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Next up on the cupcake parade.
Utah Defense vs. SJSU Offense
Utah's D-Line vs SJSU O-Line
SJSU returned 3 starters from last year, junior left tackle Fred Koloto (6-3, 290), senior left guard Isaac Leatiota (6-4, 305) and senior center Robbie Reed (6-3, 290). The line has struggled to convert from a spread offense to a run oriented attack. They have averaged only 67 yds/game. Utah has given up 84.3 yds/game. This will be another mismatch.
Advantage Utah
Utah's LB's vs SJSU RB's
Brandon Rutley is the rushing leader with 43.3/gm average. Lamon Muldrow was thought to be the best returning runner but has been outplayed by Rutley. Utah's LB's continue to play without JJ Williams who is still out with a foot injury. The unheralded group of Manis, Martinez, and Walker continue to top the tackling stats for the team, benefitting from the lack of the opposing O-lines being able to body up on them. Look for more of the same here.
Advantage Utah
Utah's secondary vs. SJSU's QB/WR
Jordan La Secla has performed decently, completing 62% of his passes, but the diminished role of the passing game in their attack has limited his stats to a 168.7 yard average. Chandler Jones is the leading receiver with 20-170 followed by Noel Grigsby with 13-168. La Secla had a good game against the Utes last year, which was buoyed by multiple Pass interference calls. However, Utah's secondary is much improved from a year ago. Burton has played at an all-conference level, Blechen has continued his strong start. Chapman will likely be the targeted again, but mostly due to the lack of confidence that opposing QB's have in throwing in the direction of Burton.
Advantage Utah
Utah's Offense vs San Jose's Defense
Utah's O-Line vs SJSU's D-Line
Pablo Garcia is the lone returning starter and best DL for the Spartans. He had 4 sack last year and has 0.5 so far this year. Freshman Vince Buhagiar was moved to DE(from TE) and has provided a spark. Utah's Line should be back at full strength with the return of Zane Taylor. They look to improve on their rushing attack from last week.
Advantage Utah
Utah's RB's vs SJSU's LB's
Tiuke Tuipulotu and Keith Smith are the top performers for the Spartans out of the linebackers. Utah's 1-2 of Wide and Asiata have been solid, but the Utes are waiting for a dominating performance from this crew and it has not materialized yet. I don't think this is the week either. Utah has more talent, but look for around 100-120 yards again.
Advantage Utah.
Utah's QB/WR's vs. SJSU's Secondary
Wynn is likely to start as he has practiced all week. If not, Cain has proven a good security blanket. The WR's had an excellent game last week, with Brooks again lead the way with 6-99. The touches were spread fairly well with 7 players getting a reception. The Spartans secondary has given up 260 yds a game with SUU even putting up 255 against them last week. Cornerbacks Alex Germany and Peyton Thompson are the top performers in the defensive back field. Expect Utah to abuse the Spartans through the air this week
Advantage Utah
Intangibles
Utah is still struggling with putting the ball on the ground. Less than stellar opposition has not been able to make them pay. Ball security was a top priority in practicethis week, we will see if the extra emphasis paid off. The Special teams for the Utes finally seems to have worked out all of the bugs. Penalties were down, but seemed to have occured at poor times. Home field sways this category.
Advantage Utah
Final Analysis
On paper, this is another mismatch and Vegas agrees, making the Utes a 30 1/2 point favorite. That is a big number, but look for the Utes to cover against the anemic Spartans( 11 ppg).
Utah 48 SJSU 10
Utah Defense vs. SJSU Offense
Utah's D-Line vs SJSU O-Line
SJSU returned 3 starters from last year, junior left tackle Fred Koloto (6-3, 290), senior left guard Isaac Leatiota (6-4, 305) and senior center Robbie Reed (6-3, 290). The line has struggled to convert from a spread offense to a run oriented attack. They have averaged only 67 yds/game. Utah has given up 84.3 yds/game. This will be another mismatch.
Advantage Utah
Utah's LB's vs SJSU RB's
Brandon Rutley is the rushing leader with 43.3/gm average. Lamon Muldrow was thought to be the best returning runner but has been outplayed by Rutley. Utah's LB's continue to play without JJ Williams who is still out with a foot injury. The unheralded group of Manis, Martinez, and Walker continue to top the tackling stats for the team, benefitting from the lack of the opposing O-lines being able to body up on them. Look for more of the same here.
Advantage Utah
Utah's secondary vs. SJSU's QB/WR
Jordan La Secla has performed decently, completing 62% of his passes, but the diminished role of the passing game in their attack has limited his stats to a 168.7 yard average. Chandler Jones is the leading receiver with 20-170 followed by Noel Grigsby with 13-168. La Secla had a good game against the Utes last year, which was buoyed by multiple Pass interference calls. However, Utah's secondary is much improved from a year ago. Burton has played at an all-conference level, Blechen has continued his strong start. Chapman will likely be the targeted again, but mostly due to the lack of confidence that opposing QB's have in throwing in the direction of Burton.
Advantage Utah
Utah's Offense vs San Jose's Defense
Utah's O-Line vs SJSU's D-Line
Pablo Garcia is the lone returning starter and best DL for the Spartans. He had 4 sack last year and has 0.5 so far this year. Freshman Vince Buhagiar was moved to DE(from TE) and has provided a spark. Utah's Line should be back at full strength with the return of Zane Taylor. They look to improve on their rushing attack from last week.
Advantage Utah
Utah's RB's vs SJSU's LB's
Tiuke Tuipulotu and Keith Smith are the top performers for the Spartans out of the linebackers. Utah's 1-2 of Wide and Asiata have been solid, but the Utes are waiting for a dominating performance from this crew and it has not materialized yet. I don't think this is the week either. Utah has more talent, but look for around 100-120 yards again.
Advantage Utah.
Utah's QB/WR's vs. SJSU's Secondary
Wynn is likely to start as he has practiced all week. If not, Cain has proven a good security blanket. The WR's had an excellent game last week, with Brooks again lead the way with 6-99. The touches were spread fairly well with 7 players getting a reception. The Spartans secondary has given up 260 yds a game with SUU even putting up 255 against them last week. Cornerbacks Alex Germany and Peyton Thompson are the top performers in the defensive back field. Expect Utah to abuse the Spartans through the air this week
Advantage Utah
Intangibles
Utah is still struggling with putting the ball on the ground. Less than stellar opposition has not been able to make them pay. Ball security was a top priority in practicethis week, we will see if the extra emphasis paid off. The Special teams for the Utes finally seems to have worked out all of the bugs. Penalties were down, but seemed to have occured at poor times. Home field sways this category.
Advantage Utah
Final Analysis
On paper, this is another mismatch and Vegas agrees, making the Utes a 30 1/2 point favorite. That is a big number, but look for the Utes to cover against the anemic Spartans( 11 ppg).
Utah 48 SJSU 10
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