Block U - Utah Football 2014 Opponent Preview: Idaho StateAn unofficial Utah Utes bloghttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/47599/blocku_fav.png2014-09-02T10:00:07-06:00http://www.blocku.com/rss/stream/58255202014-09-02T10:00:07-06:002014-09-02T10:00:07-06:00Who on Utah gets Game Balls for the ISU game?
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<figcaption>Chris Nicoll-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>We give out game balls for our top performers from the Idaho State game.</p> <p>On another sold-out opening night at Rice-Eccles Stadium, Utah went out did what they were supposed to do - win. They not only won, they won big, and aside from some questions in the defensive backfield, they dominated in every aspect of the game. So now that the college football season is underway, let's give out some game balls from the ISU game.</p>
<p>Offensive Game Ball - <span>Travis Wilson</span></p>
<p>Wilson's story is well known, and seeing him back under center was great. To see him execute the offense with no mistakes was the icing on the cake. I mentioned last week that Wilson needed to be efficient and take care of the ball, and he did just that. He threw for 265 yards on just 13 pass attempts, and had 14.7 yards per attempt. He didn't force any throws and made smart decisions, and best of all, he didn't turn the ball over. Wilson was not timid at all, and seemed to be on a mission throughout the first half. Although it was Idaho State, Wilson was precise. Welcome back!</p>
<p>Defensive Game Ball - <span>Nate Orchard</span></p>
<p>Orchard completely dominated the first three series of this game finishing with 2.5 sacks. He was in a four-point stance the majority the first half. This means he had his ears pinned back and was on a seek and destroy mission. The one issue I had with Orchard on Thursday night was that his unrelenting bull rush caused him to over-persue at times, opening up the run game for Idaho State. He'll have to play a little smarter next week.</p>
<p>Special Teams - Kaelin Clay</p>
<p>Speed Incarnate - that's what Clay brings to this Utah team, and that's what Utah will need to survive this beast of a schedule. In his first game as a Ute, Clay earned himself <a href="http://pac-12.com/article/2014/09/01/pac-12-announces-football-players-week">Pac-12 Special Teams Player of The Week</a> and <a href="http://www.cbssports.com/collegefootball/eye-on-college-football/24690382/cbssportscom-players-of-the-week-sept-1">CBS Sports Special Teams Player of The Week</a> honors. It's only fitting that he gets the more prestigious Block U game ball to cap it off, right? Welcome to Utah, young man. Here's to many more!</p>
https://www.blocku.com/2014/9/2/6095457/utah-vs-idaho-state-blocku-game-ballsDaniel Spight2014-09-01T17:00:03-06:002014-09-01T17:00:03-06:00Grading the Idaho State Game: Defense
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<p>Utah came away from week one with a win, but there are some definite question marks on the defensive side of the ball.</p> <p>It's always great to start off the season with a win, even if it is against an FCS opponent like Idaho State. It's also great to get some game film to watch. So any mistakes can be found and corrected going into the next game, and Utah has plenty to correct defensively going into the Fresno State game, especially with run defense.</p>
<p>Here's how I graded out the Utah defense from the Idaho State game:</p>
<h4><b>Defensive Line:</b></h4>
<p>It was rather feast or famine with the Utes' D-line this past week. They started out by getting two sacks right off the bat from <span>Nate Orchard</span> and Hunter Dimick. Throughout the rest of the game though, there was a pretty maddening inconsistency with the defensive front containing the run game. Too often, Idaho State was able to break through the line and gain chunk yardage on the ground, even in 3rd-and-long scenarios. Coach Kyle Whittingham said that it was one of the most frustrating aspects of the game for him. Giving up a 179-yards on the ground to an FCS team is never ideal. The good news is that it's all technique and fundamental based. Coach Whittingham stated that there were too many "dead gaps," meaning that a lineman would miss his gap completely leaving the defense vulnerable. Utah will need to get this corrected in a hurry with the competition ramping up with Fresno coming to town.</p>
<p><b>D-Line Grade: C</b></p>
<p>Too many gashing runs to keep drives alive for ISU, especially in 3rd-and-long. I do expect this to get cleaned up going forward.</p>
<h4><b>Linebackers:</b></h4>
