Curtis on :
Good write-up Sideshow. Let's go Utes!
Wednesday, September 2. 2015Red, Blue And Pigskin
Finally, we've made it. We have survived the wasteland. We have suffered, and been tormented. At long last we are coming out of the wilderness after our proverbial 40 years (or 30ish weeks). Finally we can see the light at the end of the tunnel that is the offseason. Of course in this case that light is the headlights of a Khaki dressed bus.
The More Things Change....
As we prepare to enter the 2015 season of Beehive State College Football, it's amusing how many of the story lines are carry overs from last season. Stop me if you've heard these before. Utah State welcomes back QB Chuckie Keeton from the knee injury that knocked him out of last season. The Aggies managed to cobble together a respectable season last year without him (and eventually without their 2nd string QB as well.) The Aggies hope that Keeton is able to return to at least a portion of his former self. If last year showed us anything though, it's that Keeton may have a hard time overcoming the mental aspect of his comeback, moreso than the physical. Of course, Keeton has now been around long enough that he was the subject of a players who have been around forever article by grantland.com. My two favorite parts of the article was Grantland mentioning that Keeton was already the subject of his own comeback article on their site the previous year, as well as Grantland reminding us that the coach who recruited Keeton is now at his 2nd school after leaving Utah State. Speaking of QB's, leg injuries, and health, the Cougars are once again hoping that Taysom Hill can stay healthy throughout the entire season. For as Taysom goes, so goes the Cougars. Sure last year, the Cougars survived Taysom's injury to post a respectable 8 win season. This year though they don't have the best passing QB they've had since Max Hall waiting as a forgotten backup, and they're playing a much more difficult schedule. So once again Cougar fans are going to be holding their breath with every Taysom run, trying to walk the fine line between wishing he'd stop running it so much, and hoping for some more of his amazing plays he generates with his legs. Finally while talking about QB's, it wouldn't be a new season of Football up on the hill without the question marks once again around the Utah offense, the Utah offensive coordinators, and how is going to step up in the QB Position. Much like last year, the battle this year is between returning incumbent Travis Wilson, and backup Kendall Thompson. Unlike last year, we've seen what Thompson can do, and yet still aren't really sure what either QB can do. Well at least this year, the Utes don't have to worry about the Offensive Coordinator changing again. Oh Wait... that's right... Once again, the Utes will have a new offensive coordinator, in this case 2. That means in the last 7 season, the Utes have had a change at that very important position. This year, Andy Roderick returns to offensive coordinator/play calling duties. Once again the Utes are going the Co-Offensive Coordinator route, by also promoting OL Coach Jim Harding. Supposedly the dynamic is that Roderick will be in charge of calling the every down plays, while Harding is in charge of the overall gameplan, and major decisions (such as whether to go for it on 4th, etc.) Well at least this year they didn't bring in anyone from outside the program. Previewing the Aggies The Aggies managed to withstand QB injuries better than anyone outside the city of Columbus would ever be expected to. Down to their 3rd string (and for a few plays their 4th string) QB, the Aggies put together a 10 win season. This year they come into the season with the confidence that should the worst possible luck ever fall on Chuckie Keeton, they can survive at the QB position. Perhaps an even bigger return from injury would be that of Linebacker Kyle Fackrell. Fackrell is the heart and soul of the Aggie Defense, and along with Nick Vigil are key cogs in a stout Aggie defense. The Aggies have a rough start to the season. After opening up with a prostitution game against the Southern Utah Thunderbirds (At least it's an in-state team.... and not Wagner or Idaho State), the next 6 games are against either Power 5 foes, or the expected leaders in their conference. It starts with an in state trip to Rice-Eccles, followed by a trip to the North West to face off against the enigma that is the Chris Petersen led Washington Huskies. Once they get into conference play, they have to hit the ground running by first playing Colorado State, followed by a matchup against the West division winners for the last 3 years, the Fresno State Bulldogs. Next up is expected Big 5 Conference representative on New Year's Day, Boise State on the smurf turf. After what's sure to be an emotional game against the Broncos, the