How Utah can beat TCU
by JazzyUte on Nov 11, 2009 2:47 PM MST
in Football
6 comments
Maybe it is all a pipe dream and the Utes are about to get curbstomped like never before. But I'm not giving up and I think some fans already conceding a loss should be slapped upside the head.
Sure, they might be looking at this from a more rational point of view, but c'mon! Saying Utah is going to lose (you know who you are) over and over again isn't going to make you more right if they lose. It's always fun having inflated hopes entering games like this. Hell, that's what got me through the weeks leading up to the Sugar Bowl. I not once caved to the belief the Utes would lose. Even if, deep down, it felt like they could.
This isn't any different. I'm not naive. I know Utah is heavy underdogs. I know Utah has to play their best game of the year to even hope to win. But I also believe we're at the point as a program where there should never be a game we concede as a loss. Ten years ago? Maybe. Twenty years ago? Definitely. Today? No. Even if we were about to enter a road contest against the Florida Gators.
So, because of that, I've been going over in my head ways the Utes can win. And the more I think about it, the more I start actually believing they will. Maybe that's just me fooling myself and I will admit my mindset entering this game is probably a bit more radical than most of you. I expect and hope for a win. Anything less will be crushing.
If Utah is going to win, I believe they will need to do the following:
- No turnovers. This is probably the biggest issue facing the Utes entering Saturday's game. Turnovers are drive killers. Turnovers give the opposing team a better chance to score. Turnovers, against a really good team like TCU, will bring about defeat. There is little margin for error here and Utah can't recover from turnovers. But we knew that, right?
- Poise, especially from Jordan Wynn. For a quarterback in this type of atmosphere, it's imperative he keep his poise. It sounds redundant, but it's true. If the Utes have any hope of beating the Frogs, he can't panic. That means no forced throws, no sitting in the pocket for a second or two longer and most importantly, he can't throw any interceptions. Okay, maybe he can get away with one, but even that might be pushing it. Wynn has never played in a game of this magnitude and I think that's both a blessing and a curse. A blessing because he probably won't over think the crowd, opponent and pressure; a curse because he might not be ready for the crowd, opponent and pressure.
- Stay on the Frogs' ass. Crude? Yes. But it's something Utah needs to do. The longer they linger around, the better their chances of winning. The Utes have been here before. Most these players have won the game TCU needs to win Saturday. On the other hand, the Frogs full well know their history as a program and this series. If Utah is still in this game entering the fourth, I'm betting it's TCU who tightens up and potentially chokes away the victory.
- No falling behind 10-0. Last year, TCU went up 10-0 after just two possessions. It looked like they would blow the Utes out of the water and then Utah settled down a bit, shutting them out the remainder of the game. They can't rely on another comeback this time around. Not with this game coming on the road and a young offense running the show. If the Utes fall behind by double-digits after just two Frog possessions, they won't win.
- Get in Andy Dalton's head. Interesting fact, Dalton has yet to throw for a touchdown against the Utes. If Utah's defense can keep Dalton in check, it should make the game close enough to where they can gut out a big win. It's also important to note in two starts against the Utes, Dalton has thrown six interceptions. If Utah can force a couple picks Saturday, they will be in great position to steal this one.
There are more. But I think these are the keys to victory. Maybe it is an uphill battle and maybe I'm asking too much from the Utes. But I can't in good conscience expect a loss. Of course, that doesn't mean I'm ready to bet the house on a Utah victory, either.
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We need
To slam their heads against the walls right outta the box.
They have not had that once this season. We need to send a message that they are in a game.
by MeanBobMean on Nov 11, 2009 4:23 PM MST reply actions 0 recs
trust me tcu is going to blitz alot. if utah was smart they would use quick slants over the middle everytime
they blitz. it would burn tcu 80% of the time. i would also use some jailhouse break screens we used to use alot in the past. the more i think about it the more i think it is going to be a close game. there is a sportsbook named lucky’s in reno. they have the utes a 20 1/2 underdog. it is getting out of hand. the last hour before the game all hell will break loose. i will double dip if i can get 21 points. peace.
by wolfmanshowlforever on Nov 11, 2009 5:25 PM MST reply actions 0 recs
The hot reads are what will win this game. J.Wynn’s preparation has been described as Smith-like, so I can’t wait to see him pick up on the blitzes as the game goes along and see him direct the O.
Here’s to keepin our QB undefeated in starts.
"Government is not reason, it is not eloquence, it is force; like fire, a troublesome servant and a fearful master. Never for a moment should it be left to irresponsible action." - George Washington
by Hockey Beard in SLC on Nov 11, 2009 6:14 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
The real key to the game, I believe, is the Utes’ ability to protect Wynn, especially early on. If Hughes is able to tee off on Wynn, then I believe the combination of the road crowd and perception of pressure will keep him from having an effective game. If Utah can protect Wynn early and let him settle into a groove without feeling hurried, Utah will keep the game close to the end, at which point anything can happen.
by HawkeyedFrog on Nov 11, 2009 6:48 PM MST reply actions 0 recs
The offensive line has got to have its best game.
Because if Wynn does get rattled by a few hits early, it could be lost very quickly.
by JazzyUte on Nov 11, 2009 9:24 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
Beating TCU
I am a TCU alumni, and I do want to say that I think TCU has found a good home in the MWC. The fans from the other schools are really great. I live in Austin, so I think I know how bad Texas fans can be toward other schools. But, despite the rivalry and fighting over the conference championship, the Utah fans and the BYU fans are generally fair and mostly even-tempered. It is really easy for me to cheer for any victory either school has outside the conference, and especially when against one of those over-rated BCS schools.
Regarding beating TCU on Saturday, the above thoughts are on-target, except for Dalton. He has more weapons than ever and more experience. One other thought: somehow neutralize TCU’s speed. How? I don’t know – sleet and rain worked in two games. And just fyi – in 35 years of watching TCU, this is the fastest TCU team I have ever seen. One TV guy quoted a TCU coach, who apparently said the average 40 yd dash speed for the entire team, including linemen and walkons, is 4.9.
by purple and white on Nov 12, 2009 2:23 PM MST reply actions 0 recs
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