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PASADENA — Utah fans wanting to see more of freshman quarterback Travis Wilson, today is your lucky day.
Just minutes ago we were informed that Wilson will be the Utes starting quarterback against UCLA in the Rose Bowl.
Game Notes- Utah (2-3, 0-2 Pac-12) vs. UCLA (4-2, 1-2 Pac-12)
- Date: Saturday, Oct. 13
- Time: Noon PDT
- Site: Rose Bowl (91,500/Grass) Pasadena, Calif.
- TV: FOX
- Radio: ESPN700, SIRIUS/XM (139/201)
- Series Record: UCLA leads 8-2
- Last Meeting: 2011 (Utah 31-6)
- Kickoff Weather: Sunny, temps near 70
The 6-foot-7 true freshman from San Clemente High School has been played sparingly for the Utes this season, completing 8-10 passes for 98 yards and has added two scores on the ground.
We were given the indication this week at practice that we would see more playing time for Wilson, but didn't think that he would be handed the reigns on the road in a much needed victory if the Utes want to stay in the bowl hunt.
Here are the keys for a Utah victory now that we know that Wilson will be the starting quarterback:
1. Establish John White IV
White, aka Juan Blanco el Cuatro, will need to get into a rhythm early to take some of the pressure off of a freshman QB getting his first significant playing time (more than a handful of plays) all season. With the struggles on the offensive line, albeit some of those issues addressed last week against USC, White will need to give the Utes some much needed momentum early and take some of the defensive pass rush from forcing Wilson to get rid of the ball early. The last thing Ute fans want to see is Wilson getting happy feet and throwing too early or forcing the ball into tight coverage. 2. Assignment sound on defense
While UCLA's offense isn't as dynamic as Utah saw against Arizona State a few weeks ago, the Bruins play up-tempo and could make for a long day for Kalani Sitake and the Utah defense. Utah needs to stay focused and instead of looking to make the knockout tackle or big pick, to wrap up or just knock the ball down. UCLA has three freshman on the offensive line that could make for a big day for DT Star Lotulelei. 3. Avoid 2-QB system
I'll admit right off the bat that I'm not a fan of a two quarterback system. If the Utes want to start Wilson, they need to stick with him and not switch out with Jon Hays every other series. The Utes' last visit to the Rose Bowl was in 2006. In that game Brett Ratliff and had the Utes in the game, tying the game at 7 with a 26 yard strike to Brent Casteel. The next Utah offensive possession? QB Tommy Grady came in and immediately threw a pick six. Utah never recovered, losing 31-10. Utah fans, it's Wilson time, and unless he throws five interceptions in the first half, Utah needs to trust him and his potential. Last night I was able to watch a future Utah QB Conner Manning throw for four touchdowns and caught another as he lead El Toro to a 41-31 come from behind win in a battle of two top 100 national teams. You can see some highlights of the game here.
You can follow my thoughts or ask me questions throughout the game on Twitter, @rojackKSL.
