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SALT LAKE CITY — It was Utah’s first shutout win over an opponent since the Utes beat Northern Colorado 41-0 in 2012. And yet, there was much to be desired about Utah’s 24-0 win over in-state opponent Southern Utah.
Maybe it was the lofty expectations about an offense that had to be better than in years past, particularly with a greater emphasis turned to the “throw game” in the offseason, or maybe it was the sheer thought that an FCS program was clearly inferior to a Power 5 program (ask Washington State how that turned out … again).
Nevertheless, it was a win; a wake-up call to a more focused effort against a more difficult opponent moving forward. And not just any opponent, your rival that is looking to avenge last season’s bowl-game loss.
“We know we’ve got to play better,” head coach Kyle Whittingham said following Utah’s win over Southern Utah. “If we’re going to win next week, we’ve got to get better, there’s no doubt about that. We’ve got to have a great week of practice.”
Although a work in progress, Utah seemingly can make those corrections needed to have a better performance Saturday against BYU. The issues against SUU were not major problems for a program looking to finally reach the Pac-12 championship game. No, they were aspects to the game that are fixable in a relatively quick manner, or at least can be.
That needed improvement starts with the offensive line play and Utah’s run game, which is traditionally a strong aspect of the program.
Against the Thunderbirds, Utah’s offensive line was ineffective with its assignments, had poor snaps and simply struggled to contain Southern Utah’s defense. Although the offensive strategy was designed to be vanilla, Utah failed to make an early season impression, despite Whittingham’s repeated declaration in fall camp that his offensive line could be one of the best in the Pac-12.
Getting more comfortable calling plays at the line and having better control snapping the ball for J.J. Dielman, who is still working to make the change from tackle to center, could mean all the difference for the offense.
“We’ve obviously got to work on our snaps,” Whittingham said. “(Troy’s) got to make an athletic move to field half the snaps, and we can’t have that. It’s tough to get an offense in rhythm when you’re having to bend down every time to field the snap.”
Few likely recognize the importance of having an offensive line that is in sync and working in tandem with one another as well as the quarterback. But the line is the lifeblood to the offense. As the offensive line goes, so goes the rest of the offense.
Whittingham said he believes the line will get everything worked out in a grueling week of practices leading up to the BYU game, but only time will tell whether Utah has the muster to contend in the “trenches.”
Also contributing to Utah’s lackluster night was its struggle in the run game. Part of Utah’s inability to get much in the run game was a result of the offensive line, but there needed to be more push from Utah’s experienced back Joe Williams.
Williams, who came in as the program favorite to start at running back, contributed to the inefficiency by running too high and giving too little push at contact. It was as if Williams was going through the motions in a practice-like setting instead of the more hard-nosed approach at the end of the season last year.
Additionally, Williams fumbled the ball, putting him in a precarious spot on a Whittingham team that despises senseless turnovers more than almost losing a game. It's a dilemma Williams has reportedly worked on in the offseason.
“He put the ball on the ground, which can’t happen,” Whittingham said. “So Joe, I’m sure, is going to recommit himself this week and have a great week of practice and be ready to go next week.”
If not, backups Troy McCormick and Armand Shyne appear ready for the spotlight. The two combined for 74 yards in the win and made up the remainder of the game’s touches after Williams fumbled.
“They both ran hard and were productive, so the best guy is going to play,” Whittingham said. “There’s no favorites, there’s no incumbent by virtue of whatever. It’s you’ve got to produce. We’ll look at the film and we’ll decide who gives us the best chance to rush the football.”
Although Utah has several aspects to work on ahead of the BYU game, it's still early and the schedule works in Utah’s favor to improve each week. However, Utah will have its hands full with a more difficult defense in BYU Saturday.