Aggies next take the last of the Conference top dogs, in the San Diego Aztecs. It's a 6 game stretch that could see the Aggies be set up nicely for a New Year's Day run, or desperately trying to salvage their season. Which means the season ending rivalry game against the Cougars could have a lot of wait for the Aggies, moreso than just emotionally. Meanwhile Down South When last we saw the Cougars, their head coach was busy icing a kicker on a PAT Attempt, not once, but twice. The Same kicker then booting a long figgie to ice the game in overtime, immediately followed by a lousy baseball stadium layout leading to an ugly brawl full of beat downs, helmets as weapons, and ugly sucker punch and runs. (No seriously, who thought that having both teams family one one side of the field, causing players from both teams going to one side of the field to greet them post game, was a good idea?) I bring up the brawl not to take a shot at the Cougars (that's what the comment about icing the PAT was for) but because it's repercussions will extend into this season, as Bronco has said there will be suspensions, even if they won't be officially made known who, and how long until after the Nebraska game starts. Rumors state there could be up to 10 suspensions for at least part of the Nebraska game. Of course it's all conjecture at this point, as the only suspension we know of is LB Sione Takitaki being suspended for the Nebraska game after being charged with 2 counts of theft. Based on Bronco's history I would guess Kai Nacua gets 2 games for the sucker punch, Harvey Langi And Trey Dye get 1/2 a game for having their wild punches caught on camera, and everyone else receives the "handled internally" slap on the wrist. Offensively, the conversation begins and ends with QB Taysom Hill. Hill, as we know, is returning from his second major lower leg injury in the last three years. When healthy there's not a more dynamic QB in college football with his legs. Hill is a player who has the ability to take a broken down play and run it for a big game, leaving even the biggest, and baddest out there diving at air. Hill is as confident with his legs, and Peyton Manning is with his arm (before neck surgery.) Of course, it's exactly that confidence that gives Cougar fans the biggest concern, as Hill tends to bail on plays too early, and take off. Which is why the biggest offensive missing piece will not be because of a brawl suspension, but it will be the loss of RB Jamaal Williams who left the school for personal reasons during the summer. With Williams back there, the Cougars had another legitimate running threat for which to work the zone read. Unless Adam Hine, and Algernon Brown can prove they are reliable every down (even if as a committee) teams will have one less thing to take away their attention from Taysom. In the air, the Cougars are excited to finally see the promise that WR Nick Kurtz was showing before offseason injury forced him to miss all of last years. In addition the Cougars are hoping returning WR Devon Blackmon has finally matured enough to be a factor. Mitch Matthews is the leading returner and was a major reason Christian Stewart was able to get comfortable last year. The Cougar offense is in a tough spot, as we saw last year with Stewart just how effective the offense could be if it slowed down just a bit, and had a QB who was willing to make the reads, and not just run. On the other hand Taysom dynamic abilities are enough to overcome so many mistakes by the rest of the team, assuming he stays health, and Go Fast, Go Hard, doesn't run him into the ground. Defensively the Cougars were absolutely dreadful last season. When Taysom went down, we saw just how much of a factor Taysom was. Hill's ability on the offensive end, was able to put up enough points to save the dreadful defense, and when he went down, the Cougars suffered drastically as they waited for Stewart to come up to speed. Supposedly last year's Defensive Coordinator remains in the job, but with Head Coach Bronco Mendenhall managing the play calls. While we've seen how effective his defenses can be when Mendenhall calls the plays, we've also got plenty of evidence that tells us Mendenhall really struggles managing the rest of the game and duties as Head Coach when he does. Mendenhall even admitted as much after a 55-30 shellacking by Boise State last year. The Cougars will be tested early and often, as they play arguably the toughest September slate of games. They have 3 games on the road, going to Lincoln to face Nebraska, the Rose Bowl to play Ucla, and end September at the Big House against the Michigan And Up On The Hill After a few years of struggling to adjust, the Utes finally broke through in 2014 and posted a 9 win season. A 9 win season that Ute fans could legitimately say was 2 plays (Dres' drop versus Washington State, Dominique