Utah falls in Corvallis

The offense was solid, really good most of the time. The defense and special teams on the other hand were not. Cam Rising came out and really put that offense on his shoulders and moved them up and down the field time after time, but there were some points left on the field, including some 4th down stops inside the five-yard line. Overall, I think the offense performed well, and probably played well enough to win the game. Losing Thomas with an injury was concerning too.

Defense, not ideal. The Beaver running game was running all over Utah, holes were giant, tackles were missed, and just all in all, not a Utah-like performance. The Utes lost Devin Lloyd to a targeting call in the third quarter that just left a gaping hole in the middle of that Utah defense. Utah just couldn’t get off the field.

Then special teams. Utah had not one but two punts blocked. One went for a touchdown and the other was fortunately called back due to a dumb penalty by OSU.

The game started so strong for the Utes going up 14-0, but the defense couldn’t shut down OSU to allow the Utah offense to keep their foot on their throats. For the first time in a while, that I can recall at least, this loss is on the defense. Fortunately, it’s only the first conference loss and to a team in the other division. If Utah wins next week against UCLA, they’re in a great spot. At this point, though, I’m not sure how Utah will stop the UCLA rushing attack. Maybe the magic of Rice-Eccles after dark will help give them the boost they need.