The Morning Blitz: Daily Utah links
by JazzyUte on Aug 10, 2010 1:34 AM MDT
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PrintGood morning, Ute fans.
A funny thing happened at practice yesterday - the defense stepped up.
We talked yesterday about whether or not the defense would be able to keep up with the offense and it appears, at least yesterday, they did. The offense struggled, but that's to be expected. You can't have flawless performances every day of practice. Even with an experienced group of players.
Whittingham had this to say about the defense:
Utah Head Coach Kyle Whittingham praised the effort of the defense, noting that they got after it pretty good. "It's always the case with the defense a little bit ahead of the offense."
Hopefully this is a sign of good things to come and both the offense and defense are hitting their stride. We're only a few days into camp, but the quicker the defense progresses, the better we'll be when Sept. 2nd rolls around.
Beyond the defense improving and the offense struggling yesterday, the coaching staff announced some changes to the depth chart:
- Martavious "Mo" Lee has completed his academic prerequisites and will start practicing with the Utes this week
- Defensive end Lei Talamaivao will have surgery to repair his injured knee and is out for the season
- Two Ute offensive linemen suffered knee injuries in practice Saturday. Both Kapua Sai and Ron Tongaonevai are expected to return in the next couple of weeks--Sai as the lead backup at right tackle
- James Aiono has moved from defensive tackle to defensive end, where he is No. 2 at right end behind Junior Tui'one
- Starter Justin Taplin-Ross has moved from strong safety to free safety. Co-leaders for the starting job at strong safety are Chris Washington and Victor Spikes
- Christian Cox is working with the first string at left end, with Derrick Shelby the backup
- Tevita Stevens has taken the lead over Sam Brenner at right guard, while John Cullen has moved ahead of Percy Taumoelau at left tackle
- Utah's already strong run game looks even deeper with the emergence of Tauni Vakapuna. Vakapuna, a transfer from Dixie State College, walked on to the team in the spring and has looked impressive so far in camp.
ksl.com - Defense stands out, offense "may be reading their own press clippings"
U., Y. take different approach | Deseret News | Rockmonster unplugged
Division of Big Ten's super rivals would be addition for all - NCAA Football - CBSSports.com
Football camp: Day 4 | Deseret News | Utah Utes
Utah Utes 2010 College Football Predictions - BCS Odds 2011 | Point Spreads
Ute notes: Top recruit V.J. Fehoko keeping expectations realistic | The Salt Lake Tribune
Utah football: Asiata comfortable in any role for Utes | The Salt Lake Tribune
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+10000 to win bcs ncg. in nevada it's only 100/1 plus i already hit the win total at 8.5 games except i got even money on over.
I'm all about covering the spread and moneylines. Glory favors the bold. Chance favors the prepared mind. Luck, well i have that too. University of Utah goes to the Pac-12 conference in 2011. I expect them to compete immediately for the conference CG. Brock Lesnar will defeat Cain Velasquez. Womens MMA, the next big thing in sports. 24 days till the first game of college football. UTAH vs Pitt. September 2nd 2010.
by wolfmanshowlforever on Aug 10, 2010 7:59 AM MDT reply actions
Not that it matters,
…but I thought I read that true freshman Brian Blechen was penciled in to start at free safety.
Blechen is 1 on the depth chart at SS
That is what I have read also nh24… from multiple sources. I think Tap Tap was moved to FS because Blechen has shown from day 1 of camp that he is too good to be kept off the field. Seems like Weddle’s story all over again. I am excited for Blechen. His youtube video for his defensive skills is awesome. He hits hard and strips the ball. Those things are hard to teach. You usually have it, or you dont.
I also find it interesting that Martinez, King, and Walker are battling for middle. I will call it now. Next season our 3 starting LB’s will be VJ, JJ, and Jacoby, and Norris will see tons of PT. Then Norris will take over the middle and VJ and Jacoby will be in outside for 2012, 2013…
Don't put too much stock into depth charts three weeks before games start.
The coaches are still putting the pieces together and they’ll change the depth chart over and over until the games start. Once games start we’ll know pretty much how things are barring injury or someone not living up to potential.
Everyone hates a pink-shirt-wearing communist.
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