Estimated read time: 6-7 minutes
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The Utah football team is fresh off beating one of the hottest teams in college football in Oregon State in maybe the most dramatic fashion. The Utes did just enough, playing a dismal 2nd half, until they got into the 2 minute drill, and then they looked unbelievable. Brian Johnson morphed into what everybody thought he would be, hitting every receiver in perfect stride, leading his team to victory and putting Louie Sakoda in line for "a nice easy chip shot" as he called it, to win the game. What an atmosphere at Rice-Eccles Stadium last Thursday night. That was college football at its finest. After all of that comes Laramie. Does that sound like a trap game? Sounds like the definition of a trap game. This trap game includes many story lines, but the greatest of all storylines has to be Joe Glenn using the "one-finger salute" to head Coach Kyle Whittingham.
What did we learn about Utah vs. Oregon State?
Utah's defense is still one of the best in the country. The Utes are ranked 13th nationally in defense, and 6th in rushing defense. Those rankings fell after this last week's game vs. Oregon State, giving up 313 yards rushing and 92 yards total rushing. Jaquizz Rogers led the Beavers with 25 carries and 101 yards and a touchdown. The Utes held him to 85 yards lower than USC did. Even though the numbers weren't necessarily as pretty as they have been in week's past, the Utah defense is great. They turned in a critical last series against Oregon State when they made them give the ball back to the Utes after a quick 3 and out. If the Beavers get that first down, the Utes probably lose that game. Utah's hurry-up offense was very efficient. It looked completely different than the regular offense which bodes the question; why not use it outside the normal 2-minute opportunities. During the 3rd and most of the 4th quarter, the Utah offense was stagnant. They didn't move the football and Brian Johnson looked very mediocre at best.
Louie Sakoda is one of the best kickers in the country. In the game against Weber State, Sakoda became the all-time leading scorer at Utah passing Frank Christensen who played fullback from 1930-32. Sakoda is automatic from 47 yards and in making all 11 attempts so far this year. He has 5 makes from beyond 40 yards and that ties him for first in the nation. He also makes them when the pressure is on, the game this last week vs. Oregon State and 2 years ago at Air Force with 0 time remaining. He has been named Special Teams Player of the week a record 10 times.
What questions remain about Utah?
The questions that remain about Utah have to start with the quarterback. How many people thought that the weak link would be senior Brian Johnson? That might be harsh, but he has made multiple mistakes that seniors should not make. At this point in his college career, he shouldn't be so indecisive. He gave Oregon State life last Thursday night when he threw an interception that was returned for a touchdown, as well as losing a fumble. It is tough to be so negative because when the game was on the line and the Utes needed plays from their leader, Brian Johnson made every single play. He started hitting underneath receivers for 5-7 yards that obviously opened up the perfect touchdown pass on the "skinny post" route to Braden Godfrey. When the offense got the ball back, he made more plays, like the "deep out" pattern to Brent Casteel. The "deep out" is routinely recognized by NFL and college experts as the toughest throw in football. Johnson made that throw with the game on the line. The Utes are 6-0, perfect on the season. They have not played a complete game yet offensively. The offense is improving though. For the first time this year, the offense was NOT penalized. If the idea of a football team is to "get better each week," then the offense is doing just that. If the Utes could get more consistency from Brian Johnson, they will emerge into a very good team. The Utah football team will go as far as quarterback Brian Johnson will take them.
What can Utah expect from Wyoming?
The Utes can expect very tough conditions. For the first time this season, weather may play a factor. The forecast is set to be about 40 degrees with snow flurries. The tough conditions will also include the crowd at a very cold War Memorial Stadium. Apparently the rough misunderstandings between Kyle Whittingham and Wyoming Head Football Coach Joe Glenn have been put behind them, but in no way will the Wyoming fans forget the onside kick from last year. The whole atmosphere will be cold.
As far as the game is concerned, the Cowboys have played 2 quarterbacks, Dax Crum, and Karsten Sween. Only Crum has thrown a touchdown pass on the year (2) as they have struggled with turnovers. The main concern for Kyle Whittingham has to be running back Devin Moore. He averages 97 yards per game. The Utes have been very good against the run so far this year, and with the supposed conditions for Saturday, most of this game will stay on the ground.
What can we expect from Utah vs. Wyoming?
In no way will the Utes go to Laramie and not be ready. 2 years ago the Utes went to Wyoming and got beat 31-15. The Utah football team has been talking about that game all week. That game is fresh in their mind. In contrast, last year the Utes beat the Cowboys 50-0 at Rice-Eccles Stadium and with all that happened during that game, Wyoming should be ready as well. The Utes have had ample time to prepare and heal up for this game, and will be anxious to get on with their unbeaten season. The weather will play a factor in this low-scoring, hard-hitting game.
Miscellaneous:
This is the 81st meeting between the Utes and the Cowboys and the 3rd longest rivalry in Utah football history. Utah leads the series in Laramie 19-18. The first game was in 1904. Utah has won 14 out of 15 games dating back to last year. Utah was the first bowl eligible team in the NCAA winning their 6th game of the season. Kyle Whittingham is 30-14 in his 4 years as Utah Head Football Coach.
Conclusion:
The Utah Football team comes into the game ranked 13th in the Coach's Poll. The Utah defense will set the tone in the game with the turnover prone cowboys. Utah's defense is too good for the Cowboys to give them any trouble. The Utes dominate the run game on the defensive side of the ball like they have all year, and they dominate the run game on the offensive side of the ball. Matt Asiata and Darrel Mack will control the clock and make the game easy for Brian Johnson to manage. This game, although most likely low scoring because of game conditions will be over quickly. The Utes will continue to work on playing mistake free football and will continue their winning streak to 7-0. This year seems like it is destined to end with BYU and Utah being undefeated going into November 22nd.
