The Official Holy War Game Thread

[OrangeUte]

Let's talk about the game. Efforts in the last thread kept getting lost amidst talk of a capella groups and folk dancers. Here is to a great football game!

Special teams seem to be where this game will be won or lost this year. Offenses are similar - struggling. Defenses are similar - keeping each team in their games. Special teams is where we either win or lose this game, so field position with punting and kick coverage become very important, and nailing field goals and/or PATs.

As far as matchups, i like the Utes' offense against BYU's defense. If we can get any kind of passing game going with Wynn's gimpy shoulder, then i like the possibility of White IV or Dunn busting loose for decent 70ish yard games. i don't think it is going to work the other way around. BYU will be rushing their very good front four and using LB's some to put pressure on the QB, but i believe they will be daring us to run against their front 7 so we will need to knock them on their heels with an accurate passing game that includes some passes that stretch more than 10 yards.

The Utes Defense has me convinced that they will make stops in critical situations, but they will let the other team get to mid field or even a little beyond before they actually force a punt or turnover. the utes need to get some 3 and outs against the cougs so that wynn et al have a decent short field to work with.

[New Mexican Disaster]

ATs.
. BYU will be rushing their very good front four and using LB's some to put pressure on the QB, but i believe they will be daring us to run against their front 7 so we will need to knock them on their heels with an accurate passing game that includes some passes that stretch more than 10 yards.
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BYU plays a 3-4. Other than that good comments.

I think this will be a litmus test for the BYU defense because we know that the first two teams we played are having quarterback issues.

It will be important for BYU to run the ball, even if we don't always get a ton. The biggest advanteage we have, it seems to me on offense is the Ute linebackers covering receivers, either running backs or tight ends.

[Portland Ute]

I think this will be a litmus test for the BYU defense because we know that the first two teams we played are having quarterback issues.

And Utah isn't!?!?!?!

[New Mexican Disaster]

And Utah isn't!?!?!?!

Not as bad, I don't think. At least Utah has had their quarterback for 1 1/2 years. Ole Miss and Texas ended up playing first timers.

[byu71]

I have a bad feeling about this game. IN the Whitt/Bronco era have we ever won when the spread was tight going into the game? I am not expert enough to point out what causes my bad feeling position by position.

[Art Vandelay]

I have a bad feeling about this game. IN the Whitt/Bronco era have we ever won when the spread was tight going into the game? .

[Babs]

What's the over/under for how many posts before this thread veers off course, too?

[ERCougar]

What's the over/under for how many posts before this thread veers off course, too?

Nice try.

Wait...what are you doing here again?

[Jeff Lebowski]

What's the over/under for how many posts before this thread veers off course, too?

No way it gets beyond two pages without another food fight.

[Babs]

No way it gets beyond two pages without another food fight.

Great! I'll take the under.

[OrangeUte]

BYU plays a 3-4. Other than that good comments.

I think this will be a litmus test for the BYU defense because we know that the first two teams we played are having quarterback issues.

It will be important for BYU to run the ball, even if we don't always get a ton. The biggest advanteage we have, it seems to me on offense is the Ute linebackers covering receivers, either running backs or tight ends.

Good point. I haven't paid close enough attention to the cougs this year, but I remember that they were going to employ a 3-4-4 set up on D. Do they use LBs on the ends in certain circumstances or is it a helter slender barrage of different looks? I fear the latter because of the speed of BYU's LBs.

[byu71]

I really don't know the answer. If we haven't we are due or there is always a first time.

[DrumNFeather]

I don't think Utah is necessarily strong in the areas where BYU showed weakness against Texas. That said, given how well the option QB played, it wouldn't surprise me in the least if Reggie Dunn got a few wild cat type plays...OR if the Utes run more sweeps and misdirections to him and other speedsters.

It'll be interesting to see who steps up for Utah/BYU if efforts are successfully made to shut down Apo/Christopher.

[Portland Ute]

I think this comes down to the lines. I think BYU has an advantage with their D-line vs. Utah's O-line.

I think the Utah D line vs. BYU's O-line is a draw.

Most other position grouping match-ups seem pretty even.


I think BYU's slight edge in the trenches is what pushes them to a win.

[Jarid in Cedar]

I think this comes down to the lines. I think BYU has an advantage with their D-line vs. Utah's O-line.

I think the Utah D line vs. BYU's O-line is a draw.

Most other position grouping match-ups seem pretty even.


I think BYU's slight edge in the trenches is what pushes them to a win.

I think you are selling our oline short. This is the first time that the same line will have practiced 7 straight practices together. They are going to be much improved this week.