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CORVALLIS, Ore. — Beginning the season similar to their inaugural year in the Pac-12, the Utah Utes entered Saturday's game down 0-3 in conference play, facing No. 8 Oregon State in Corvallis, Oregon. But the woes continued for the Utes, falling 21-7 to the Beavers.
Impression 1:
Let's start with penalties. It's a broken-record topic this season because the Utes have shown no discipline this year. The most egregious penalty put the game out of reach for the Utes when Brian Blechen lowered his head and was called for helmet-to-helmet tackling. While many will argue the penalty doesn't make sense, rules are rules and players should abide by them. The penalty gave the Beavers a first down and ultimately a touchdown two plays later.
Utah cannot afford to hurt themselves with unnecessary penalties. All momentum is lost when a team shows no discipline. In all, Utah had seven penalties for a total of 69 yards.
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Impression 2:
Now let's talk about turnovers. Last season Utah stayed in ball games because they forced turnovers and recovered turnovers. This season, Utah has struggled to force a turnover, which hasn't given the defense an opportunity to make momentum changing plays. Instead, Utah has given up the ball too much.
Utah's defense played great against Oregon State, containing drives and keeping many of their playmakers from getting the ball. However, an interception and fumble inside the five-yard line led to two of the Beavers scores. While it's fruitless to argue the "what could have been" position, especially with so many other factors involved in a game, the game would have essentially been tied without the Utah turnovers.
Impression 3:
I keep waiting to see when the play calling makes sense. There are moments where Brian Johnson dials up a perfect play at the perfect time (if a penalty doesn't call it back), but then others that leave everyone shaking their head. While it's difficult to find an equal balance between the run game and the pass game, there seems to be no rhyme or reason to some of Johnson's play calling — the screen pass and the QB draw are just two plays that don't seem to gel.
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Calling a QB draw on third and 10 when Kelvin York has been running the ball well and quarterback Travis Wilson has been hitting his receivers doesn't seem to make sense. Of course it's easy to sit back and criticize Johnson's play calling without being in the game, but there has to be some level of reality assessed.
Impression 4:
Despite a loss, Travis Wilson is the future for the Utes. While Jon Hays may have a little more experience in the game, Wilson has much better talent. The freshman quarterback is going to have his struggles (and he did), but he gives you the best chance to win ball games. The touchdown pass to Jake Murphy in the first half of the game is an excellent example of how Wilson can get it done. Wilson is able to make the tight pass and hit his receiver in the numbers.
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If Wilson's receivers could just be on the same page, the Utah offense could actually move the ball, pending a timely Utah penalty. Wilson played with maturity, confidence and a desire to win, despite some early woes. You can't teach that. Wilson ended the game 15-of-27 for 172 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. It will take some time, but Utah should be a much better team next year with Wilson under center.
Impression 5:
As each week passes, it's harder and harder to see Utah going to a bowl. Yes, Utah faced similar odds last year going 0-4 in Pac-12 play, but this year is different. First off, the Pac-12 has improved and Utah hasn't. If anything, they've digressed. Gone are the days where Utah's defense can keep you in the game. Smart football has to be played on both sides of the ball.
Where does Utah get it's next win? Cal is not a great team, but has the talent to keep Utah out of the game. The Utes should get wins over Washington State and Colorado, but even those games are called into question. Utah has to win their last five games of the season to become bowl eligible, but the odds of that happening are quickly fading, which is a rare moment for a Kyle Whittingham team.