<p>The linebackers were OK, although they certainly didn't help the defensive line in run defense at times. <span>Jared Norris</span> did miss some assignments to allow for the long runs for ISU, and both he and <span>Jason Whittingham</span> need to shore up a little bit in the passing game. They would allow too much cushion for someone like a tight end to make a simple catch at the 1st-down marker. Considering that the linebackers haven't practiced a ton, they will have some rust to shake off. Seeing what they can fix on film will help them clean up some schematic issues going forward. We are getting closer to the return of <span>Gionni Paul</span>, which will help solidify this group.</p>
<p><b>Linebackers Grade: B-</b></p>
<p>Just like the d-line, plenty of good with some bad. This group just needs to sharpen up and get healthy for the season before it really gets into full swing.</p>
<h4>Secondary:</h4>
<p>Justin Thomson did miss the ISU game, leaving the Utes a little thin in the secondary. <span>Eric Rowe</span> played well in his first game at corner and was a good run stopper on the outside. However, Davion Orphey and <span>Wykie Freeman</span> had tough days. Both had a hard time closing on their men, and keeping them from getting 1st-down grabs. Orphey, specifically, needs to improve or else it's going to be a rough year for him (and the Utes). With the emergence of <span>Dominique Hatfield</span> at corner, there is a strong possibly Orphey may lose some playing time. It seems like Orphey and Freeman were both a step slow on their guys, which would allow them to find the space they needed to make the grab. <span>Brian Blechen</span> and <span>Tevin Carter</span> didn't factor into the game much, although they were also singled out a bit in needing to help the run game more. Blechen needs to be back there keeping the middle of the field on lock down, to help out the linebackers, and Carter needs to play center field to help out the corners. Both should see much more of a test against Fresno.</p>
<p><b>Secondary Grade: C-</b></p>
<h4>Overall Defensive Grade: C</h4>
<p>There was plenty of pressure in the backfield on the quarterback, but the inability to consistently contain the running game, as well as certain elements of the passing game really put some red flags up for the Utes defense. I'm confident the running game will get fixed, but the passing game, specifically at the corner opposite of Rowe, will be interesting to watch. Orphey needs to improve, and he needs to be more aggressive and just play. It still seems like he's thinking too much on the field. If they can get improvement and consistency from him, then that defense will be much more formidable.</p>
<p>What are your thoughts on the Ute defense?</p>
https://www.blocku.com/complete-coverage-isu-v-utah/2014/9/1/6094565/grading-the-idaho-state-game-defenseShane.Roberts2014-09-01T14:09:53-06:002014-09-01T14:09:53-06:00Kaelin Clay named Special Teams Player of the week
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<figcaption>Kaelin Clay was named Pac-12 Special Teams Player of the Week Monday. | Chris Nicoll-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Kaelin Clay made one heck of a first impression as a Ute, and has been named Special Teams Player of the Week in the Pac-12.</p> <p>Some Utah records in the return game may be in jeopardy. <span>Kaelin Clay</span>, who returned a 46-yard punt return for a touchdown in the 2nd quarter against Idaho State, and a 100-yard kick return for a touchdown in the 3rd quarter, was named Pac-12 Special Teams Player of the Week for week one. Clay had 159 total yards on the day, after also adding 13-yards in the receiving game.</p>
<p>Clay is the first Ute to return a kick since <span>Reggie Dunn</span> in 2012, and the first Ute to return a punt since <span>Shaky Smithson</span> in 2010. Clay became the first Pac-12 player since 1999 (Deltha O'Neal of California) to score a touchdown on a punt return and a kickoff return in the same game.</p>
<p>Clay joins USC's quarterback <span>Cody Kessler</span>, and UCLA linebacker <span>Eric Kendricks</span> for week one honors.</p>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck">
<p><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/pac12fb?src=hash">#pac12fb</a> Player of the Wk honors go to <a href="https://twitter.com/USC_Athletics">@USC_Athletics</a> Kessler, <a href="https://twitter.com/UCLAFootball">@UCLAFootball</a>'s Kendricks, and <a href="https://twitter.com/Utah_Football">@Utah_Football</a>'s Clay: <a href="http://t.co/f0aEE1JAY8">http://t.co/f0aEE1JAY8</a></p>
— Pac-12 Conference (@pac12) <a href="https://twitter.com/pac12/statuses/506515816922087424">September 1, 2014</a>
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https://www.blocku.com/complete-coverage-isu-v-utah/2014/9/1/6094405/kaelin-clay-named-pac-12-special-teams-player-of-the-week-for-week-oneShane.Roberts2014-08-31T16:39:20-06:002014-08-31T16:39:20-06:00Grading the ISU Game: How'd the Offense do?
