Hey Wolverine fans.  First time posting here.  I'm a Utah grad and I thought I'd drop by to see how you guys are viewing our game.  I saw the thread below about your OOC schedule.  I can understand thinking ND will be the toughest game (despite their 3-9 season) because of the history of that program.  I am glad, however, that a lot of you are giving our team some respect.  Our BCS-conference opponents tend to dismiss us out of hand because we play in the MWC.

A couple of things:

First, to the poster who said Utah is not known for our Defense, that's actually a common misconception.  The entire WAC conference (both current and past) is known for all offense, no defense.  The MWC (where Utah currently resides) is treated the same way, but several of the nation's top 25 defenses play in that conference (TCU was 15th, Utah was 18th, BYU was 10th, Wyoming was 22nd, and New Mexico was 13th).  It is not the pass-happy, score on every possession, nobody plays defense league that it is often perceived to be.  For example, Utah ranked 18th in total defense, 11th in pass defense, and 5th in scoring defense.  Unfortunately for us (especially facing Michigan) we ranked 52nd in Run Defense.

Second, as far as personnel, we return 10 full-time or part-time starters on offense.  Our QB is a 3-year starter.  As an 18-year old sophomore he was 4th in the nation in offense (passing and running).  Last year he was banged up by a shoulder injury, and he has been injury-prone (missed all of 2006 with a knee injury), but he should be 100% for Michigan.  We return a 1000-yard rusher in Darrell Mack, but he was actually our 2nd-stringer going into the 2007 season because we recruited JUCO AA Matt Asiata and he'd won the starting spot before being injured in his first play as a Ute.  We return 3 WR who saw starting time last year (Brown, Godfrey, Brooks) and we have two incoming JUCO recruits (David Reed and Aiona Key).  As for OL, we have 4 returing starters and replace only our center.

On Defense it's a slightly different story.  Our secondary returns 3 of 4, replacing our SS Steve Tate (a great run supporter but weak in coverage).  Our LBs return only 1 of 3, but he's a playmaker in Stevenson Sylvester (started as a freshman).  Our DL returns 3 starters, but we'll miss our good inside DT (Gabe Long) and our good rushing DE (Martail Burnett).  Still, it is 7 returning starters. 

Thirdly, matchups.  I expect our offense to be a good matchup for your defense, at least on experience.  Very difficult to try to matchup with Michigan on talent unless your USC or Florida (and even then, considering last year's Citrus bowl).  But I think we'll have the experience to move the ball effectively on Offense.  As for the Utah D v. the Michigan O, well . . . who knows?  We know what a spread option offense looks like (since we were the first school to run it under Urban), but what nobody knows is how well Coach Rod has your offense running.  Our secondary is talented and deep, but I still am not sure about our run D.  If your offense is running like a well-oiled machine, the talent and depth of Michigan will be too much for us.  If your offense leaves your defense out to dry with bad field position and low TOP then I think we'll be good enough to score a couple of points.

Obviously, I think Utah is the toughest game on your schedule, but I'm biased.  Can't wait for fall.  Go Utes.

Welcome, and also thanks for the info on your team!  Always appreciate getting the perspective of the opponent, hope you stick around!  We're all hoping that this isn't a repeat of our last matchup... believe me we're all a bit more aware of the Utes now

Just a quick question as I have had little opportunity to see your team in action (caught a bit of the bowl game and that's about it), is the QB more of a run-first type of guy or does he look to throw and resorts to using his legs to buy him time or scramble out of the rush?  Just curious. 

Also, how would you describe your running game?  Is it more of a speed to the outside, read-based approach or is it a more traditional line up and go right up the gut type of attack?

Again, welcome to the board!

http://theonlygamethatmatters.blogspot.com/

What the mind can conceive, the mind can achieve; and those who stay will be Champions.
GO BLUE!

Good questions.

