The factors:
In the past I have always said this rivalry game is too difficult to predict. However, due to the above factors Utah will win by more than a touchdown. Not a blowout but a convincing win that will be demoralizing for the Cougar faithfull.
- Anae refuses to run the football. Only when he committed to the run did the cougars take control of the AFA game. It has been this way all season. To a degree I understand why he throws as much as he does -- he’s trying to take what the defense gives him. But that feeds the next factor that will result in a loss.
- Hall has regressed this season. He locks in on his favorite receivers and forces the ball. He is not making his reads. Good opposing defensive coaches see this on film and exploit it. TCU did and Whittingham most certainly will. That leads to the next factor that will result in a loss.
- Pitta is injured. One of if not his favorite receiver will not play or shouldn’t play. If he does he will be seriously hampered. You take away Pita and that leaves Collie. Anae refuses to run the ball so what is there left to do but to force it to Collie. The Utes secondary is will shut him down with double teams. The O will resort to trickeration and will not have sustained drives which leads to the next factor that will result in a loss.
- The Defense will not stop Utah. The Ute O will move the ball at will, especially after the Cougs D has been on the field too long due to the ineffectiveness of the Offense.
In the past I have always said this rivalry game is too difficult to predict. However, due to the above factors Utah will win by more than a touchdown. Not a blowout but a convincing win that will be demoralizing for the Cougar faithfull.
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