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<p>Week one of the season has come and gone, and here are the grades for the offense.</p> <p>After a poor first series against Idaho State, with a quick three-and-out, Utah got on track and scored touchdowns on seven of their next nine drives, with one fumble and one punt mixed in there. Here's how I grade each offensive unit from the ISU game.</p>
<h3><b>Quarterbacks</b></h3>
<p><span>Travis Wilson</span> had a nice day on Thursday, he went 13-of-18 for 265-yards, one touchdown passing, and one touchdown rushing. He did have some happy feet from time-to-time and left the pocket a little too soon, but overall he delivered some very nice passes to <span>Westlee Tonga</span>, <span>Dres Anderson</span> and <span>Kenneth Scott</span> at various times in the first half. He really didn't put the offense in any bad situations, and even with a vanilla game plan he would have up some monster numbers, similar to other Pac-12 QBs, had he played the full game.</p>
<p><span>Kendal Thompson</span> had an 'ok' showing in his debut. He went 6-of-10 for 69-yards through the air. He also ran the read option very well, with both Booker and Poole, and showed some of his elusiveness as a runner. He missed one big highlight by missing <span>Tim Patrick</span> on the deep bomb for a touchdown.</p>
<p><span>Brandon Cox</span> also saw his first action as a Ute and showed a lot of playmaking potential when he was on the field. He only threw the ball three times, but he was 3-of-3 for 17-yards. He ran the read option very well too, keeping the ball twice for 22-yards and one touchdown. Cox has a feathery touch on his throws, and with his speed and agility, he is the ultimate duel threat QB. As he matures, gains experience and knowledge, he will be one heck of a quarterback in the Pac-12.</p>
<p><b>QB Grade: B</b></p>
<p>Nothing really spectacular out of the quarterbacks this past week, other than Wilson's high flying touchdown run. None of them had a turnover, which is what you want to see, and they all got the ball into the playmakers hands to get chunk yardage, especially Wilson. Some happy feet here and there hurt them, and a couple missed throws bump them down as well.</p>
<h3><b>Running Backs</b></h3>
<p><span>Bubba Poole</span> looked good Thursday night, he scored Utah's first touchdown and had 42-yards on six carries (7 yard per carry average). He showed his typical elusiveness and speed in space, but I still would like to see him pick up some of the tough yards between the tackles, too often I see him getting hit in the backfield or at the line of scrimmage and going down. With that said, Poole may be the best utility back of all the running backs.</p>
<p><span>Devontae Booker</span> showed fans why many of us have been high on him, and why he may be the star in the backfield. Booker ran the ball 10 times for 78-yards (7.8 yards per carry average), and also had one reception for 61-yards on a beautifully executed screen pass. He did have two touchdowns on the ground, including one for 38-yards that showed some of his speed in the open field.</p>
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<p><span>Troy McCormick</span> struggled a bit Thursday, and wasn't really able to get into a rhythm. The one time he did get loose for a good gain, he got hit and fumbled the ball.</p>
<p><b>RB Grade: B-</b></p>
<p>A lot of good out of the backs, and that's evident by the yards per carry average by Booker and Poole. There also was some missed blocks in the pass game that made it harder for the quarterback, and the fumble by McCormick was in the red zone, those are things we can't see as the season goes along.</p>
<h3>Wide Receivers / Tight Ends</h3>
<p>After the first half, it was nice to see names other than Dres Anderson making plays in the receiving game. Westlee Tonga was a consistent target for Wilson, and made some great catches to keep the chains moving. Tonga had 61-yards on five catches, and was a great bail out open for Wilson.</p>
<p>Another name back in the lineup, that was great to see, was Kenneth Scott. Scott had 57-yards on four receptions, and two of them were beauties. One was for 20-yards, with about half those yards coming after the catch by fighting through ISU defenders, something that we never saw last season. The other was a 26-yard touchdown at the end of the first half, which was a great throw from Wilson to Scott, where Scott was able to get just inside of the pylon.</p>
