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SALT LAKE CITY — During fall camp, it was apparent that this defensive front four for Utah could be something special.
After Thursday's 41-0 shutout win over Northern Colorado that opinion was only solidified.
How did the Utes different position groups fare? Here are my game day grades:
Quarterback: B-
#box
Bottom line, Jordan Wynn didn't appear very accurate. I thought there were some instances where receivers had to reach behind them to make a catch. Overthrown balls, underthrown balls, basically Wynn looked like a kid that hasn't played in 11 months. Didn't look shaky, but didn't wow me. Travis Wilson's runs were great, threw the ball well over the middle late in the fourth. It does, however, make me nervous when someone with that long of legs is hurdling defenders. Kid is fearless.
Running backs/Full backs: A
John White IV. Enough said. Picked up right where he left off last season. Looked as fresh as could be, racking up 119 yards.
Wide receivers/Tight Ends: A
Tight ends impressed me quite a bit. Jake Murphy led the team with six catches for 78 yards and a TD. Receivers were solid, but may have struggled due to Wynn not being as accurate as he could have been.
Offensive Line: B
To me, they looked great. Position group executed well, no penalties or blown assignments. When the offensive line goes unnoticed, that is indicative of them getting the job done.
Overall Offense: B
Aside from the slow start, the offense was pretty good. It is a tough read on how good this offense is because, well, Northern Colorado wasn't all that great. The offense can't think that this game is what college football is, especially on the offensive line. Come Utah State, BYU and Pac-12 defenses we will get a better read on the offense. Watch tape for any flaws in your scheme, then quickly move the focus to Utah State.
Defensive Line: A+
Dominant. Held UNC to ten rushing yards until third string came in late in the fourth. The Bears did not cross midfield once. It is hard to take too much away from this game, but know this - the defensive front four for the Utes are very good.
Linebackers: A
Strong, played assignment football. No missed coverages or bad reads, reacted well. Held UNC to 35 yards rushing and seven total first downs.
Secondary: A
Mo Lee appeared to be everywhere. Eric Rowe and Quade Chappius played well and kept the UNC passing attack to short slants and bubble screens.
Overall Defense: A
Can't take away too much from this performance. But, holding a team from crossing midfield and pitching a shutout is still an accomplishment. Again, sound like a broken record, but we will find out more next week against Utah State.
Special Teams: C+
Can't believe the Utes are still missing chip shots and PATs. Punt and kickoff coverages were excellent though, and Sean Sellwood punted the ball very well, pinning UNC on its own 3 yard line with a sixty yard punt.
