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SALT LAKE CITY -- The University of Utah got its first Pac-12 win Saturday, beating the Oregon State Beavers 27-8. The defense shined as the Utes went on to win.
Quarterback: C+
Jon Hays had a decent game, but it wasn't anything to brag about. Yes, he didn't have any turnovers Saturday, but he wasn't able to move the ball, particularly in the second half, where the offense had almost no production. On the night, Hays was six-of-14 for 62 yards and two touchdown passes; and one of those passes was nearly intercepted.
Offensive Coordinator Norm Chow is definitely playing conservatively with Hays, likely hoping to keep the ball out of his hands for the remainder of the season. Credit has to be given to Hays, though, for consistently playing hard, given his lackluster success in Division I football.
Running Backs/Full Backs: A
John White is the answer for Utah's offense. Saturday, White found the open gaps, fought for yards and made the Beavers pay in the run game, totalling 205 yards on the night. White works for every yard, putting the team on his back. However, if White has a bad game, the Utes struggle to move the ball.
Wide Receiver/Tight End: A
There wasn't much action for receivers Saturday, with Chow playing a more conservative game and relying more on the run game. It is not that the receivers are dropping passes, there is just not enough targets to receivers, with Utah keeping the ball out of the air. However, Dres Anderson did pull down a nice pass from Hays to give the Utes a touchdown in the first half.
Offensive Line: B+
The offensive line did a good job this week giving Hays the protection he needed and the space White needed to run the ball. This week there were no fatal flaws, with the offensive line playing clean.
However, a holding penalty on the goal line for a safety was a negative aspect in the game. Although the safety didn't decide the outcome of the game, penalties like that must not happen.
Overall Offense: B+
Although the Utes struggled in the second half to move the ball, there wasn't much to discredit the first half, with the Utes scoring 24 unanswered points. The grade is inflated because most of the offense is doing its job, but Hays is not able to pass the ball. The pressure remains on Hays to get the offense moving. White did his job with 205 yards and the receiver caught the passes that were thrown to them. If a stronger passer was under center, the overall offense would most likely be firing on all cylinders.
Defensive Line: A
The defensive line was tough, putting tremendous pressure on Beavers quarterback Sean Mannion. Led by Tevita Finau and Derrick Shelby, Utah's defense sacked Mannion six times. Despite playing most of the game, the defense never let up, even in the second half when the offense struggled to move the ball.
Linebackers: A
The linebackers were key to putting pressure on Mannion, with Trevor Reilly and Matt Martinez hitting the quarterback. Additionally, Martinez pulled down a game-deciding interception to give the Utes the eventual win.
Defensive Backs: A
Brian Blechen and Ryan Lacy were everywhere on the field. Blechen was hitting hard, broke up passes and put pressure on Oregon State receivers. Additionally, Blechen added to the sack column, getting to Mannion untouched for a big loss of yards.
Lacy intercepted a tipped pass from Blechen to put the Utes in scoring position for one of the many points in the first half. Mo Lee also intercepted a pass in the first half to help the Utes put some points on the board.
Overall Defense: A
Saturday's performance by the defense was probably one of its best of the year. Everybody got in on the action, putting pressure on receivers and backs. It was nice to see the Utah defense with so much intensity, even though the offense struggled to produce in the second half.
If there is one negative aspect about the Utes defense, it was the inability to tackle in the first half; however, the tackling was not on every series.
Special Teams: A
There is nothing really to complain about with the special teams. Coleman Petersen hit a 48-yard field goal and consistently put some points on the board. Additionally, Sean Sellwood and Nick Marsh helped get the Utes out of a difficult situation by punting the ball really well.
Overall Team: B+
Once again, the Utah defense continues to steal the show. Their intensity and hard hitting play make them a great threat in the Pac-12. However, the offense is nothing to brag about. It is not likely the offense will magically figure things out in their remaining four games, but progress needs to be made, even if it is minimal.
*Email: jfurlong@ksl.com*Twitter: @JFurKSL
