Utah vs. Weber State -- 9/27/2008

Let me just set the record straight...

I am tired of people making a big deal over the fact that Weber State scored 3 touchdowns against Utah on Saturday. Mostly it's people who weren't at the game. Since it wasn't televised, unless they listened to it on the radio (unlikely), they do not know how the game played out. I was there, so please allow me to tell you.

The score was 34-7 near the end of the 3rd quarter when Coach Whittingham decided to pull his starters. Utah played the rest of the game with our 2nd units on offense and defense. The offense moved the ball ok, and put up another 3 points. The defensive 2nd unit, however, was not as good. SO, it was in the 4th quarter, against our 2nd string, with the game well in hand, that Weber scored 2 of their 3 touchdowns. Another point that I'd like to make is that the officials basically gift-wrapped Weber's third touchdown on a pass-interference call that was completely ridiculous. If not for that call, Weber would have had to settle for a field goal.

In a public forum that I read, some Cougar fans commented saying, " How much more out of focus can you get than to let a D-2 school score 3 TD's on you?" Idiots. First of all, Weber is not a D-2 school. They are Division I-AA. Kind of like, oh, I don't know, Northern Iowa for example. Are the Cougars really that much better, having let NIU score 2 TD's and a field goal? And, I might mention that this occurred against BYU's starters -- not their 2nd unit.

Ok, so that's my soap-box -- like it or not.

Thank you Oregon State!

Well, Utah’s “Strength-of-Schedule” points just increased! Oregon State knocked off # 1, USC last night by the score of 27—21. Who do we play next Thursday? That’s correct – Oregon State. That makes them a much more legitimate opponent for Utah.

Last year we opened our season at Oregon State. Things were rolling, and the Utes were looking pretty good. Then, a couple of major players went down with injuries, and the game collapsed. I wish we had been deeper last year, because those injuries really changed how the rest of our season played out. We’ve got them at Rice-Eccles this year, and hopefully we can get a victory. Let’s just hope they don’t break Asiata’s leg again, or jack Brian Johnson’s shoulder...dam Beavers. (get it?)

My Inner Conflict...

Now, I am conflicted. I have ALWAYS rooted against BYU no matter who they are playing. This is largely due to the fact that I can’t stand smug BYU fans*. But I am torn because Utah only has 2 ranked teams on their schedule: TCU (currently # 24) and BYU (currently # 11). If TCU loses this week (likely-- see below), that only leaves the Cougs. If they lose a game, Utah won’t have ANY ranked opponents. This would greatly lessen Utah’s chances at busting the BCS (aka Bull-Crap-System). So, as much as it PAINS me to do so, I hope that BYU remains undefeated** until the November 22nd faceoff. I won’t object, however, to seeing the Cougs barely squeak out a couple of games in the mean time. That could at least shut some mouths.

A key game for the MWC and Utah’s strength-of-schedule will take place this Saturday when TCU takes on #2 Oklahoma University. IF by some miracle, TCU can go in and win that game, that would be huge. Of course it wouldn’t do the Utes any good if we don’t beat TCU later this season. Still, here’s hoping the Horned-Frogs can go in and get the upset-of-the-year!

* Please note that this does not include ALL BYU fans -- just smug ones. There are many Y fans that are great to talk sports with, and don't give off that arrogantness that really gets under my skin. Pat, for example, is the kind of BYU Fan that I have no problem with.

** UNLESS Utah loses a game, in which case, I will go back to my old ways of hoping BYU loses every game they play.

Catching Up

This blog has been dormant for quite some time… I’d be surprised if anyone still reads it. I have been so busy with school this semester that I haven’t had time to update it. Lucky for you (if there is a “you”), I have some down-time at work today, and I left my Business Law book at home. So, without any further ado, a recap of Utah’s season thus far:

August 30 – @ Michigan: Utah Wins 25-23

Highlights:

• Utah beat Michigan and broke into the Top 25
• Matt Asiata

Lowlights:

• Utah BARELY beat Michigan after letting a substantial lead dwindle in the second half
  Utah’s final possession, in the red-zone (for my full opinion on this, read here)

September 6 – vs. UNLV: Utah Wins 42-21

Highlights:

• Avenging our embarrassing loss from last season
• Matt Asiata THROWING a touchdown pass
• Brian Johnson’s 60+ yard rushing touchdown

Lowlights:

• UNLV’s first drive – it looked like Frank Summers might run all over us again
• The offense had a lousy first half

September 13 – @ Utah State: Utah Wins 58-10

Highlights:

• Blow-out victory
• Matt Asiata taking direct snaps (this almost guarantees the Utes a 6+ yard gain, often even more)

Lowlights:

• Punt returns! A botched punt return gave USU their only touchdown of the game. Subsequent punt returns weren’t any better

September 20 – @ Air Force: Utah Wins 30-23

Highlights:

• Beating our toughest opponent so far this season
• Getting a Safety – this is always a sign that the defense is doing a great job.
• Darrell Mack – 101 rushing yards and 3 touchdowns -- Mack is back!
• Holding Air Force to 53 rushing yards. Anytime you can shut-down the running game against Air Force, you will win. Period.

Lowlights:

• TURNOVERS! Brian Johnson had some struggles, but the O-Line is also responsible. They need to protect him better, and he needs to be smart enough to get rid of the ball when protection breaks down.
• Sakoda missing 2 field-goals. I don’t know if this has EVER happened in his career. I don’t blame him though. The offense put him in a terrible position for both of them, and he was kicking into a crazy wind. He’s still the man.

Utah is sitting at # 17 in the nation right now, and they remain undefeated so far. We’re off to our best start since the legendary 2004 season. I hope we can keep it up.