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<p>Dres Anderson did was he does, and that's go over 100-yards (111 total) on four catches. His biggest catch was at the end of the first half, when he made a tough catch coming back to the ball evading defenders. Catches like that one at the end of the half are ones he would have dropped last year, so it was great to see him come down with the reception.</p>
<p><b>WR Grade: A</b></p>
<p>I'm giving the wide outs an 'A,' I thought about where I could drop them, but they played an all around good game on Thursday. They made some great catches, kept the chains moving, and got the big plays out there - they did it all.</p>
<h3>Offensive Line</h3>
<p>The offensive line was up and down on Thursday, which I'd expect a little bit in an opener, especially without the starting center. Where I think the line needs work going into week two is run blocking. Too often I saw the running backs having to elude guys in the backfield, or getting stuffed at the line of scrimmage. There were instances where they did move some bodies and allow the running backs to find day light, like on this touchdown by Booker:</p>
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<p>The pass protection was solid I'd say. Some of the pressures from ISU can be attributed to a running back missing a block, or the quarterback either holding the ball too long, or having happy feet. There were some breakdowns, with some guys blocking the same defender leaving another one free to rush the QB. There were also some swinging gates by the tackles with their hips getting turned around in pursuit of the defensive end, and that will need cleaned up quick.</p>
<p>A major highlight for the offensive line was in the screen game. The big guys got up the field and opened up the lane for Booker as he was turning up field, and right guard <span>Isaac Asiata</span> made the key block about 10-yards down field on Bookers 61-yarder.</p>
<p><b>OL Grade: B</b></p>
<p>The line was 'ok' on Thursday. Getting starting center Siaosi Aiono back will help going forward, and some film work will help with the blocking assignments. I really want to see the biggest improvement from week one to week two from this group.</p>
<h3>Overall Offensive Grade - B</h3>
<p>After having 27 first downs, 238 rushing yards (5.2 yards per carry), 351 passing yards, 589 total yards, with a 57% third down conversation percentage, I'd say the offense only played 'ok'. They did what they were supposed to, and outside of some hiccups, they were very productive. No doubt, there is still some work needed, and some things need cleaned up, but as a collective unit, I like what we saw from the offense against ISU.</p>
<p>What about you? How would you grade the offense from the Idaho State game?</p>
https://www.blocku.com/complete-coverage-isu-v-utah/2014/8/31/6090977/grading-the-idaho-state-game-offenseShane.Roberts2014-08-29T21:25:21-06:002014-08-29T21:25:21-06:00Utah Football: Post-game Analysis
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<figcaption>Utah kick returner Kaelin Clay was the story of the game for the Utes, returning a punt and a kickoff for touchdowns. | Chris Nicoll-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Utah's primary starters played a half against FCS Idaho State, resulting in a 56-14 win. We go inside the numbers to analyze the Utes win.</p> <p>Kaelin Clay returned Utah to its winning ways in the Utes 56-14 victory over Idaho State. But while the final margin was comfortable over the FCS Bengals, even Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham acknowledged his team's play was anything but perfect.</p>
<p>"We gave up too much at the line of scrimmage and allowed too many rushing yards," Whittingham said. "We were too soft against the run."</p>
<p><b>Quarterbacks:</b></p>
<p>Starting quarterback Travis Wilson threw for 265 yards on 13 of 18 passing with one touchdown to Kenneth Scott. He also scrambled left on a broken play near the goal line and Superman dived into the endzone for a rushing TD.</p>
<p><span>"It was great," Wilson said. "I feel really blessed to have the opportunity to come back and play. It is great to be back with this team and these coaches. It was a great start to the season, but there are still some things we need to improve."</span></p>
