Breaking down Utah--looking forward to the game

[BigLame]

Utah can run as well or better than KSU - combining both the QB & RB positions.
Utah can throw better than KSU (at least with their starter).
We will have our hands full, but we have played better since the KSU game & I hope that continues & our D can get stops/get off the field.
Utah's offensive execution has been very impressive over the past several years. This is what worries me the most on that side of the ball.

Utah's D maybe as well rounded as Iowa's, that is, they are led by their front 4 & this allows the LBs & DBs the latitude to take more chances (risk/reward). Hopefully we can executive, limit mistakes, and win TOP.

 

[TheBaron]

If you get an account you can change the format. The default format you see is a bit tedious.

Exactly. There is a huge difference in how utefans.net appears to registered and unregistered users. Unregistered is annoying and looks like this:
http://img839.imageshack.us/img839/6784/utefansnetpage1publicme.png

If you register, the format is highly readable and refreshing compared to the "traditional" format (i.e. vbulletin style.) Registered users see this:
http://img714.imageshack.us/img714/6784/utefansnetpage1publicme.png

Registered users don't have to click on posts to read their content while unregistered users have to click on each individual post to read it. Everyone complains until they register. Personally, I love the format.

 

[wrightaboutit]

Aselhu, I appreciated your statistical breakdown. On Pitt's backs, you are right. Dion was Pitt's starter last year and had an 1,800 yard season. He was on a lot of Heisman short lists before the season. Holding him to under 3 ypc looked like an achievement. He's continued his slump until he got replaced by Graham last week. Graham had almost 280 yards and looks great. We only saw him on a few odd carries in our game--maybe the third or fourth most touches among runners.

One of the things about Pitt that struck me was how few adjustments they were willing to try. I think it burned them. Thank god--Utah had way to many turnovers and penalties in that game. We've had some bumpy play to start the season the last couple years but it looks like the kinks are worked out now.

I'm really excited for this game. The matchups are pretty interesting and depending on how the teams' coaches plan, this could be low scoring and close, or an aerial circus. Any guesses as to which way it goes on your end?

 

[ahaselhu]

Aselhu, I appreciated your statistical breakdown. On Pitt's backs, you are right. Dion was Pitt's starter last year and had an 1,800 yard season. He was on a lot of Heisman short lists before the season. Holding him to under 3 ypc looked like an achievement. He's continued his slump until he got replaced by Graham last week. Graham had almost 280 yards and looks great. We only saw him on a few odd carries in our game--maybe the third or fourth most touches among runners.

One of the things about Pitt that struck me was how few adjustments they were willing to try. I think it burned them. Thank god--Utah had way to many turnovers and penalties in that game. We've had some bumpy play to start the season the last couple years but it looks like the kinks are worked out now.

I'm really excited for this game. The matchups are pretty interesting and depending on how the teams' coaches plan, this could be low scoring and close, or an aerial circus. Any guesses as to which way it goes on your end?

That's interesting about Lewis. I wonder if he is injured? Weird to go from 1800 yards one season to out of the rotation the next. According to the stats I have, Graham didn't carry the ball at all against Utah.

While I'm not sold that Utah is a top 10 team, I have no doubt that they are a very good team.

I think we have a chance to win, but Utah definitely has the better chance. I think we'll give a good showing, but I'd guess something like 27-20 Utah. If we can generate some turnovers (something we're pretty good at), and can avoid them, I think we have a great shot at pulling an upset.

 

[wrightaboutit]

That's interesting about Lewis. I wonder if he is injured? Weird to go from 1800 yards one season to out of the rotation the next. According to the stats I have, Graham didn't carry the ball at all against Utah.

That's probably right about Graham not running in the Utah game. My only memory of him from the broadcast is a shot of him standing on the sideline. They had a beef back (Hynoski?) that took snaps along with Dion. Not sure what Dion's issue is, but he seems to be in a slump. I don't recall hearing he had an injury (at least one that keeps him out of play).

Everybody has a chance to win. Of our away games, this one makes me more nervous than Notre Dame in some respects. Don't take care of business here, and the meaning of the late season games change substantially.

Thanks.

 

[heitclone]

That's interesting about Lewis. I wonder if he is injured? Weird to go from 1800 yards one season to out of the rotation the next. According to the stats I have, Graham didn't carry the ball at all against Utah.

While I'm not sold that Utah is a top 10 team, I have no doubt that they are a very good team.

I think we have a chance to win, but Utah definitely has the better chance. I think we'll give a good showing, but I'd guess something like 27-20 Utah. If we can generate some turnovers (something we're pretty good at), and can avoid them, I think we have a great shot at pulling an upset.

To be fair, Graham was a much more highly touted recruit and it was a surprise Lewis won the job from him last year. Either way its odd to see Lewis's role dimished but hey Wanny is their coach, so who knows.