Hatfield's missed interception vs. Arizona State) from being an 11 win season. One would think that finally all would be calm in the offseason for Utah. Think again. Shortly after the season, media took hold of the fact that Utah Athletic director Chris Hill didn't want to extend coordinators for more than the next season. A not all that crazy notion, considering after 2 consecutive 5 win campaigns, Whittingham entered 2014 on the hot seat, and the Utes were honestly as close to 6 wins in 2014 as Kaelin Clay was to crossing the goal line against Oregon. One can't be entirely sure that the Utes have turned it around after one season. Hill understandably wants to see a repeat performance, and doesn't want to be on the hook for contract buyouts should it not work. Matters were only made worse when Dave Christensen did what all Utah offensive coordinators do, and change positions or leave after one year. The cherry on top was when former Utah Defensive Coordinator, former Utah State Head Coach, former Wisconsin Head Coach, and new Oregon State Head Coach decided that screwing Bronco over during a call for references wasn't enough, and offered Kalani Sitake a chance to prove his mettle outside of Kyle's system by joining him in Corvallis. Now the Utes needed a new Offensive, and Defensive Coordinator and the calendar hadn't even changed to 2015. This time though Kyle went with continuity and promoted from within on the offensive side, returning Aaron Roderick to play calling duties, and promoting Jim Harding to Offensive Coordinator, and reached out to long time defensive Assistant John Pease to take over the defense. On the field the Utes had an amazing defense in 2014. A defense that led the nation in Sacks. A defense that saw standouts Eric Rowe and Nate Orchard go to the NFL, and saw it's second best defensive back Dominque Hatfield get kicked out of school for a couple of off the field legal issues. While charges for Hatfield are dropped in one case, and soon to be dropped in another, and he's been allowed back in school, don't expect to see him on the field as he'll likely be forced to Redshirt. Despite all the losses, there is a solid chance that 2015's defense might be even better. The Utes will see the return of Tevin Carter, who despite playing on a few games in 2014, made more impact in those few games, than some players do their entire career. The front seven will see Hunter Dimick move over and take over Orchard's spot as the main pass rusher, while the middle will be occupied by Lowell Lotulelei, younger brother of Star. As a freshman in 2014, Lowell was giving Offensive lines fits. The linebackers will be led by Jason Whittingham, Jared Norris, and Gionni Paul. It's clear that this defense will be the hallmark of the 2015 team, and will be what Whittingham relies on. There's a reason Steve Sarkisian, David Shaw, and Jim Mora all said that Utah is the team they hate playing they most, because they know win or lose, they are going to get beat up. And the Utes need that defense to be sharp because the offense is just as questionable as ever. The highlight of the offense is Devontae Booker, and he'll be the main focal point. Booker had the most yards by a running back in Pac-12 conference play in 2014, and despite not starting until the 4th game of the year, came up just 7 yards short of breaking the Utah single season rushing mark. Booker will be the undisputed starter from week 1. Problem is if the passing game doesn't get itself sorted out, Booker will be going up against a lot of 8 and 9 men fronts. Defense and a ground game will always be Whittingham's preference and calling card at Utah. However, if Utah is going to succeed and build off of 2014 instead of reverting back to 2012 and 2013, the passing game cannot be the bottom of the Pac-12 again. The Utes don't need an Oregon, or Baylor like firework show either. Simply put, if the passing game can simply be an average unit in the Pac-12, the defense and Booker are good enough to see this team succeed. So what does that mean? 60 yards. 60 extra yards a game moves the Utes from last, to 6th in the Pac-12 in passing efficiency last year. 15 extra yards per quarter. 