On our QB:  Brian started as a sophomore looking like he was always ready to run.  Our OC really pushed him to make all his reads before he took off, to the point where he would hesitate to run even with a wide open field in front of him.  He is much more likely to make his reads now and if nobody's open or getting open, then he takes off.  He's fast (4.5) but I think he hesitates to run now because he's more confident in his arm and more worried about injury (all three of his serious injuries, knee, shoulder, back, took place while he was scrambling).

On our running game:  We would love to have a back slam the middle.  In 2006 we didn't have it and it cost us.  Mack and Asiata are both power backs.  We run a zone blocking scheme (like most spread-option teams), but we need the LBS to respect the up-the-gut run in order for our offense to be successful.  We've got a couple of speedier backs too (Eddie Wide especially) and we'll use our slot receiver (Casteel or Brooks) to run as well, but they're normally more involved in the option game on the outside.  That being said, we certainly run outside as well, because our offense (like yours will become, I'm sure) is predicated on being able to use the entire field.

Great info: Obviously living in Colorado I hear a lot about the MAC. Utah is a legit squad - this should be a good game!
 
Somebody needs to get RR this scouting report!~

Signature keeps being deleted! I'll leave it as - GO BLUE!

Franch, not to be too snide, but we're the MWC.  I realize you guys play a lot of MAC teams, but isn't that entire conference located in Ohio?

As for Rich, I'm sure he's well aware of our strengths and weaknesses.  If he's relying on a message board, well . . .that bodes well for our chances.  If that's true, however, I'd like to point out that our entire team has suffered from torn ACLs during spring ball so we'll be starting a squad of walk-ons, open-tryout kids, and freshman.  Probably should just go ahead and start focusing on Miami of OH (an ACTUAL MAC school). 

ORIGINAL: displacedute

Franch, not to be too snide, but we're the MWC.  I realize you guys play a lot of MAC teams, but isn't that entire conference located in Ohio?

As for Rich, I'm sure he's well aware of our strengths and weaknesses.  If he's relying on a message board, well . . .that bodes well for our chances.  If that's true, however, I'd like to point out that our entire team has suffered from torn ACLs during spring ball so we'll be starting a squad of walk-ons, open-tryout kids, and freshman.  Probably should just go ahead and start focusing on Miami of OH (an ACTUAL MAC school). 

I dig your style.

I think the Ute's will be our toughest OOC game.  You guys are always prepared, and always well coached.  I think the whole country will be very interested in this game, which is good for both sides!

GO BLUE

http://theonlygamethatmatters.blogspot.com

Woops~ I ment the MWC - but that shows how I'm feeling/operating on this Friday! Went to a concert lastnight Cross Canadian Ragweed- and have one tonight - Stoney Larue (anybody ever hear of these people?) Needless to say - work is not fun today!
 

Signature keeps being deleted! I'll leave it as - GO BLUE!

Hey Franch - Cross Canadian Ragweed is great stuff.  Never heard of Stoney Larue though.

GO BLUE

http://theonlygamethatmatters.blogspot.com

ORIGINAL: displacedute

Hey Wolverine fans.  First time posting here.  I'm a Utah grad and I thought I'd drop by to see how you guys are viewing our game.  I saw the thread below about your OOC schedule.  I can understand thinking ND will be the toughest game (despite their 3-9 season) because of the history of that program.  I am glad, however, that a lot of you are giving our team some respect.  Our BCS-conference opponents tend to dismiss us out of hand because we play in the MWC.

 
Welcome to the site..
The last I checked, more people voted for Utah to be tougher then ND.... As for me, after what you posted about your team, I would like to change my vote to Utah now lol.... 
 
Off topic here
As an outsider looking in, is Ohio State on your list for one of the most hated schools lol? 

....... ........

ORIGINAL: wolverines1again

ORIGINAL: displacedute

Franch, not to be too snide, but we're the MWC.  I realize you guys play a lot of MAC teams, but isn't that entire conference located in Ohio?

