Utah vs. Oregon State -- 10/2/2008

There was a lot of hype surrounding this game. The Beavers had just knocked of USC, previously the # 1 team. Running back Jaquizz Rodgers rushed for 180+ yards in that game, and scored 2 TD's. This made them a much more legitimate opponent for the Utes and their strength of schedule.

RECAP: The Utes did not look anywhere near as sharp as I hoped they would at the beginning of the game, but still held a 20-15 lead going into half-time. They allowed a quick score by OSU to start the third, making the score 21-20. Neither team scored again in the third. In the fourth quarter Jaquizz Rodgers broke loose on a big run, going all the way to about the 3 yard line. They scored the touchdown momentarily, making the score 28-20. At this point there was only about 2 minutes left in the game. And that's when it happened. The Utes took less than a minute to complete an 80 yard scoring drive, making the score 28-26. They of course went for 2 points. Their first attempt failed as a result of a pass interference on the part of OSU. On the second try, Brian Johnson ran the ball in for 2 points. Tie game. OSU then displayed the most ridiculous use of clock I've seen. They used about 23 seconds on three passing plays (thus stopping the clock each time). Utah got the ball back with plenty of time to win the game. They moved the ball up the field, and when they were satisfied, they let the clock run down to 2 seconds and took a time out. Sakoda came in and knocked the 38 yard field goal straight down the middle of the uprights, and it was all over. Eleven points in about 2 minutes of football. So that's the story, in case you missed it.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Defense. Our defense spent WAY too much time on the field, particularly during our abismal 3rd quarter. Still, they kept OSU from running away with the game and did a great job out there.
• TD pass from Johnson to Freddie Brown. I'm not sure if there was anyone within 15 yards of Brown when he caught that pass. He was literally standing still in the back of the endzone and didn't even have to move to catch the ball. That's when you know they bought into the misdirection.
• Battling back from what seemed like an impossible situation at the end of the game.
• Sakoda. I don't need to say anthing more here. He is the man.

LOWLIGHTS:

• Andy Ludwig (utah's offensive coordinator). Can we say PREDICTABLE?? I swear at one point, Whittingham was glaring straight up at Ludwig in the booth. This guy needs to shape up if he wants to have a job next year.
• Brian Johnson. This guy just plain had a rough night. 1 int and 2 fumbles. He single-handedly spotted OSU 14 points. I have to admit, I was begging for Louks or Manis during that third quarter. Still, Johnson semi-redeemed himself during that amazing comeback.

So we remain undefeated on the season. We've got Wyoming @ Laramie this weekend, and I think it will be interesting to see what happens after last years 50-0 beatdown. I'm not terribly worried, seeing as how Wyoming is worse than the Murray Spartans, but still... any given Saturday...

GO UTES!