1 extra first down per quarter. It's not a lot. It just means more consistency. More consistency from a WR group that couldn't seem to get open last year, especially when Dres Anderson went out for the year. Kenneth Scott is the leader of this unit, and has a knack for making great catches, but he's not a field stretcher. The Utes need somebody to stretch the defense out. This big name out of camp this year was true freshman Britain Covey. There wasn't a practice that went by where the coaches weren't singing his praises, but can you really rely on a 5'9" 165 pound true freshman to stretch the field? Bubba Poole who started the season last year as a running back was moved to WR. It's a move that could benefit him, as he has some speed, but was always a little indecisive in the back field. As a receiver he can (hopefully) just catch it and run. Of course it a WR can only catch what is thrown his way, and this year doing the throwing will likely be Travis Wilson. Last year the Dave Christensen did everything he possibly could to undermine the QB position. Refusing to make a choice, flip flopping back and forth between Wilson, and Kendall Thompson, and not calling plays suited to either's style. Just as Thompson looked like he was getting a grasp on the job against Oregon, he blew out his knee. But it was clear the rest of the year that Wilson's confidence had been shot. This year Wilson once again enters the season as the starter after showing the most consistency during camp. But which Wilson are we going to get? Is going to be the Bulldog who tried to detach his nose against Michigan, and confidently led the offense down the field to beat Usc. Or will we get the Travis Wilson that is suffering from PCSD (Post Christensen Stress Disorder). If a change has to be made will Thompson be able to actually hold onto the job, or will his lackadaisical attitude with ball security never fully earn him the trust of the coaches. I guess it's a good thing the Utes have the best set of kickers in the nation with Andy Phillips, and returning Ray Guy award winner Tom "Bacon" Hackett. Hopefully the Utes won't have to be as reliant on them and can get those extra 15 yards per quarter. How's It Going To Play Out Thankfully, for all of our sanity, the many questions around the teams are going to start to be answered in just a few short days. All three teams have a wide variance between their floors and ceilings. I wouldn't be shocked to see any of the teams win 10 games, or struggle to make the postseason. With that said, here's how this season is going to play out. Guaranteed or Curtis will give you your money back. Week 1 Utah State (0-0) vs. Southern Utah - The Thunderbirds have won games against Div 1-A teams twice in the last 5 years. They won't make it three. Outcome: A rusty Aggies team pulls away midway through the 2nd quarter. Byu (0-0) @ Nebraska - This is an interesting game because both teams will be having players suspended, which makes it difficult to know what we'll get. Nebraska's new head coach Mike Riley has said 5 players will be suspsended, but we don't know who. Rumors say up to 10 players could be suspended for portions of the game for Byu. Beyond that though, we at least have a better idea of who the Cougars are. We're not really sure about Nebraska. They have a new Head Coach, and a new system in 2015. Not to mention that Mike Riley's teams are historically slow to start the season. Riley has often been a thorn in the side of the Cougars, but there's just too much unknown. This is the best chance out of the first four for the Cougars to make national noise with an upset. Outcome: The Cougars do just that, as eventually Taysom and the frenetic pace is just too much for a rebuilding Cornhusker defense, and Byu pulls away from a small deficit in the 3rd quarter and get a multi score victory. Utah (0-0) vs. Michigan - The College Football season kicks of with the biggest non conference game ever in Rice-Eccles stadium, and the Utes have very very little to do with it. On the field though not a lot is known about the Michigan Week 2 Byu (1-0) vs. Boise State - When it comes to Bronco Mendenhall struggling to call the defensive plays and manage the overall team as head coach, there is no better reminder of just how much he struggles than Boise State. Whether it's the beat down last year, or the 2 point conversion attempt at the end of one of the all time boringest games a few years ago, Mendenhall really struggles to multi task against the Broncos. To be fair though Boise State has some weird voodoo over the state of Utah as a whole. This year the game is much more competitive, and comes down to the end. Outcome: The game is a close affair going down to the end, but sloppy mistakes and a young defense allows the Broncos to escape with a victory. Utah State (1-0) @ Utah Week 2 (1-0) @ Utah Utes - The last time the Aggies played Utah was the last really good game for Chuckie Keeton. This time around Keeton just may not have enough weapons, and the Utah defense is a bit faster than it was. For the Utes, the offense will have spent a good chunk of the previous week getting beat up, and probably won't have much of a rhythm yet, and hope that this week they can begin to find themselves. Outcome: As with all in state games lately it's a hard hitting affair, but the Utes start to find some semblance of consistency in the second half as they put away the victory. Week 3 Utah State (1-1) @ Washington - The Aggies fortunately have an extra day to put the in state battle behind them and travel