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Louisville quarterback Justin Burke (13) is sacked by Utah linebacker Mike Wright (20) during the fourth quarter of an NCAA college football game at Rice-Eccles Stadium, Saturday, Sept. 26, 2009, in Salt Lake City. Utah defeated Louisville 30-14.  (AP Photo/Colin Braley)

More photos » Colin E. Braley - AP

4 months ago: Louisville quarterback Justin Burke (13) is sacked by Utah linebacker Mike Wright (20) during the fourth quarter of an NCAA college football game at Rice-Eccles Stadium, Saturday, Sept. 26, 2009, in Salt Lake City. Utah defeated Louisville 30-14. (AP Photo/Colin Braley)

Beyond adverse weather that could handicap Utah's offense, I think this game Saturday will give us an idea of what to really expect for the remainder of the season. I say this because Colorado State is not a good defensive team and if the Utes do struggle moving the ball, especially in the absence of Matt Asiata, it may foretell future problems. However, if they roll up a good amount of yards (and points - bet you didn't know the Utes lead the MWC in offensive yards per game), than they could be sitting pretty over the next few weeks. 

What I expect Saturday is ball movement and better red-zone production. The Utes have struggled in this regard, ranking 112th nationally. That has to improve as the season progresses because if Utah struggles at capitalizing on scoring situations, sooner or later, it will catch up to them. We all remember four years ago how they failed to punch it in on first and goal against these same Rams. An issue like that again Saturday - or further along in the season - will certainly come back to haunt them. 

But beyond that, I look for Terrance Cain to continue his progression. I thought he played pretty well against Louisville and with Colorado State's sketchy secondary, he's just asking for another solid game. Especially with some questions surrounding Utah's running game now that Asiata is down. 

So Saturday will mark a game where the Utes can measure their offensive success against a bad defense. They have had their chances in the past (USU, SJSU), yet this is deeper into the season and I think that will hold more weight than the first two-games. 

If they struggle, unless it's a complete whiteout, then I've got to wonder if Utah is a bit worse than we had originally thought. 

ksl.com - Utes prepare for CSU without primary offensive weapon

ksl.com - GAME WEEK: Utah at Colorado State

Utes searching for efficiency - Salt Lake Tribune

Week 6 Pick 'Em: Heavyweights set to battle - NCAA Football Week 6 Pick 'Em: Heavyweights set to battle : FantasyNews.CBSSports.com

Deseret News | Utah Utes football notebook: At times, Utes might look Shaky at running back

CSU is a homecoming for Utah LB - Salt Lake Tribune

Deseret News | Utah Utes football: Do-it-all guy ready to be the primary guy

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everybody seems to be stressing on this game

if it’s bad wheather the game will be close. if the sky is blue and the field is dry i see a 14 to 17 point victory for utah. t. cain does look better every week so i just think they should roll him out more and run more slant routes for the wr’s vs csu. that is the path to victory.

by wolfmanshowlforever on Oct 6, 2009 3:12 PM MDT reply actions   0 recs

Oh I'm not stressing.

I think Utah wins. But there is a difference between a sluggish 28-14 win and a 42-17 win, you know?

We beat San Jose State, but that doesn’t mean the offensive struggles were a bit of a concern. I think CSU is on the level of the Spartans – maybe a bit better.

On the defensive end, though, they are worse. So I really expect Utah’s offense to put up some solid numbers.

by JazzyUte on Oct 6, 2009 6:01 PM MDT up reply actions   0 recs

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