<p>While his statistics were solid for only a half of play, Wilson did have some negatives. He had a pass knocked down at the line, reminiscent of his troubles through last season, as well as threw at least one ball short of an open Dres Anderson. Number six was double covered, and that same ball probably gets picked against a Pac-12 opponent. Additionally, the speed along Utah's wide receiving corps will be all for naught if the 6-foot-7 quarterback can't throw it over the speedsters, allowing them to make plays in stride. Wilson took no sacks in the game but did have a couple of moments of happy feet.</p>
<p>Kendal Thompson completed 6-of-10 pass for 69 yards, but took two sacks. Thompson also rushed six times for 27 yards, but failed to get into the endzone either through the air or on the ground.</p>
<p>Brandon Cox played in mop-up duty, going 3-for-3 passing for 17 yards. Cox also ran twice for 22 yards, including his 16-yard run for a touchdown. Cox looked confident and could make things interesting in years to come.</p>
<p style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: normal;"><span><b>Offense:</b></span></p>
<p style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: normal;">The first series was less than inspiring, requiring a punt from deep in the Utes' own territory, but things got going much better afterward. Utah's offense tallied 27 first downs (11 rushing, 16 passing), and 589 total yards.</p>
<p style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: normal;">"It's nice to have <a style="outline: none;" href="http://www.utahutes.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/kenneth_scott_702366.html">Kenneth Scott</a> back and to have <a style="outline: none;" href="http://www.utahutes.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/tim_patrick_913815.html">Tim Patrick</a> as well," Wilson said. "There are definitely a lot of weapons that will allow us to spread the ball around. We seem to be getting better and all of us are getting on the same page. It is just nice to have everyone healthy."</p>
<p style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: normal;">"We did `out-athlete' them a bunch and were able to make some plays up the field," Whittingham said. "Our offensive tempo was very good and we only put the ball on the ground once."</p>
<p><b>Wide Receivers:</b></p>
<p>Utah recorded 351 yards passing in this game. Senior wideout Dres Anderson recorded another 100-yard game (111), but went without a touchdowns for his four catches. Kenneth Scott, returning to action for the first time since an injury at the beginning of the 2013 season, caught four balls for 57 yards and the Utes' only passing touchdown.</p>
<p><b>Running Backs:</b></p>
<p>The Utes racked up 271 yards rushing for a 5.2 yards per rush average as a team. Individually, Devontae Booker rushed 10 times for just 78 net yards, but his 7.8 yards per carry average and two touchdowns were solid. Starter Bubba Poole ran six times for 42 yards and a seven yards per carry average (and caught two passes for 18 yards).</p>
<p><b>Defense:</b></p>
<p>Utah gave up just one touchdown in each half, including one in the second half when most of the backups were on the field. The Utes also got to Idaho State quarterback Justin Arias four times, 2.5 by senior defensive end Nate Orchard.</p>
<p>Led by Orchard and Hunter Dimick, the Utah ends looked solid, but the interior of the line, usually a strength of the Utes defense, was oddly porous and soft. The Utes' defense allowed 206 yards rushing, 158 yards passing, and Idaho State converted 42.8% of the time on third down. Utah gave up 133 yards rushing and a 5.8 yards per carry average to junior tailback Xavier Finney. Fellow running back Daniel McSurdy carried 11 times for 60 net yards, a 5.5 yards per carry average.</p>
<p>Utah's linebackers and cornerbacks looked as suspect as many feared they might be. Linebackers had difficulty fighting off the initial blocks, and the corners were often either out of position or simply unable to play tight on receivers.</p>
<p>Against a team that threw the ball 40 times, a team that gave up 4 sacks in the game (as well as a number of hurries), Utah managed zero interceptions. The Utes should have come up with at least one if the defensive secondary is as improved as they are supposed to be. What we saw is defensive backs out of position and unable to stay with FCS receivers on routes. That's concerning (and based on the comments on this site, everyone is feeling it).</p>
