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CORVALLIS, Oregon — With a late-game offensive performance, the Utes earned a 29-23 victory over Oregon State on the road after a 19-yard rushing touchdown from running back Devontae Booker in the game’s second overtime.
The game might not have been the most impressive for the offense throughout, but the Utes managed to improve to 5-1 on the season and 3-0 on the road.
The following is a grading of Utah’s performance of Thursday night’s game.
It’s easy to ignore the really poor performance of the first three quarters of the game because of how well Utah’s offense answered late in the game. But the offense was not good enough to justify a decent grade, minus Booker.
Quarterback Kendal Thompson was the no-brainer decision coming into the game, but the offense struggled under his direction and Utah was forced to return to Travis Wilson. Although Wilson had his struggles moving the ball as well, he was able to move the ball enough to get the offense what it needed when it mattered.
Most, if not all, the credit goes to an incredible performance by Booker who finished the game with 229 yards and three touchdowns on 32 carries. Oregon State knew the ball would go to Booker, but he muscled through and continued to drag the weight of the Utah offense on his shoulders.
Biggest question, though, is what has happened to Utah’s receivers? Coming into the season it looked as though Utah was in a great position with its receiving core. Now, it’s a surprise if there is a passing game. Utah finished with 62 passing yards all game, which is nowhere near enough.
Utah’s defense is at its peak and looks like a very tough, stingy defense — maybe one of its best in several years. Even with all the injuries the team has faced, the defense continues to dominate and new guys continue to step up to have an impact in the game. There are so many players on the defensive side of the ball that deserve individual praise.
Gionni Paul lead the team with 14 total tackles and is credited for pulling down an interception at the beginning of the game, which set the tone for the remainder of the game. Senior Nate Orchard continued his pass rushing skills with two sacks and five total tackles.
There was a letdown late in the game on defense, particularly in the secondary, but considering the dominance all game it makes sense that the defense would be a little worn down. Fortunately for Utah, the defensive miscues at the end did not hurt them. The defense can’t be perfect on every play.
Is this ever really a surprise that Utah’s special teams earns another A grade? For most of the game, place kicker Andy Phillips was the team’s leading scorer. Phillips made three field goals from distances of 38, 43 and 48 yards.
Also, Tom Hackett allowed Utah to win the field position battle. Oregon State had a few sustained drives, but had a long field to get anywhere. Hackett averaged 43.1 yards per kick, with his longest of the night going 51 yards. Five of Hackett’s seven punts were downed inside Oregon State’s 20-yard line.
It’s hard to give a team an average grade considering how well Utah’s defense and special teams were Thursday night. If the offense can figure out how to get the ball moving Utah could have a well-balanced team. Although Booker is a great option on offense, there has to be more production in the passing game, particularly from seniors Dres Anderson, Kenneth Scott and Kaelin Clay.
