TCU -20??

You've got to be kidding me! Vegas has TCU at -20 to win this game against the Utes. We aren't BYU! We actually show up for big games.

Look I am not saying that we are going to win, but I guarantee we won't lose by 20 or more. If I were a betting man, I would lay a ton of cash on that line. The Utes have their problems for sure, but our offense is coming along and our defense is stout. Undoubtedly, TCU is going to score on us, but we will also stop them often as well. If you look at the Utes season, we've only allowed one team, Oregon, to score more than 20 points in a game. Additionally we have score more than 20 points in every game. I am not going to dive in further as to why the Utes won't lose by 20, but we Ute fans shouldn't have to justify our team. We are the winningest team in the last two years (something like 31-2 in our last 33 games).

All I can is the Utes are well coached, well prepared, and won't lay down to anybody. I am not saying we are going to win (I am not saying we are not going win either), but there is no chance the Utes get blown out like Vegas is predicting.

GO UTES!

Utes Clobber Lobos

The game was just what I had hoped; a dominating 45-14 win against an inferior opponent. The game started slow and frustrating with a 7-7 tie at the end of the first quarter; it was a "here we go again" feeling. But in the 2nd quarter the Utes started pouring it on and hit the gas. A handful of big plays, sustained drives, and the defense stepping up gave the Utes a dominating lead by the 4th quarter. Once the game was comfortably in hand, the Utes placed many 2nd teamers in to get them some experience and the defense gave up a garbage TD. It was a great all around victory for the Utes, however the whole game I wondered if the Utes are that much better with Wynn in or if they just look this good because they are playing the Lobos. I think it is a mix of both, but mostly because New Mexico sux.

This brings me to Jordan Wynn. There is no doubt that he brings an extra spark to this team. He can hit the deep ball, he is a natural leader, and he can even run a bit - though not like Cain can. He is definitely the right choice to start against TCU. Sure he made many Freshman mistakes and missed a few passes. But his leadership and energy drive the team. They look much more confident with him in.

I think the problem with Cain, who was a fine QB by the way, was that he was too quiet and reserved and he fumbled the ball. Ball control has been much better these last two games and it produces results.

The biggest concern that I have going forward is their defense. Yeah, their defense. They are not as dominant as last year's defense and I think it could bite them next week against TCU. Just look at the first quarter of the UNM game when the Lobos virtually moved the ball at will. We can't have that for even a drive against TCU. The one saving grace for this defense is that it is a bend but not break. Sure teams have been pretty successful moving the ball against it, but the Utes have done a good job keeping them out of the end zone.

A great win for the Utes and just as important it was a great confidence booster for Wynn.

UTES: 8-1

Giddyup!

I should have known after watching the Utah Wyoming game last week that this would be a close one. I was biting my nails until BYU scored their 45th point. I wish they had made it more comfortable by scoring a few more TDs in the first half. Honestly though folks, BYU could have hung 70 points on Wyoming. Hall went out half way through the third quarter and BYU only passed the ball one more time the rest of the game.

I'll follow Steve's cue and give some grades.

QB - A
Max hall was nearly perfect. Only 2 incomplete passes and one of them was a throw away to avoid a sack. 325 yards in 2 and 1/2 quarters of play with three TD passes. He spread it around to 7 receivers. This game also reminded me how dangerous a mobile QB is. Every time BYU's backup Riley Nelson tucked it and ran he gained around 9-10 yards.

Running - A-
Over 200 yards. Harvey had 85, Nelson had 70 and DiLuigi and Hall each had 30 yards. It would have been nice to see someone break at least one big run. But I'll take 7 yards every touch.

O-line - A
Max was only pressured once and the run game ran away.

Defense - A
Shutout. Enough said.

Great game. Can't wait to beat up New Mexico next week as well.

Go Cougars!

Los Lobos

(Is it OK if it is against the Cougs??)

Good news for the Utes, we have a bye week to prepare for the horned frogs.....wait, what? We have a game? Oh, New Mexico, well it might as well be a bye week.

The short and dry of this game with the Lobos is that we better win big. This is one game where winning it in the fourth quarter would be embarrassing. This game better be over by half time. The Wolves are freaking terrible. They have a coach who may be as bad a guy as Tom Cable, have female soccer players who also hate BYU, and generally just appear to have no motivation whatsoever.