<p><span>"We were very average," Orchard said. "We gave away a ton of big plays to the offense, especially in the rushing game. In the end we came out victorious, but we will have to go back and look at the film and see what corrections we can make."</span></p>
<p><b>Special Teams:</b></p>
<p>Andy Phillips had a eight kickoffs, all touchbacks, and was perfect on his eight PATs. The former U.S. National Team skier didn't attempt a field goal in this game, and will need to wait another week to test out his improved range.</p>
<p>Punter Tom Hackett had five punts for 238 yards (46.8 yards per punt average), with a 62-yard long, three dropped inside the 20, and one touchback that could have been ruled down at the one. Hackett also executed a fake punt for a 28-yard gain. Punt/kick returner Kaelin Clay scored both a 100-yard kick return touchdown and a 49-yard punt return touchdown.</p>
<p><span>"We played solid special teams, as you saw with the play of </span><a href="http://www.utahutes.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/kaelin_clay_902536.html" style="outline: none; color: #bb122f;">Kaelin Clay</a><span> tonight," Whittingham said. "He had a great game and gave the team a lot of energy."</span></p>
<p>Clay announced himself on the national stage with highlights on ESPN Top 10 Plays of the Day. Clearly, he's a dynamic returner in the mold of a Shaky Smithson or Reggie Dunn. Whenever Utah has such a weapon, the team is better. However, it's probably best to temper expectations for the senior until after the Fresno State game. Given the number and type of missed tackles by Idaho State, I doubt either return would go for touchdowns against a Power Five opponent like Michigan or UCLA.</p>
<p>"It felt great," Clay said. "I pride myself on special teams. It's one of those things that usually go unnoticed, but I take a lot of pride in it."</p>
<p>Overall, it's nitpicky to find holes in a 56-14 win, especially where the starting offense and defense play only the first half, but Utah faces the toughest schedule in the country. There aren't any Idaho States (or even UNLVs or New Mexicos) left on the schedule, so the Utes margin for error is much slimmer going forward than it was against the Bengals.</p>
<p style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: normal;">"I am not sure how much more we know about our team after tonight," Whittingham said. "We were well-coached, and we played all 60 minutes. We still have a few things to take a look at that we can get better in."</p>
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https://www.blocku.com/2014/8/29/6082949/utah-football-post-game-analysisSteven Ford2014-08-28T23:27:30-06:002014-08-28T23:27:30-06:00Utes roll over Bengals - Wilson rests in 2nd half
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<figcaption>Kaelin Clay had a memorial debut as a Ute, with both a punt and kick return for a touchdown. | Chris Nicoll-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Utah kicked off their 2014 season by beating the overmatched FCS Idaho State Bengals. </p> <p>Not the most pretty at times, especially the opening series by the offense, which was a quick three and out, but Utah took care of business Thursday night by dispatching the Idaho State Bengals 56-14. After an initial hiccup by the offense, resulting in a punt, the first team got on a bit of a roll and played well most of the first half. We only saw <span>Travis Wilson</span> in the first half, where he racked up a nice 265-yards through the air, with one touchdown, on a very efficient 13-of-18 (72%) passing. Wilson also rushed four times for 12-yards, including one high-flying touchdown. When Wilson was on the field, it was apparent he is easily deserving of the starting roll. At times the offensive line would allow pressure, and Wilson made some nice throws under duress, especially to <span>Westlee Tonga</span>, who missed most of 2013 with injury.</p>
<p><span>Devontae Booker</span> and <span>Bubba Poole</span> both had great games rushing. Booker had 78-yards, Poole had 42, and both averaged over 7-yards per carry. Booker also had a 61-yard reception on a perfectly executed screen pass from <span>Travis Wilson</span>, that fell just short of the goal line. I predicted Booker would be the 'X-factor' for the Utes, and would eventually overtake Poole as the main guy, and tonight reaffirmed that for me. Poole will still be a major contributor, but Booker will be the starter at some point, if not against Fresno.</p>
