Utah’s Offensive Line Sucks, BYU Will Beat Utah.

[Applejack]

Oh yeah I think it is that game thread too. Should be fun.

Thank you!

[Jeff Lebowski]

Is this the game thread?

Hell, why not?

[jadesroom]

I hate to say it, but Utah wins. The game means more to Kyle Whittingham than it does to anyone else on the planet. The only question is what will be the utes margin of victory.

[Applejack]

I hate to say it, but Utah wins. The game means more to Kyle Whittingham than it does to anyone else on the planet. The only question is what will be the utes margin of victory.

Great 7th post, jadesroom!!

[Larry “Moose” Stubing]

Utah sucks, BYU will win Saturday. You heard it here first.

[Katy Lied]

Im not optimistic. They always find some way to win. 0-9 with a chance to go 0-10.

[Applejack]

Im not optimistic. They always find some way to win. 0-9 with a chance to go 0-10.

That's the spirit, Kate!!!

I guess it's official: Larry Moose Stubing is officially a BYU fan. Sad. Enjoy the great insights and pithy remarks, Cougar fans!

[Commando]

Hope springs eternal: I hope we win. I got nothin'.

[Jeff Lebowski]

This is exactly the kind of year where I expect the streak to end. Utah is stronger on paper and faithless cougar fans sadly anticipate another loss. Meanwhile, the players leave it all out on the field, and the long, sad journey comes to a close. The arc of the universe is long, but it bends toward justice.

Meanwhile, keep the long game in sight. The fundamental structural issues that have made a big difference the past 10 years are about to go away. This reminds me of the shift going on in the aTm/Texas rivalry. Historical little brother aTm has enjoyed a legit recruiting advantage over Texas that just disappeared. Same trajectory here.

[Pelado]

I'd like to be able to expect a victory, but I'm not feeling it. I'm still in just the hopeful category.

Did anyone see the Utah game? What are their strengths/weaknesses?

[Omaha 680]

I'd like to be able to expect a victory, but I'm not feeling it. I'm still in just the hopeful category.

Did anyone see the Utah game? What are their strengths/weaknesses?

Anyone who expects a victory in this rivalry is dumb. But I'm with The Dude there is great reason for optimism. I think under a normal 2020 season we would have broken the streak in spectacular fashion. This year there is obviously a large question mark where Mr. Wilson once stood, but I believe Hall is capable enough to get it done.

I'll be doing another cross country flight just in time to make the kickoff only this time I live in Utah so my wife will be picking me up instead of taking an Uber to the game.

[Bo Diddley]

It's a rivalry! Anything can happen. Don't count the Cougars out. Let's win, baby!

[Katy Lied]

Did anyone see the Utah game? What are their strengths/weaknesses?

They made Weber look like a decent team. Weber.
The problem is that BYU made Arizona look like a decent team. Arizona.
Dunno, maybe both sides were hiding their candle under a bushel basket. And though I would never ever wish injury on anyone, that Covey feller always feels like, 2 seconds from a serious hurt. Maybe its because they put him in such dangerous situations, and he's no smurfback who can run beneath the pressure.
Did I see Weddle there on the sideline?

[Uncle Ted]

Hey, so is this officially the game thread for this week? If so, I like the title.

[Applejack]

I'd like to be able to expect a victory, but I'm not feeling it. I'm still in just the hopeful category.

Did anyone see the Utah game? What are their strengths/weaknesses?

Yes, as a matter of fact I did!

Utah’s new old qb looked good. He’s calm and (miracle of miracles) gets the ball to where he’s trying to throw the ball. Downside is that he can’t run (he’s a decent scrambler, but you don’t call the read option with him).

the RBs (as always) look good. Tayvion T. (juco via Cincinnati) is going to be the guy, but Micah Bernard (the h makes an i sound ) is a good change of pace who catches out of the backfield. The Oklahoma transfer and LSU transfer also looked decent, but there are only so many carries.

now, to Larry moose’s horror, the offensive line is ok, not great. They opened up some massive holes (uh, did I mention it was against Weber state) and, outside of the first drive, were adequate in pass protection. They did get blown up on 4th and 1 (still against Weber) and generally missed assignments here and there killing what were productive drives, but I don’t need to bore you w the details.

Surprisingly, this will not be the year of the wide receiver as has been prophesied for 13 years. They were generally slow (Weber again) and not sure handed. If not for the tight ends, who are somehow 4 deep, the receivers would be an even bigger liability.

On defense, the Utes have exciting corners who are super young. Therefore, they man up very well but an occasional blown assignment is not unheard of. Devin Lloyd (lb) is the best player in the state.

but what really worries me is the d line. Typically Utah’s strength, I’ve been underwhelmed with this group for the past year. They are fine on the run, but on rushing the passer they (a) don’t do it well and (b) when they do they miss clear shots at the qb which allows him to scramble. Byu looked good on pass protection against Arizona (at least on the highlights) and hall has speed. If byu can exploit that match up byu has a shot.

tl;dr - Utah by 16