Concern About the Utes

Watching the game against Oregon St. has me worried about the Utah season. Generally, you know more after the second game rather than the first, but there were signs I saw on the field that made me pause and wonder about this Ute team. What it came down to was fundamentals. Offensive linemen unable to drive block or even stay on their blocks. Lunging arm tackling from a defense that gave up way too many yards after initial contact. And finally, a lack of any continuity in the play calling.

It is true, that the Utes lost two gifted skill players and that loss will have some short-term repurcussions. However, what I'm concerned about is the line of scrimmage and the fundamental blocking and tackling techniques coming from the Utes. If game 1 is representative of how the Utes play the game of football at a fundamental level, it will be a long season.