So… how we feeling about this one? There seems to be a prevailing narrative out there that Houston will win. They have a great passing offense but their pass D is suspect. It has the makings of a shootout, which scares me. Still I think the homefield gives Utah the edge. Utes 38, Houston 31.
I don’t feel good about this one. But then, I never feel good about any of them. The glass is 3/4 empty.
11 Likes
I have said that UH and BYU are our season. Tomorrow tells us what team we really have. So far, SOS is 102. Remaining SOS is 6 in the nation. Have to play a complete game and screw analytics, take the 3 points when they are bank (no 4th and 3 on the 19 go-for-its). But also, get first downs on 3rd, or even on 2nd down and march down the field or punch it in. We also don’t want red zone stalls at 4 FGs instead of no TDs.
Our secondary is a little suspect (see KU game, even CU game) at times. Apparently, according to the announcers over and over - we play a lot of man. If they can’t keep up, we need some zone looks. We also need pressure on the qb and actual sacks. Weigman can hurt us with his legs (700 yards, 11 tds last year), so they may play more contain, but he can also beat us with his arm.
I think the Offense will do well and what we need is to power through the 3rd quarter lull we’ve been seeing. I think their D is susceptible, so it will come down to our D having a few stops but could be a shootout or at least most scoring plays will be on big plays (at least for UH).
We need chunk plays and also not get too fancy, not turn the ball over, and if possible, have several long drives that keep our D fresh AND the UH offense off the field.
So, basically, the team with fewer mistakes will win and I hope the home field and late start time (9:15 UH time) are both to our advantage.
6 Likes
I think the offense will play really well. I’m concerned about the defense stopping Houston. Utah needs to reduce penalties and play turnover-free ball while forcing two or three turnovers. I’m quite nervous about this one. Utah definitely can win—and playing at home helps tremendously—but Houston is by far the best team Utah will have played so far.
4 Likes
There is power in our pessimism. As soon as we get cocky we get slapped down. So always go into it doubting and hungry. Underdogs every game. Always. forever
This is the way.
6 Likes
We have to play a lot cleaner than we have the past 3 games.
- ISU is not where they want to be on talent, but especially early in the year they played tough, disciplined, above their talent level.
- If our D is having bad dreams about KU’s QB, it’s entirely justified. In stretches one of the better QB performances in RES since Justin Herbert, like Ted Lasso throwing darts.
- CU’s front four on defense was the best we’ve seen so far, and they were coming off a BYE.
If we clean things up and play smart & hard all 4 quarters, I think we’ll find a way to win.
Utes 27 UH 21
4 Likes
This would be a very nice win, but like lots of people I’m worried.I’ll be watching these elements:
• Our D line can get to their quarterback often enough to hurry him st least, and make him nervous.I think we still don’t have a single sack this season. Tomorrow would be a great time to start. If the Houston quarterback gets an extra two or three seconds every time he’s looking for a receiver, he’s going to find one because good receivers are going to get open if they have time, especially against a man to man defensive backfield.
• The O line doesn’t need to be perfect, but they need to get Dampier enough time to find his own receivers open and not allow Houston’s defensive line to become a brick wall against our short run game. I’m sure that Devan has now been instructed about not holding onto ball too long.
• As several here have noted, we’ve got to play a consistent, full game, and not take any quarter “offf.”
• Finally, maybe we learned against Colorado that on defense we need to be a bit sparing with finesse plays like shovel passes and laterals beyond the line of scrimmage.
2 Likes
My biggest concern remains on the d-line. If we give Weigman time he’s going to absolutely pick our secondary apart, and we have yet to show that we can get to the QB even when we bring pressure. I’m hoping for the best but kinda expecting the worst tomorrow, tbh.
On the plus side, it seems like pretty much everyone is picking Houston to win so maybe that puts a chip on our shoulder and gives a little extra motivation to prove them wrong.
Either way, I’ll be spending at least half the game at a marching band competition for my oldest. Thanks 8:30 start time!
5 Likes
A lot of good thoughts here, and as has been said, it’s the sort of game that we all naturally worry about.
My concerns are completely irrational, have little to do with on-field aspects of the game (and I hate to even bring them up)
- initial week of a top 10 ranking,
- gameday in SLC
The good news is when I start feeling superstitious, historically it usually ends up being completely meaningless.
Edit to say: And reminding me of one of the greatest tunes ever.
7 Likes
Fixed it for you.
4 Likes
Another “expert” take has Houston +5:
I have seen at least a dozen writers/broadcasters today picking the same.
Frankly, I’m a little surprised the line is as large as it is.
I’ll admit, the Colorado game took the wind out of my sails and I’m feeling a bit more pessimistic than normal. Utah 99-3.
4 Likes