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SALT LAKE CITY -- After losing their starting quarterback Jordan Wynn last week to a non-throwing arm shoulder injury against Washington, the University of Utah's future in the Pac-12 this season seemed even less certain than when the team was at full health. Many questioned whether junior college transfer Jon Hays could fill the quarterback void and lead the Utes against a ranked Pac-12 division opponent.
And with the surmounting pressure of a less-than-impressive opening to a season weighing on the team's mind, Hays shouldered the challenge but struggled to produce anything on offense, with the Utes losing to another Pac-12 team this season.
Impression 1:
Utah cannot hold onto the ball. Leading 14-10, the Utes looked good despite some early interceptions. But in the second half, the Utes went three consecutive drives, turning the ball over for three eventual touchdowns by Arizona State. The Utes cannot win, especially in the Pac-12, if the team continues to turnover the ball as frequently as the Utah offense is. No team should ever have double-digit turnovers in two combined games.
Additionally, Utah killed their momentum on several drives because of unnecessary penalties. Utah had seven penalties for a total of 71 yards. Both teams were aggressive, but there is no excuse to have so many 15-yard penalties because players can't check their emotions. This is the second week players have allowed emotions to hurt the team.
Impression 2:
Following last week's loss to Washington, with Jordan Wynn said to be out for a minimum of two to three weeks, many were doubtful of Utah's season prospects. And with an untested backup quarterback never playing Division I football being asked to take over, the prospects looked even worse. But the fear will remain in minds of Utah fans as Hays struggled Saturday on the offense, throwing three interceptions in his first start.
However, there are some positive signs for the Utah offense with Hays under center. Despite the never-ending pressure of Arizona State's defense, Hays remained calm and composed as he attempted to make the play. Hays, also, took the hits and kept trying to make something happen with the ball. Although rushed, Hays looked to make a play before giving up the ball, which is something Jordan Wynn struggled to do. Additionally, Hays wasn't afraid to throw a block or rush the football to make some plays.
But inexperience at the quarterback position will continue to be a thorn in Utah's side as it tries to adjust to the tough competition in the Pac-12.
Impression 3:
Despite a blowout score by the Arizona State Sun Devils, Utah's defense showed that it can compete with the best in the Pac-12. Utah's defense really made Arizona State work to put some points on the board, especially in the first half. However, because of exhaustion and never getting any rest, the defense wasn't able to hold the Sun Devils any longer, allowing Arizona State to run up the score.
The defense is not the issue for the Utes. Had the offense given them more time to rest and catch their breath, the defense wouldn't have made the same mistakes at the end of the game. Although there are always things to fix and get better at, the Utes defense is not to blame. And with back-to-back losing efforts, the defense will struggle and wear out before the season ends if the offense can't give them time to rest.
Impression 4:
Following a less-than-impressive showing in the run game last week, where Utah was held to 17 rushing yards, John White IV stepped up his game and showed more signs of progress. White led the team with 85 rushing yards, with wide receiver Reggie Dunn and punter Nick Marsh adding to the effort.
But Utah needs better depth in the run game, which was obviously an issue coming in to the season. White cannot do it alone, especially for a guy who weighs in at 180 pounds, attempting to muscle his way through much bigger defenders. White is fast and can have breakaway moments if given an opportunity, but there needs to be more. Unfortunately, Utah will have to wait until next season to add to their depth chart.
Impression 5:
Kyle Whittingham and Norm Chow have some tricks up their sleeve, which if given the opportunity, have the potential to make or break games. In a bold move Saturday, the Utes faked a punt inside their own territory and then called for a flea flicker to set up the Utes for a touchdown. Had the Utes been able to capitalize on these game-changing momentum plays, Utah could have blown open the game with a coaching staff that knows the game really well.
*Email: jfurlong@ksl.com*Twitter: @JFurKSL