Nevertheless, this complete mismatch of a game isn't without its intrigue. The big question is "who will start at QB for the Utes?" The answer should be obvious and it should be Jordan Wynn. I have nothing against Terrance Cain, in fact he looks to be comparable to Wynn, and when the players are equals you go with the youngest. We already blew his red-shirt, so we better run with him and get him experience. Give our Utes three more years of an experienced QB and a real chance to get back to the BCS.

This game also should be used as a solid tuneup for the TCU game next week. (That's right, I'm looking ahead!). Focus on the fundamentals and execution. Test Wynn's accuracy and pocket presence. Send him out on some designed runs and option plays. Let's get Wynn comfortable and ready.

UTES: 45-10

Wynn Leads Utes Past the Pokes

Jordan Wynn saw his first action of the season tonight after an unimpressive first half by Terrance Cain. Jordan looked really good, not perfect, but good. He threw a beautiful TD pass and managed the game well. In my opinion he needs to start from here on out. He and Cain are at the worst equals. And when they are equal you go with the younger one. Even if he costs us a game or two, the experience for Wynn from this season will set us up with three years of an experience QB and could quite possibly lead us back to the BCS.

The defense played great, especially in the 2nd half, special teams was solid, etc. I missed the first half so can't comment, but obviously it was terrible considering we were down 10-3.

The Utes have a lot of offensive problems. We are very fortunate to only have one loss on the season (and that loss was by seven to a great Oregon team). It is hard to get an idea about really how good or bad this team is. We look very vulnerable against teams like Wyoming and San Jose State, but then only lose by seven to the Ducks. I think we are overrated probably, but hey, we continue to win and know how to win. We deserve the ranking we have and probably better. I love the fact that the Utes have built such a program that even when they suck, we still figure out how to win. Love it.

UTES 7-1

BLACKOUT

Tonight is Blackout night, how I wish I could go. We have the suddenly threatening Wyoming Cowboys coming in tonight. One frustrating part of this season is that there isn't really any game this season that I am comfortable that the Utes are going to dominate; perhaps that will change against New Mexico, but not tonight.

Wyoming is a dangerous team for the Utes. This is the best they have been in a few years and Dave Christensen is going to have them ready to play. They are also coming off their bye week; so how will that extra week of practice suit them.

Traditionally, the Utes dominate the Cowboys. But considering the Utes' season and the newly discovered strength of Wyoming, I expect a tough fought game.

Utah obviously is riddled with far more talent than the Cowboys and that will be the difference. I think the Utes will end up winning pretty comfortably, but the score will be closer than the game actually was. I also say the Utes have a big offensive day and have no fumbles.

UTES: 33-17

P.S. After the Utes, the Cowboys are my second favorite team in the MWC. I mean how can you not cheer for a team from the smallest populated state in the nation, whose University is in a town as terrible as Laramie, and have the best colors in CFB.

Utes Beat Air Force, Thoughts on TCU

The Utes won a tough fought game against Air Force 23-16. While I would usually be pretty down on the Utes for this game, it largely went the way I thought, the Utes struggled against the option and had a hard time on offense - I mean, Air Force hadn't allowed any team to score more than 20 points before tonight. Air Force has a good defense and their offense is so different from anything the Utes play otherwise that it is difficult to defend. Kudos to the Falcons for the way they played.

So while I could go on and on criticizing various elements of this game, I really want to discuss why I love this program. The Utes are gritty team who never gives up. Kyle has toughened this program and instilled a never say die mentality. In both the Oregon game and this one, the Utes were down and made a game of it, despite the loss to Oregon. Tonight the Utes showed heart and sheer will. They have a lot of flaws and they will likely lose at least once more this year, but I don't see them getting blown out.

Overall, I would say that my feelings after this game is relief. This was the toughest game left other than BYU and TCU. The Utes easily could have lost this and the Utes always struggle against the Falcons. Now we have two near-certain wins to prep us for TCU in three weeks.

So let's talk about TCU. After watching the BYU-TCU game, it is hard to believe that TCU would not be a top-5ish team. They are for real and can play with any team in the country. Florida and Alabama look vulnerable after today, Texas hasn't looked great nor has USC, and who knows about Boise considering their schedule (though they look for real). I really think that TCU could line up with any of those teams and win or at least keep it close. TCU may not move a ton in the polls, who knows? But they should jump Boise State, Iowa, and LSU. It is a shame that our football system has such biases in place that TCU will not get a serious look at the National Championship game simply because of the conference they play in.

UTES 6-1