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PROVO -- Over the years the rivalry between Utah and BYU has been a great battle between two schools with great football records. But on Saturday, it was a different story as the Utes rolled over the Cougars in a lopsided defeat, winning 54-10.
Impression 1:
Although Utah won by convincing margins, there were moments when Utes fans looked at their team and wondered what they were doing. It is not a shock to anyone who watched the game, but Utah played tremendously better in the second half of the game.
Starting with two turnovers by BYU within the first few minutes of the game, Utah failed to capitalize on the Cougars' blown offense, only putting up seven points in the first quarter, only to add seven more in the second quarter to take the lead by four going into halftime.
Utah turned on the intensity in the second half with its impressive play: forcing fumbles, an improved running game and a fairly improved Jordan Wynn leading the Utes. But all the credit cannot be given to the Utes, the Cougars could not hold onto the ball, with seven turnovers in the game.
If Utah can put together a solid game through all four quarters, there will be little doubt at the end of the season that the Utes are a BCS team and right where they belong.
Impression 2:
Jordan Wynn is a tough quarterback to put your faith and trust behind. When given the time, Wynn can make some great plays as he hits his targets. Games against Cal and Iowa State leave fans wanting more with his tremendous abilities.
But then there is the other Wynn that makes an appearance in most of the games. When pressure is on him, Wynn throws into double and triple coverage, forcing the pass. When scrambling, he turns his back to the receivers.
Both sides of Wynn were on display against BYU Saturday. Can Wynn ever become the quarterback with all the right answers, leaving the problems behind him; or is Wynn destined to be a mediocre quarterback, with fans guessing on his performance every week?
Impression 3:
The battle of offensive coordinators goes to Utah's Norm Chow. There is a reason why Chow has had so much success in his life, including his tenure with BYU. The man knows how to get things done, especially with a Utah team that isn't always firing on all cylinders. Chow has the experience and the adaptability to make the Utes a viable team, despite the offensive weaknesses.
Impression 4:
What is with Utah's kicking? In one of the biggest games against the USC Trojans last week, a blocked field goal led to the defeat of Utah. On Saturday, kicking was once again highlighted after Coleman Petersen missed a 29-yard field goal attempt and a blown extra point.
Had the Cougars kept the game close, much of the focus would have been on Utah's failed kicking attempts; Luckily for Petersen, the Utes blew out the Cougars and the focus was diverted for the time being. But there is one question that remains for Utah: Can the Utes rely on Petersen to win the game for them in a close game?
Impression 5:
In an obvious stat that was paraded around ESPN, Saturday's game was about turnovers. BYU had seven turnovers, with six of them coming from fumbles. Utah was able to capitalize on most of the turnovers, but still let many get away, not that they needed any more points.
Utah should be credited with their tough defense that stuck it out and forced BYU to hold onto the ball. Nevertheless, Utah was given a few gimmies from the football gods.
*Email: jfurlong@ksl.com*Twitter: @JFurKSL