<p>As for the wide outs, boy it was great to see some playmaking out there by somebody other than Dres Anderson. Of course, Anderson did what he does, by going over 100-yards receiving with 111 on four catches. The Dark Knight, <span>Kenneth Scott</span> had a very nice return to the field with 57-yards on four catches, including a very nice touchdown reception from Travis Wilson at the end of the 1st half. And as I mentioned earlier, Westlee Tonga provided great relief for Wilson on some bailouts when Wilson was under pressure. Those three, of Anderson, Scott, and Tonga, make a great three headed monster.</p>
<p>Weapons wise, Travis Wilson has some great options to work with, however, the offensive line left a little to be desired at times. Wilson had a little too much pressure in his face for my taste, although at least one of those pressures was because of a missed blocking assignment by the running back. At times the running backs couldn't find room to run, and against ISU, that's a problem. Here's to hoping some film study over the next week will help get them back on the same page. It should be noted that starting center <span>Siaosi Aiono</span> didn't play tonight, no reason was given why.</p>
<p>Defensively Utah started great, but gave up too many gashing runs in the first half, and lost contain around the outside a few too many times as well. For the defensive line, the lapses looked like some schematic and execution-based details that can be addressed. The linebackers and safeties need to be better in support of the run defense, as well. The main concern is with the secondary, as it was last year, namely at the corners. <span>Eric Rowe</span> wasn't tested much, and made some nice plays. It was Davion Orphey, and whom ever was playing the nickel, having some trouble tonight. Too much separation was allowed, and it seemed like they would lose their men at times. Again, hopefully, like the o-line, some film study will improve performance from week one to week two, but some definite red flags.</p>
<p>The star of the night? Senior JC transfer wide receiver Kaelin Clay. The first time Clay touched the ball in a Utah uniform, on a punt return, he returned it for a spectacular 46-yard touchdown, a feat last done by Shaky Smithson. Clay wasn't done, however. He also returned a 100-yard kickoff return for a touchdown, a feat last done by <span>Reggie Dunn</span>. Clay has likely solidified both return positions, and Poole did well for himself on punt return as well! And of course, both <span>Andy Phillips</span> and <span>Tom Hackett</span> were automatic.</p>
<p>All-in-all, a pretty routine home opener versus a FCS team. There was some good, and there was some bad, but there is no doubt that this offense has more fire power, and the defense needs to round into form faster - especially against the pass. As they say, the most improvement happens between week one and week two, so onward to Fresno State!</p>
<p><a href="http://cdn2.vox-cdn.com/imported_assets/2360950/Screenshot_2014-08-28_23.15.09.png"><img src="http://cdn1.vox-cdn.com/imported_assets/2360950/Screenshot_2014-08-28_23.15.09_medium.png" class="photo" alt="Screenshot_2014-08-28_23.15.09_medium"></a></p>
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https://www.blocku.com/complete-coverage-isu-v-utah/2014/8/28/6081671/utes-beat-idaho-stateShane.Roberts2014-08-28T17:30:03-06:002014-08-28T17:30:03-06:00Idaho State @ Utah 2014 Season Opening Thread
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<figcaption>Utah kicks off 2014 with a 'Stripe the Stadium' game versus Idaho State. | Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Utah kicks off their brutal 2014 schedule with FCS opponent, Idaho State.</p> <p>It has been 271 days since Rice-Eccles Stadium was alive with real football, and at 5:30pm MT, the wait for Utah football comes to an end! Utah welcomes the Idaho State Bengals into Rice-Eccles Stadium to kick-off the 2014 season, not only for themselves, but the Pac-12. The game kicks off a double-header on the Pac-12 Network, and is one of three total Pac-12 games tonight. The other two match ups are Rutgers at Washington State, and Weber State at Arizona State (on Fox Sports 1).</p>
<p>The Utah home opener is a "Stripe the Stadium" game, where fans are expected to wear alternating colors in alternating sections of the stadium, something that was very effective for the opener versus Utah State last season. This also marks the 6th consecutive year that the Utes have kicked off the season on a Thursday night. The last non-Thursday opener for Utah, was back in 2008 versus Michigan. It could be a late arriving crowd, I know a shocker for Ute fans, especially with a 5:30 kickoff.</p>
