When there was no crawdad left we ate sand - Raising Arizona at Utah

[Mormon Red Death]

Game is scheduled for 10 EST on ESPNU.

No line as its still trying to see if Matt Scott will play or not.

I maintain Arizona is overrated. They have 8 home games this year. This game is going to be freezing. Utah plays better at home. 10 point win for Utah.

[Harry Tic]

On the game itself, I got nothing. But this has to be the most awesome thread title and Coen Brothers reference ever.

[Mormon Red Death]

On the game itself, I got nothing. But this has to be the most awesome thread title and Coen Brothers reference ever.

It was between that and:

They've got a name for people like you H.I. That name is called "recidivism."

[Sullyute]

Like the Utes, Arizona has not won a road game this year either. The Utes are desperate and want to avenge the ugly performance last week. Last home game for the Utes with a potential bowl game on the line. Utes have another great home game and come out for the win.

If Wilson has another performance like he did last week, then I want to see Adam Schultz in the second half. Kid has an arm.

P.S. Despite being a Nick Cage fan, I just watched Raising Arizona for the first time this summer. Very funny show.

[Applejack]

Arizona's spread offense has me worried. In the one matchup against a spread team (ASU), our defense looked completely lost. Utah doesn't have the offense to win a shootout.

On the bright side, this team is much, much better at home than on the road; they feed off the crowd. I expect them to be amped for this game and hope they can contain RichRod's offense. Maybe DeVonte's switch to defense is the answer. http://www.deseretnews.com/article/8...-the-Utes.html

[The_Douger]

Arizona's spread offense has me worried. In the one matchup against a spread team (ASU), our defense looked completely lost. Utah doesn't have the offense to win a shootout.

On the bright side, this team is much, much better at home than on the road; they feed off the crowd. I expect them to be amped for this game and hope they can contain RichRod's offense. Maybe DeVonte's switch to defense is the answer. http://www.deseretnews.com/article/8...-the-Utes.html

You guys dont' seem to struggle with teams that play like this. You usually just outphysical them at the point of attack and screw up all their little timing routes.

I chose you to lose out of spite in the prediction contest, but I actually think you will win.

[Mormon Red Death]

Arizona's spread offense has me worried. In the one matchup against a spread team (ASU), our defense looked completely lost. Utah doesn't have the offense to win a shootout.

On the bright side, this team is much, much better at home than on the road; they feed off the crowd. I expect them to be amped for this game and hope they can contain RichRod's offense. Maybe DeVonte's switch to defense is the answer. http://www.deseretnews.com/article/8...-the-Utes.html

I wonder how hurt Matt Scott is. Anybody know his injury?

[Applejack]

You guys dont' seem to struggle with teams that play like this. You usually just outphysical them at the point of attack and screw up all their little timing routes.

I chose you to lose out of spite in the prediction contest, but I actually think you will win.

I see that you weren't able to watch the ASU game. But I like your optimism.

To be fair, the Utes have made some personnel changes since that game, the DBs have improved (especially Topps), and Blechen/Rowe have shaken off some of the rust. But spread offenses expose Utah's defensive weakness (middle linebackers) and neutralize its strengths (defensive tackles).

[The_Douger]

I see that you weren't able to watch the ASU game. But I like your optimism.

To be fair, the Utes have made some personnel changes since that game, the DBs have improved (especially Topps), and Blechen/Rowe have shaken off some of the rust. But spread offenses expose Utah's defensive weakness (middle linebackers) and neutralize its strengths (defensive tackles).

I agree with your take regarding the spread, but this week just kind of feels like the week you played Cal to me.

I know ASU made you look silly, but this is at home, and there's more on the line at this point regarding a bowl game and sending out the seniors with a win.

I just don't think Arizona is talented enough to come in and grind you guys up.

[Applejack]

I wonder how hurt Matt Scott is. Anybody know his injury?

RichRod is being mum on the situation. I'll bet we see the new kid.

[Blueintheface]

There’s what’s right and there’s what’s right and ne'er the twain shall meet. Utah by 10.

[Mormon Red Death]

espn.com Pac12 blog

On the heels of Ka'Deem Carey's record-setting performance last week against Colorado, the Arizona Wildcats have shifted their attention to a big problem this week when they travel to Utah. Much bigger. A 6-foot-4, 320-pound kind of problem.

No doubt, the Wildcats' offensive line will be keeping an eye out for Utah defensive tackle Star Lotulelei, the wrecking ball in the middle who eats up blockers and alters game plans with his bulky presence.

"We don’t have any players that are similar to his size, strength and speed to emulate it in practice," said Arizona coach Rich Rodriguez. "He has been a dominant player in this league for a couple of years and he will be a first-round draft pick. They will move him around as well and he won’t be lined up on the same person each time. Our guys up front have to watch the film and play with great leverage and intensity.”

Star Lotulelei presents an unprecedented challenge to Arizona and its rushing attack.The Arizona running attack is feeling pretty good about itself after last week's showing from Carey, who rushed for a Pac-12 record 366 yards with five touchdowns against the Buffs.

"On Saturday, Ka’Deem was really good with his eyes," Rodriguez said. "There were times where he may have missed a cut or two but for the most part, his vision was really good with regards to how the play was unfolding. I think he can get better at that part and he’s only a sophomore.”

Despite a tough season, Utah still poses one of the toughest rush defenses in the conference, ranking third while allowing 110.7 yards per game. Lotulelei is a big part of that, because running up the middle is a challenge for most teams when he's clogging the interior gaps.

“He’s a big, physical player and an anchor of the defensive line," said Arizona offensive lineman Trace Biskin. "For us it’s just going to be a matter of handling assignments and playing physical off the ball. If we do that and allow Ka’Deem to run and open some passing lanes, we’ll be okay.”

Not only is this Utah's final home game, but it's also a do-or-die game for the Utes and their postseason hopes. Utah (4-6 overall, 2-5 Pac-12) has to win out to reach bowl eligibility. The Wildcats (6-4, 3-4) locked it up last week with their home win over the Buffs.

Arizona has been one of the most efficient running teams in the conference, trailing only Oregon and averaging 215 yards on the ground per game with 25 touchdowns. They won't alter who or what they are because of one player.

“It’s too late in the season to change what we are doing," Rodriguez said. "We really just need to play well up front. We have not gotten a lot of push at the line of scrimmage this year so I wouldn’t expect to do it against Star and their front. They are bigger and stronger than our previous opponents. The key for us is to have great leverage.”

[Mormon Red Death]

Utah opens at -1 and Matt Scott is probable according to vegasinsider.com Still no line at most of the casinos.

This means that after Oregon st Utah will have been favored in their remaining games.

[UtahJazzFan88]

Rich Rod has a very good offense with Matt Scott, that RB, etc... but their defense is terrible too.

[DU Ute]

Has the Wilson sneak inside the 5 worked at all this year?