to play the Washington Huskies. The Huskies under Chris Petersen have been a bit of an enigma. The Washington Defense has 2 first round draft picks on their team last year, despite being a very poor unit. Petersen has struggled to introduce his system and find the same success he had at Boise, as he's had to undo a bit of the culture left behind by Steve Sarkisian. Outcome: The Aggies rebound after the previous week against as Husky fans begin to get uneasy with Chris Petersen. Byu (1-1) @ Ucla - Brett Hundley may no longer be the QB, but all signs point to true freshman Josh Rosen being something special. Of course he is still a true freshman. Want to know what helps a true freshman QB find his way? A loaded defense, led by Myles Jack, and the Pac-12 leading rusher from the previous season in Paul Perkins. Outcome: For being the leading returning rusher in a Power 5 conference, very few people know of Paul Perkins. After this game Byu fans know him all too well as he runs over the Cougar defense.We Utah (2-0) @ Fresno State - Last year when these two teams played the Bulldogs were still trying to figure out how to replace Derek Carr before ultimately turning their season around. This year, they won't be quite the pushover they were in 2014. The Utes meanwhile will be trying to use one last non conference game to tune up their offense before entering the grind of conference play. Outcome: The Bulldogs are frisky this year and the outcome is way too close for Utah fans liking. Week 4 Utah State on Bye Byu (1-2) @ Michigan - The Cougars September of doom wraps up with a trip to the Big House. Despite being only three weeks later, expect a Michigan team much different in both looks and execution than the one that starts the season at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Outcome: If this game were at the start of the season like it was for the Utes I'd predict of Byu victory. If the Utes were playing Michigan in the 4th week as opposed to the first week, they too would lose like Byu does here. Utah (3-0) @ Oregon - The Ducks are in a rebuilding year. History tells us the Ducks do miss a beat during rebuilding but it's not a big one. This time though it will be interesting to see how well QB Vernon Adams is handling the transition for Division 1-AA. That said you can always count on two things from Oregon. Multiple uniform combinations and speed. Utah fans can expect lots of reminders about Kaelin Clay from their Byu fans in the lead up to this one. Oregon is one of 3 team the Utes have yet to beat since entering the conference. Outcome:(Not so)Fun fact for Utah fans. They've yet to win their conference opener in the Pac-12. They'll have to wait till next year. Week 5 Utah State (2-1) vs Colorado State - The Rams put together a bit of a rebuilding year last year by running the ball, a lot. This is a game where the Aggies will be glad to have Kyle Fackrell back in the middle of their defense. Outcome: In the first of many divisional battles on the season the Aggies squeak one out in overtime. Byu (1-3) vs. UConn - The Cougars are finally out of the month of September, and are finally home for the first of 5 home games in the final 8 weeks, including the next 4 at home. Meanwhile UConn is a basketball school that also has a Football team. Outcome: Go Fast, Go Hard all day long as Taysom runs for over 200 yards, with an extra 150 yards thrown in by Hine and Brown. Utah on Bye Week 6 Utah State (3-1) @ Fresno State - The Aggies will be coming off of the close game with the Rams, and will have the Broncos the following week. The key to this game will be how well Matt Wells can keep his team focused. Outcome: In the first Ackbar Alert game of the year for the Beehive State teams, the Aggies trip up in California. Byu (2-3) vs. ECU - Last year the Pirates were a suprise G5 team and a candidate for the New York 6 bowl berth deep into the season. Last week the Cougars righted their ship and found their rhythm on offense. Outcome: This year, the Pirates are rebuilding, and Byu will continue getting on track. Utah (3-1) vs. Cal - Sonny Dykes has the Bears back on track with a high powered offense, and a darkhorse Heisman candidate in QB Jared Goff. The Bear Raid offense likes to put up points, and put them up fast. After falling just short, thanks to a season ending loss to Byu last year, this looks like the year the Bears get back into the post season. Outcome: While this should be a good year for the Bears, it'll be a bad week as the Utah defense breaks up the timing of Dykes' offense early and often. 