17.4 12. Utah 16.7


Pac-12 (conference only) - points per drive 1. Arizona 3.21 2. Stanford 3.12 3. USC 2.62 10. OSU 1.54 11. Oregon 1.54 12. Utah 1.52


Total QBR 1. Herbert 83.3 2. Browning 74.4 3. Darnold 70.1 4. Wilkins 67.2 5. Rosen 66.9 6. Dawkins 59.4 7. Falk 57.8 8. Montez 54.8


Stats from Kyle Bonagura

[DrumNFeather]

Welp, I must admit, I completely whiffed on this one.

I predicted a 41-20 score in favor of the Utes, and I even tweeted to Bill Reilly that I had no concerns heading into this game.

Despite the performance against Washington, I thought we would see the ASU team that got pushed to the edge by NMSU...because winning on the road in the Pac 12 is hard, especially for teams that are not very good, and I put ASU in that category.

As for the game itself, which I witnessed in person, woof. Not sure where to begin. Some have said it was our worst performance since UNLV 2007. I think it certainly ranks up there, though in terms of games we shouldn't have lost, I'd still throw in the Colorado game the first year we were in the league as just an absolute total heart breaker. We can at least recover from this, if the players and coaches so choose.

Our coaching staff seemed to approach this one similarly to how they approached the rivalry game. Very scared to turn the ball over or make any kind of mistakes. ASU came into the game with the perfect and non-sophisticated game plan of: We're going to make you throw to beat us. Where they got 5-7 yards a pop on a number of their screens, we seemed to get 1-3 yards. Is that the WR? Is that where the QB places the ball? The blocking? The defense? The effort? I don't know, but whatever they did worked and whatever we did, did not. They also loaded up on Moss, and rather than say "We think he's still good enough to beat you," like they did with their RBs, we completely conceded the running game in the first half, and most of the second (because we were at that point behind three scores).

There were other things as well, but man, what a bad, bad performance.

Also, neither targeting call seemed all that legit, but whatever, that concerns me more for the upcoming game against Oregon then it did at the time.

[Nice Marmot]

ARod, BJ, and the others got a ton of criticism from Utah fans over the years, but the games Troy Taylor has called vs Stanford and ASU are as bad as anything the earlier OCs served up. I think Taylor will be a good OC because I think he'll learn from his mistakes, but he hasn't been good. I think it's probably sinking in that he's not in the FCS anymore.

Yesterday, the Sun Devils ran all over us for an average of 4.5 ypc. What did we get on the ground? 4.4 ypc. Zach Moss had 12 carries in the game with 4 in the first half. He had 5 carries on our one good drive of the game to start the 3rd quarter.

Maybe I'm wrong to blame Taylor for the lack of carries, though. Were all those pass plays in the first quarter play action called passes or were they RPOs? Maybe Huntley is the problem because he doesn't ever give it to Moss on an RPO? One thing you can count on with Williams is to give the ball to the RB on any type of option play.

I prefer a ball control offense over a gimmicky one. Can this offense work in the PAC? I have my doubts. I know I'm the only Ute fan who didn't blame Roderick and I'm starting to see it even more now.

[sancho]

I prefer a ball control offense over a gimmicky one. Can this offense work in the PAC? I have my doubts. I know I'm the only Ute fan who didn't blame Roderick and I'm starting to see it even more now.

The only OC I wanted gone was Christensen, but I generally favor continuity over freshness.

[SoCalPat]

The only OC I wanted gone was Christensen, but I generally favor continuity over freshness.

Wanna bet Dave was the only one who would stand up to Kyle? He had earned his chops. Not sure any other OC we've had could've done likewise.

[sancho]

Wanna bet Dave was the only one who would stand up to Kyle? He had earned his chops. Not sure any other OC we've had could've done likewise.

I never had big issues with Dave's play calling. I only wanted him gone because everyone online kept telling me everyone on the team and coaching staff hated him.

[sancho]

I prefer a ball control offense over a gimmicky one. Can this offense work in the PAC? I have my doubts. I know I'm the only Ute fan who didn't blame Roderick and I'm starting to see it even more now.

There are plenty of successful "gimmicky" offenses in the Pac-12 and in other P5 conferences.

[mUUser]

It did not appear that they did either. Happy Birthday, by the way


I'm sorry to have missed your birthday LA. As a show of what your friendship means to me, I'd be happy to send you two tickets to the BYU SJSU game this week. :rockon:

[LA Ute]

I'm sorry to have missed your birthday LA. As a show of what your friendship means to me, I'd be happy to send you two tickets to the BYU SJSU game this week. :rockon:

Thanks so much. I'll be traveling this weekend. Will you please donate those tix to Seattle Ute?

[SoCalPat]

I never had big issues with Dave's play calling. I only wanted him gone because everyone online kept telling me everyone on the team and coaching staff hated him.

I think we need to take the alleged complaints from the coaching staff with a grain of salt, seeing the brother of the HC is also on staff.

[UTEopia]

I think we need to take the alleged complaints from the coaching staff with a grain of salt, seeing the brother of the HC is also on staff.

I don't think so. He is a world class dick.

[LA Ute]

I don't think so. He is a world class dick.

Are you speaking of KW’s brother?

[NorthwestUteFan]

I think he means Dave Christensen.

[SoCalPat]

I don't think so. He is a world class dick.

I don't think positive personality traits rate very high among Ute fans under the category of "What I'd Like to See in an Offensive Coordinator"

[DrumNFeather]

I had forgotten that Dave was on ASU's staff in some capacity until I saw him talking to some folks down on the field. I'm probably reading too much into it, considering they came to Utah together, but he seemed to try to be joking with Jim Harding and Harding didn't totally seem amused.

[sancho]

I don't think positive personality traits rate very high among Ute fans under the category of "What I'd Like to See in an Offensive Coordinator"

Why are you doing this? I thought getting rid of Christensen was the one thing Utah fans agreed on.

If the Utah basketball team is better off without a problem personality in a player, certainly the football team is better off without a coach no one can get along with.