As for Rich, I'm sure he's well aware of our strengths and weaknesses.  If he's relying on a message board, well . . .that bodes well for our chances.  If that's true, however, I'd like to point out that our entire team has suffered from torn ACLs during spring ball so we'll be starting a squad of walk-ons, open-tryout kids, and freshman.  Probably should just go ahead and start focusing on Miami of OH (an ACTUAL MAC school). 

I dig your style.

I think the Ute's will be our toughest OOC game.  You guys are always prepared, and always well coached.  I think the whole country will be very interested in this game, which is good for both sides!

I agree, this will be our toughest out of conference game by far. Notre Dame, well, we all know what they are like lately. The other two MAC teams are bad, and when I watched Utah's bowl game I came away impressed.

By the way "displacedute", I love using the Utes on NCAA 08! People always laugh when you choose them, but then when you're up by 14 in a matter of minutes they take it a little more seriously. Dynasty mode is fun when you build up the mid-sleeper types. Utah is a damn good football team, they won't sneak up on anybody this year.

ORIGINAL: displacedute

Hey Wolverine fans.  First time posting here.  I'm a Utah grad and I thought I'd drop by to see how you guys are viewing our game.  I saw the thread below about your OOC schedule.  I can understand thinking ND will be the toughest game (despite their 3-9 season) because of the history of that program.  I am glad, however, that a lot of you are giving our team some respect.  Our BCS-conference opponents tend to dismiss us out of hand because we play in the MWC.

Obviously, I think Utah is the toughest game on your schedule, but I'm biased.  Can't wait for fall.  Go Utes.

 
Welcome to the board. I think you'll find we do have some maize colored glasses among us; however,  after our first OOC game last year, I don't think we'll take any OOC game lightly! I think we learned our lesson: Anything can happen on any given Saturday - that's why we have to play the game! Thanks for your input - its interesting to see. Hope you stick around.
 
On a side note - are you making the trip to Ann Arbor for the game?

Regarding our military: "If you can't stand behind them, stand in front of them."
RIP Bo. You were an amazing man; it is because of you, I am the Michigan fan I am today.

I have a question for you. How is your team looking for this upcoming season? You guy's have been tough latley and I think it's going to be a tough game for Michigan.

John 3:16 

ORIGINAL: mazebacker70

I have a question for you. How is your team looking for this upcoming season? You guy's have been tough latley and I think it's going to be a tough game for Michigan.

 
 
Are you serious?  Read the first post dude.  He gives a FULL scouting report on the Utes for the upcoming season!

I like you already just for saying 'Citrus Bowl.' Utah will be a tough game. They really are a solid team. I think it may turn into a shootout.

ORIGINAL: displacedute

...We know what a spread option offense looks like (since we were the first school to run it under Urban)....

Um, no...lol

Those who can do, do; those who can't, go into journalism.

Thanks for all the replies.  Couple of responses:

wolverines1again:  I agree, I think this will be a great non-conf game and should have most of the country watching.  Michigan with a new coach, Utah looking like they just need to get past Michigan and Oregon State at home and then smooth sailing (as long as we stay relatively healthy) until the BYU game.

Harbaugh04: Thanks.  I think we'll be a tough team this year, and if we can avoid any letdown losses we should be favored in every game after the Michigan one.  And we don't hate Ohio State as much as you guys, but when they start saying "THE" Ohio State it gets on our nerves.  Utah fans do tend to get irritated by BCS teams in general, since we get sanctioned when our coach buys cookies for players but USC gets to pay players and doesn't even get a slap on the wrist.  But we hate the BCS system, not the players.

MaizeRage6320:  I love using the utes on NCAA 08 too, but of course I'm biased.  The advantage to that team is Brian Johnson.  A mobile QB who can throw is an absolute terror on NCAA football, and the roster RBs and WRs are pretty good too.

The Girl:  I'll do my best to stick around, at least for a while.   And unfortunately I am not going to the game.  I have a trial scheduled for that time in August, and unless it gets moved I'll be too busy preparing to make the long road trip from Las Vegas.  I know I'll be kicking myself later, because how many opportunities will I get to see the Utes in the Big House, but sometimes real life interjects.

