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How Good Are the Utes?
This is the question that continues to surround the 2010 Utah football team. After finishing their preseason schedule, we will finally find out how good the Utes are starting this weekend in Colorado Springs when they take on Air Force.
Utah is coming off a huge offensive output against Colorado State, putting up 648 yards of offense. Quarterback Jordan Wynn got back in his groove, going 23/29 for 321 yards and three touchdowns. Wynn was also rewarded with Mountain West Conference Offensive Player of the Week. Wynn's game was highlighted by his career long TD pass of 71 yards to DeVonte Christopher.
One thing that has been very interesting since the BCS Standings were released is the consistent lack of love for the Utes. National experts love both Boise State and TCU, as well they should, they are both good teams, but isn't Utah in that category? When ESPN releases the standings during their show, they continue to say that Utah is good for TCU's schedule. Isn't TCU good for Utah's schedule? What if the Utes win that game in two weeks? What then? If Utah is in the top ten of the BCS rankings and beat a team most likely in the top 4, where will that put Utah? I have to think that Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham and any coach for that matter will use any sort of motivation they can come up with to get their team ready to play on Saturday's. Whittingham's job of motivating the team has to be easier than ever watching these national college football TV shows. I have to say that I am surprised that Utah is not even on the radar right now. The Utes will just continue on taking care of business, winning games big and we'll see "College Gameday" when they get here in two weeks, if they come. I can't imagine a better matchup that week.
Time to Get Jiggy Wit It
I have been up to see the Runnin' Utes a couple of times since they started practicing. My initial thoughts are that this team is big and long. They have multiple players that can play multiple positions. Will Clyburn is one of those players. He seems to be everywhere and my impressions are that he will block a ton of shots, have a ton of steals, and finish off the break with a tasty dunk.
There is one player that might make the difference this season. David Foster will stand large in the middle; Jay Watkins will be good alongside Foster, providing energy and rebounding, but Josh Watkins will make this team go and will make this team win. Josh "Jiggy" Watkins is a small point guard from New York who is a gamer. He is the guy who is certainly not the biggest, not the fastest, perhaps not the best shooter, but when the lights are on, game on. Jiggy looks like bowling ball going down the lane and is not scared of anyone who stands there to try and stop him. Jim Boylen may have found himself that tough, gritty point guard that he has wanted here at Utah. At practice, it seems as though Boylen has given him the keys, and Jiggy wants them. When I spoke to Watkins, he was extremely happy to be here. He was very respectful. He loves Utah; he had never seen a mountain before being from New York City. I think this team will go as far as he can take them. They have some nice pieces up there but it is clearly too soon to tell.