4 defensive turnovers power the Utes. Week 7 Utah State (3-2) @ Boise State - The Aggies were hoping this would be a battle for conference superiority. The Broncos look to still be not only the cream of the Mountain West, but the cream of the G5 crop altogether. Outcome: Aggies hang tough, but fall on the smurf turf. Byu (3-3) vs. Cincinnati - With the Big 12 getting left out of the Championship game last year, expansion rumors began flying this offseason. Two teams frequently mention are Byu and Cincinnati. Outcome: The Cougars wish this could be a Big 12 play in game as they continue a trend under Bronco of rebounding when seasons start poorly. Utah (4-1) vs. Asu - Not only are the Sun Devils one of three teams the Utes haven't beaten since joining the conference, the Utes haven't beaten Arizona State in over 30 years. Todd Graham seems to have the Utes number. The first two matchups as conference mates were two of the worst games the Utes have played in the past 4 years, while the last two games have been two of the most frustrating losses the Utes have suffered. Outcome: This time Andy Phillips gets the field goal in overtime, and if you listen carefully you'll hear me celebrating all the way from Disneyland. Week 8 Utah State (3-3) @ San Diego State - The Aggies start to see the light at the end of the tunnel of their difficult season start. The Aztecs used a 6-0 home record in 2014 to carry them to a division tying 5-3 conference record last year. Outcome: The Aggies put the disappointment of the last two weeks behind them with an emphatic victory. Byu (4-3) on Bye - Well technically the schedule says they play Wagner. Meh, same thing. Utah (5-1) @ Usc - Usc QB Cody Kessler will be in the middle of a Heisman campaign. Unfortunately for the Trojans they are coached by Steve Sarkisian, and they'll be busy frustrating everyone by not fulfilling their expectations, but Sark the coach (despite being average at best) has had success against Utah. The Utes meanwhile are in the middle of a 6 game win streak against teams from California. Outcome: Kessler throw for over 350 yards, as the Trojans let Utah know they are no longer the Kings of L.A. Fortunately I'm flying home from Southern California this day otherwise I'd be in the stadium, and I'd be extremely upset. Week 9 Utah State (4-3) vs. Wyoming - Does anyone know if Wyoming will ever be good again? Outcome: Not this week anyways, as the Aggies try to cling onto their small hopes for the division crown. Byu on Bye - This week it's an actual bye. Utah (5-2) vs Oregon State - Locally this game is going to get played up as a major rivalry due to all the local ties the Beavers have. However the cupboard is pretty bare for the Beavers, and Gary Andersen is extremely overrated as a coach and will be struggling during a rebuilding season. Outcome: The Utah defense welcomes back it's last two former coordinators by terrorizing the Beaver offense. Meanwhile Booker picks up where he left off last year against Oregon State: Running for TD's, and carrying the Utes to bowl eligibility. Week 10 Utah State (5-3) @ New Mexico - You know say what you want about some of the crappy teams the Cougars have had to schedule during independence, but it still beats two weeks in a row of Wyoming and New Mexico. Outcome: Aggies by virtue of playing before 11:30 p.m. EST become the 2nd Utah based team to become bowl eligible. Byu (5-3) @ San Jose State - The last time these two teams played the Spartans pulled a major upset. Outcome: Taysom is having none of it. All three teams are now bowl eligible. Utah (6-2) @ Washington - The Utes had missed the Huskies due to the schedule rotation the last couple years. By this point of the season, Petersen should finally start to have forced his influence on the team and they'll be playing much better than earlier in the season. Outcome: The Huskies are the last of the three teams the Utes had yet to beat since joining the conference. This time they pull it off. Week 11 Utah State (6-3) @ Air Force - Playing the Falcons requires assignment sound football, as even the smallest mistakes can turn into big errors. The Falcons play a triple option which is a style nobody likes to play. Add in the cut blocking the undersized linemen use to make up for their size and there is a reason this is a hell week for opponents. Outcome: The Falcons wear down the Aggies and pull off the victory. Byu (6-3) vs. Missouri (In Kansas City) - During the offseason the SEC said they would count games against Byu in their requirement for teams to play 1 P5 non conference opponent, which opens the door to more opportunities like this for the Cougars. Missouri is the two time defending SEC East champion and a favorite to make it three. Outcome: The Tigers and Cougars are very similar in their style, but the Tigers are just a bit bigger, and just a bit faster, and despite a great game on the national stage by Taysom, he has a few too many mistakes. Utah (7-2) @ Arizona - The Utes have had a problem with the State of Arizona the last few years. With a chance to ultimately win the South last year, the Utes laid a complete egg against the Wildcats last year in