Maizebacker70: Kentuckywolverine already answered your question for me.  I gave you as much info as I know.  Let me know if there is a specific question and I can answer it for you, but as far as how the team looks, just check the top of the page.

Kentuckywolverine: Thanks.

Wolverine4life:  I appreciate it.  Personally I can't decide if it will be a shootout or a defensive battle.  It will be a shootout if our WR are good enough to get open against your very tough D.  It will be a defensive battle if your QB hasn't learned the offense and we can shut down the inside run.  I think it favors us if it's a shootout, and I think it favors you if it's a pound-the-ball inside game, but I'm still not sure.

egami: um . . . yes . . . and "lol" is for 14-year-old girls.  If you don't think Urban largely invented the spread option (not the "spread" but the "spread option") I suggest you look at tape of BGSU during 2002 or Utah during 2003 and 2004 or Florida during the past 3 years, and then try to find another team running a similar offense prior to 2002.  Coach Rodriguez is very good at running that offense, as is the Northwestern coach and the Missouri coach and (occasionally) the Oregon coach, but Urban is the innovator of that offense.

Also, how do you guys think your team will look?  I get the sense that you're confident in your D (and I think I counted 7 returning starters from a pretty good unit) and very worried about your O (and I think I counted 3 returning starters on that side of the ball).  Considering the experience returning, I'd probably feel the same way.  Obviously, I don't have as good of a grasp of who you have coming and going, so I'd love any insights into who your playmakers are, who needs to step up, who's a surprise joy and who's a disappointment.

ORIGINAL: displacedute


egami: um . . . yes . . . and "lol" is for 14-year-old girls.  If you don't think Urban largely invented the spread option (not the "spread" but the "spread option") I suggest you look at tape of BGSU during 2002 or Utah during 2003 and 2004 or Florida during the past 3 years, and then try to find another team running a similar offense prior to 2002.  Coach Rodriguez is very good at running that offense, as is the Northwestern coach and the Missouri coach and (occasionally) the Oregon coach, but Urban is the innovator of that offense.

And the "14-year-old girls" comment is for 15-year-old boys.

He was at BGSU in 2002. Rodriguez was running it at WVU in 2002. So, you're telling me that Rodriguez learned it from Urban Meyer that year? They sat down on the phone and has some Spread Option for Dummies lessons and he learned it in 10 minutes?

No, the fact is the Spread Option has been in high school and college ranks for years in various forms and these two coaches, along with other at various levels of college football, have taken it and been successful.

It's a ridiculous assertion to claim that they were the first school to run it, period. Clearly at least two schools were running it at the same time.

Those who can do, do; those who can't, go into journalism.

displacedute - First, Urban Myer's spread option attack is based off of Rich Rodriquez's system, the one that RR basically invented. Second, RR has been running this offense since 1990 anyways. Urban runs it well but sorry. LOLOLOLz.

Hello there.  Second UTE fan here.
Dis is just retelling a story that Meyer used to tell while at UTAH.
According to our version, Mike Sanford (then OC at Stanford, now HC at UNLV) and Urban Meyer designed the Spread Option while assistants at Notre Dame under Ol' Spitmouth hisself.
As I understand the nuances, the running QB is what sets apart the Spread Option that Meyer and Sanford use, and the greater reliance on the option opportunities in the spread.
At any rate, this point is moot because UTAH is no longer a pure spread option offense.  Our OC currently uses more of a one-back pro-style offense.
 
The more salient point is that the current HC at UTAH, who took over for Meyer, was the DC with Meyer and has seen the spread option offense from both sides.
 
Anyway, looking forward to our game....GO UTES!

Chad -

That's a nice story and all, but I don't think Meyer would dare take sole credit for the Spread Option if point-blanked publicly. There is no question he popularized it along with RR and others, but the simple fact is that the Spread Option, running QB and all, has been around before then...Jim Mora/Micheal Vick, for instance.

Those who can do, do; those who can't, go into journalism.