Utah-AFA

[Hot Lunch]

I guess because of the whole Gameday hoopla this game isn't getting a lot of talk this week. This is a huge game for the Utes and IMO will be a great game to watch. I actually love watching the Utes and the Cougars play Air Force. The option in its own way is fun to watch because of the perfect execution that is required in order for it to be successful and AFA runs it pretty dang good.

Air Force is such a hard to team to prepare for and they always plays well against Utah. Joe Dale being out really hurts the Utes and their ability to stop the option. In years past, Whit has used his SS as an important part of the scheme he puts together that week to stop the AFA option attack. RoJo as good as he is, isn't a run stopper. It will be interesting to see the changes he makes in his game plan this week especially with Dale being out. Whit has always changed it up defensively against AFA to something a little different than what they normally do. Should be a really good game and like most, I think it will be very close.

[LiveCoug]

How long is Dale out?

[U-Ute]

How long is Dale out?

3-4 weeks.

[il Padrino Ute]

The Utes did a good job last year against the Falcons' option, but I think a lot of that had to do with the fact that Utah was using smaller and quicker interior DL -Newman and Shelby - rather than the really big guys like Eliapo and Siliga.

Dale being out hurts. Taplin-Ross is doing a decent job in Dale's place, but he's not as as good as Dale is at stopping the run, IMO. RoJo is a great safety, but he's not a big hitter.

The Utes always have a problem with AFA and the Falcons are so good at executing their option that this has trap game written all over it. However, KW was such a tremendous DC for all those years and Sitake doesn't seem to have a problem with getting tips from KW on what to do that I believe Utah will come up with a scheme that will work good enough to slow down AFA. On offense, I think Cain is getting more confident and better with each game and is going to have a good game, especially throwing the ball to a guy like David Reed.

My biggest concern is that it's been so long since the Utes have played a home game that I'm not quite sure if I remember where my seats are. I'll just have to wander the north end zone sections until I see U-Ute and I can probably figure it out from there, as he and I are in the same section.

[DU Ute]

My biggest concern is that it's been so long since the Utes have played a home game that I'm not quite sure if I remember where my seats are. I'll just have to wander the north end zone sections until I see U-Ute and I can probably figure it out from there, as he and I are in the same section.

There are letters and numbers on your ticket that correspond to the section, row and seat you should be in. If you need any help just ask someone older than you. You're welcome.

[il Padrino Ute]

There are letters and numbers on your ticket that correspond to the section, row and seat you should be in. If you need any help just ask someone older than you. You're welcome.

I appreciate the tip about the the seats' numbers and letters being on the ticket. That might help if I feel inclined to look at the tickets, but I won't ask for directions, because I'm a male.

[Mormon Red Death]

I guess because of the whole Gameday hoopla this game isn't getting a lot of talk this week. This is a huge game for the Utes and IMO will be a great game to watch. I actually love watching the Utes and the Cougars play Air Force. The option in its own way is fun to watch because of the perfect execution that is required in order for it to be successful and AFA runs it pretty dang good.

Air Force is such a hard to team to prepare for and they always plays well against Utah. Joe Dale being out really hurts the Utes and their ability to stop the option. In years past, Whit has used his SS as an important part of the scheme he puts together that week to stop the AFA option attack. RoJo as good as he is, isn't a run stopper. It will be interesting to see the changes he makes in his game plan this week especially with Dale being out. Whit has always changed it up defensively against AFA to something a little different than what they normally do. Should be a really good game and like most, I think it will be very close.

I agree about Joe Dale but one thing I noticed at the unlv game was the size of Justin Taplin-Ross. Dude is as tall at Robert Johnson but thick as can be.

[Hot Lunch]

I agree about Joe Dale but one thing I noticed at the unlv game was the size of Justin Taplin-Ross. Dude is as tall at Robert Johnson but thick as can be.

I haven't payed close enough attention to him. I also fell asleep during that game so I don't remember much about him or how he played. I am ashamed to admit that here.

[Jarid in Cedar]

I kept asking my brother if he saw Dale hurt in the game as several series went by without him being seen. Late in the 3rd Q I saw him with an ice bag on his knee. He is a huge loss for this game(above maybe all others because of the option).

The best way to play the option is to keep it on the sidelines. I hope we are better at sustaining drives than last week.

[Sizzle]

I agree about Joe Dale but one thing I noticed at the unlv game was the size of Justin Taplin-Ross. Dude is as tall at Robert Johnson but thick as can be.

Well consider him the next Ronnie Lott then.

[Jarid in Cedar]

Well consider him the next Ronnie Lott then.

Done. Thanks for the suggestion.

[Mormon Red Death]

Well consider him the next Ronnie Lott then.

I'm not sure where the vitriol comes from but I was making an observation about the SS. Hot Lunch mentioned how Joe Dale was big on stopping the option. I was commenting on taplin-ross' size as a "he's got the body to stop the run"

[BoylenOver]

I crunched some numbers earlier this summer.

Since 2000, Whit has held AFA's rushing attack to 80% of their average season production, yet the Falcons have matched their average point production.

So it's basically money in the bank Utah will hold AFA to 200-225 rushing yards, but give up 150 passing yards and have to win late in the 4th quarter.

[U-Ute]

I'm not sure where the vitriol comes from but I was making an observation about the SS. Hot Lunch mentioned how Joe Dale was big on stopping the option. I was commenting on taplin-ross' size as a "he's got the body to stop the run"

I watched Taplin-Ross when he came in for Dale during the Louisville game. Dale was sitting due to cramps. He's a pretty big hitter. He unloaded on a receiver going across the middle.

I don't know if he is as fast as Dale though.

U-Ute

[Jarid in Cedar]

This is a big game for the Utes. Air Force is always a tough draw and they come in sporting a top 10 defense. Whoever made Utah a 9 1/2 point favorite in LV will probably lose their job. This is alway a 3-4 point game that is decided in the 4th quarter(and last drive many times).

For Utah, the game is big as they are the 2nd best team played to date. A win here is the catalyst that will push us to 8-1 going into Ft. Worth(sorry landpoke, I don't see you beating us on Halloween).

I wish I could watch live, but crappy TV will have to do. GO UTES!