<p>The home opener is always a blast, the weather should be perfect, and Utah should roll to a win. If you can't make it up to The Hill, then chill out here on Block U, and chat about the game action as it happens! Let us hear what your thoughts are on the 2014 Utes, the new offense, the upgraded secondary, and singing the "Utah Man/Fan" song!</p>
<p><strong>GO UTES!</strong></p>
https://www.blocku.com/2014/8/28/6076465/idaho-state-utah-open-threadShane.Roberts2014-08-28T08:00:09-06:002014-08-28T08:00:09-06:00How to watch/listen to ISU vs. Utah
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<figcaption>Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sport</figcaption>
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<p>The Bengals of Idaho State come into Rice-Eccles Stadium Thursday night to kick off the 2014 college football season.</p> <p>Utah welcomes in FCS program Idaho State to Rice-Eccles Stadium Thursday night to kick off the 2014 campaign. Utah last matched up with Idaho State back in 1994 and came away with a 66-0 win.</p>
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<strong style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">More</strong>: <a style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; image-rendering: optimizequality; color: #91182d; font-weight: bold; font-size: 12px;" href="http://www.blocku.com/complete-coverage-isu-v-utah" target="_blank">Complete Coverage: ISU vs. Utah</a>
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<p>Here's a quick recap of the last meeting, courtesy of the Utah media guide:</p>
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<p>Last Time (Sept. 10, 1994, Salt Lake City): Utah raced past Idaho State 66-0 in the second game of the 1994 season, piling up 278 rushing yards and six touchdowns, including 95 yards and three TDs by freshman Juan Johnson. Mike McCoy completed 14-of-21 passes for 150 yards and two touchdowns in just over a half before calling it a day. Ernest Boyd intercepted two passes and Cal Beck picked off one in the first Ute shutout in four seasons.</p>
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<p>Utah is kicking off what many consider the nations toughest schedule, and are looking to start off on the right foot, especially after a second consecutive 5-7 season.</p>
<p><span>Travis Wilson</span>, the Ute's returning starting quarterback, will take the field for the first time since his possible career threatening head injury after the Arizona State loss in November. Coaches Dave Christensen, Jim Harding, and Taylor Stubblefield are all coaching in their first game as Utes.</p>
<p style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 1em; font-family: 'Mercury SSm A', 'Mercury SSm B', Georgia, serif; line-height: 24px; color: #292929; font-size: 16px;" class="pgh-paragraph" id="paragraph4"><b style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">Game time, TV schedule: </b><span>5</span>:30 p.m. MT, Pac-12 Network</p>
<p style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 1em; font-family: 'Mercury SSm A', 'Mercury SSm B', Georgia, serif; line-height: 24px; color: #292929; font-size: 16px;" class="pgh-paragraph" id="paragraph5"><b style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">Live TV stream:</b> <a style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; image-rendering: optimizequality; color: #91182d; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank" href="http://pac-12.com/live">Pac-12 Networks Live</a></p>
<p style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 1em; font-family: 'Mercury SSm A', 'Mercury SSm B', Georgia, serif; line-height: 24px; color: #292929; font-size: 16px;" class="pgh-paragraph" id="paragraph6"><b style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">Live radio stream: </b><a style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; image-rendering: optimizequality; color: #91182d; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank" href="http://espn.kall700sports.com">ESPN700</a> (apps available on Google Play and iTunes)</p>
https://www.blocku.com/utah-utes-football/2014/8/28/6061357/isu-vs-utah-kick-off-time-tv-schedule-live-radio-video-stream-and-moreShane.Roberts