their worst performance of the season. Outcome: Rich Rodriguez seems to have the Utes number. Maybe he's upset over the Utes winning in his Michigan debut. Week 12 Utah State (6-4) vs Nevada - This will be the conference closing game for the Aggies, and they will have a slim chance at winning the division if Boise stubs it's toe along the way. Outcome: Ultimately a 3 loss conference campaign won't be enough, despite a big victory here. Byu (6-4) vs Fresno State - The Bulldogs complete the Utah triangle with their 3rd matchup against in state teams. Outcome: Byu clinches a winning record after starting the season with a major stumble. Utah (7-3) vs. Ucla - Last year Travis Wilson stumbled before the Kendal Thompson led the Utes to victory thanks to a 10 sack performance by the defense. Outcome: The Utes don't get 10 sacks, but Devontae Booker reigns supreme in the Pac-12 running back showdown. Week 13 Utah State (7-4) vs Byu (7-4) - It sucks that the Holy War isn't the last game of the year, but at least there is one in state rivalry game being played during rivalry week. Outcome: If Taysom makes it this far, it means that no matter what Utah State will end his regular season for the 3rd time in 4 years. Fortunately this year it's not due to injury, but much like last year it is with an Aggie victory. Utah (8-3) @ Colorado - The Pac-12 want you to believe this is a rivalry game. It's not. That said Mike Montgomery has made some strides and there is a very good chance Colorado is either bowl elgible by this point or playing for a bowl game. Outcome: Colorado better home it's clinched a bowl game before this game. Final Records: Utah 9-3, Byu 7-5, Utah State 8-5 Games most likely to lose they shouldn't: Utah: Utah State, Michigan, Washington. Byu: Cincinnati, Fresno State. Utah State: Washington, Fresno State, Air Force, San Diego State Games most likely to win they shouldn't: Utah: Usc, Asu, Arizona. Byu: Nebraska, Boise State, Ucla. Utah State:Utah, Boise State Plausible best case scenario: Utah: 10 wins with the right breaks and health by also winning one of the Usc, Arizona games. Byu: 10 wins. Beat Boise in week 2. Take advantage of true freshman Josh Rosen in week 3. Avenge selves against Utah State. Utah State: 11 wins. Take care of business against Air Force and Fresno. Beat Boise. Plausible worst case scenario: Utah: 5 Wins. Lose to the Khakis on Thursday. Lose to the Aggies. Lose to the Bruins, and stay 0 for 30+ years against Arizona State. Byu: 6 Wins. Go 0 for September. Rest of the schedule is just too easy to keep them out of the bowl game. Utah State: 5 Wins. Lose to Byu, Lose to Colorado State, Lose to Washington. Games least comfortable predicting Utah: - Any game that's not Colorado and Fresno State. Byu: Nebraska, Boise State, Ucla, and Utah State. Utah State: Byu, Colorado State. Final Thoughts It's almost upon us. It just a few (36 or so) short hours the season begins. All three teams could be set up for really good years. All three teams could stumble badly and fall flat on their face. For Utah this year is a chance to show they weren't a fluke last season, but the Pac-12 slate, espe cially the South which was the best division in college last season, is such a grind. There's a great chance the Utes are better than they were in 2015 and end up with less wins. For the Cougars the season is all about surviving September. If Taysom comes back, reads the defense, and gets better recognition of when to take off, as opposed to panicking at the first sign of trouble, the Cougars even have a slim chance of thriving in September. But if Taysom sticks with the same stuff we've seen from him the last three years, the Cougars are looking at another average, ho-hum season. The Aggies are trying to punch through their glass ceiling. It's Chuckie Keeton's last ride, even if there is an argument to be made for him not being the best option at QB anymore. Matt Wells is a phenomenal head coach. It's no coincidence that the Gary Andersen Aggies moved beyond mediocrity and failed opportunities after he came on board. He won't be around in Logan much longer, so now is the time for Utah State to break through. Where To Watch, And What To Know The Utah game kickoffs the season Thursday night at 6:30 Mountain time. It will be broadcast, Haurghbus, Khaki-Cam and all by Fox Sports 1. Collin Cowherd is making his Fox Sports 1 debut in the booth that night, so that means you can basically expect as much fawning over Harbaugh and Michigan, as he did over Ripslinger in the movie Planes. 30 minutes later, the Aggies will kickoff. Amazingly enough in this day and age there are games that aren't broadcast on Tv. This would be one of them. The Cougars and Cornhuskers have earned the afternoon slot on ABC. They'll kickoff Saturday at 1:30 Mountain Time. Trackbacks
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