Block U - Utah Football 2014 Opponent Preview: Fresno StateAn unofficial Utah Utes bloghttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/47599/blocku_fav.png2014-09-09T06:00:03-06:00http://www.blocku.com/rss/stream/58608462014-09-09T06:00:03-06:002014-09-09T06:00:03-06:00Utah vs Fresno State: Game Balls
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/OqTgteLHjmrmT608HMbepgy04Vo=/0x29:4000x2696/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/38236714/20140906_lbm_ai4_369.JPG.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Utah moved to 2-0 with a win over Fresno State on Saturday. Here are our game balls for the top performers from the game!</p> <p style="line-height: 12pt;">It was <b>HOT</b> on Saturday, and so was Utah's offense. Utah quarterback Travis Wilson and company bullied the Bulldogs of Fresno State, racking up 526 total yards of offense, 258 through the air and 268 on the ground. The one negative with Christensen's offense Saturday were the 118 yards in penalties. Moving forward, the Utes are going to need to play smarter if they want to continue finding success. That being said, here are the game balls from this weekend’s match-up.</p>
<h4><span>Offense - Travis Wilson & Kenneth Scott</span></h4>
<p><span>Wilson threw for 181 yards and five touchdowns in just over two and a half quarters of play. Again, like last week, the 6-foot-7 signal caller did not turn the ball over. Wilson looked like the QB we saw through the first five games of last </span>season: <span>precise, decisive, and poised. This team hinges on the health of Wilson, and they will need him to play this way for the next 10 weeks.</span></p>
<p style="line-height: 12pt;"><span>Kenneth Scott's hard work and dedication has paid dividends through the first two weeks. He is not merely a distraction from Dres Anderson, he is a legitimate threat. Scott has the best hands on the team, and his ability to adjust and catch the football where no one else can was on full display against the Bulldogs. Scott finished with six receptions for 77 yards and two touchdowns. His first TD on a fade route in the west corner of the north end zone was worthy of Sunday play. His second score off a curl showed that he not only has great hands, but also has great speed as well. Scott is on his way to making a very big name for himself in the league and the nation.</span></p>
<h4><span>Defense - Defensive Line</span></h4>
<p><span>Last week, Fresno State managed to rack up 157 yards rushing against a very stout USC defense. This week, the same Utah defensive line that received accusations of being "soft" against Idaho State, held the Bulldogs to 55 yards rushing. Former Utah assistant coach, and current Fresno State coach, Dave Schramm was quoted as saying that Utah's D-line was more physical than last week's opponent USC, a completely different sentiment than we heard last week. The bye week will go a long way to making sure this defense, the line in particular, is healthy and prepared for the trip to Ann Arbor.</span></p>
<h4><span>Special Teams - Tom Hackett</span></h4>
<p><span>The Aussie continues to be a game changer! </span><span></span><span>Hackett had five punts for 234 yards. That's good for a 46.8 average. Two of those punts were downed inside the 10 yard line. When teams are closely matched, the one thing that can separate them is special teams play. With a guy like Hackett, Utah has a great advantage.</span></p>
https://www.blocku.com/2014/9/9/6123893/utah-vs-fresno-state-game-ballsDaniel Spight2014-09-07T07:00:04-06:002014-09-07T07:00:04-06:00Utah Dominates Fresno State in Week Two Win
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<img alt="Kenneth Scott is making his impact felt this season, with 3 touchdown catches in the first two weeks." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/dwk84TDojx3fk6aTa4_0O9kjVjM=/0x210:3200x2343/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/38129946/20140906_lbm_ai4_372.JPG.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Kenneth Scott is making his impact felt this season, with 3 touchdown catches in the first two weeks. | Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>In week two everyone was hoping Utah would make improvements, specifically in the run game and pass defense, and they did just that.</p> <p>The Fresno State matchup with the Utes on Saturday afternoon may have taken many by surprise. Fresno is coming off of an 11 win season, and was in the race for a BCS birth most of the 2013 season. Well, this Fresno team is nowhere near the same without Derek Carr. After getting boat raced by USC in LA last week, Fresno State came into Rice-Eccles Stadium, and for Bulldog fans, it must have been like deja vu.</p>
<p>Almost everything broke Utah's way Saturday afternoon. Right off the bat the Utes established themselves, and to a welcome site to Ute fans, they jumped out to a fast start. Defensively, Utah held Fresno State without a first down in the entire 1st quarter. That's right, the defense that everyone was panicking about 10 days ago held a more talented team than ISU to five consecutive three-and-outs, and six out of seven possessions to three-and-out. To counter that, Utah's offense scored their first three possessions with the ball. This game was essentially over after the 1st quarter.</p>
<p>Utah's offense really showed off the weapons at <span>Travis Wilson's</span> disposal. Wilson had five touchdown passes on Saturday, and he didn't even play most of the 2nd half. He also went for a rather pedestrian looking 11-of-20 passing, for 181 yards and zero interceptions. Wilson played a smart game, outside of one intentional grounding. He wasn't afraid to throw the ball away, which helped lead to some of his incompletions. He has a great connection with three of his big playmakers, <span>Dres Anderson</span>, <span>Kenneth Scott</span> and Westlee Tonga. Both Anderson and Scott had two touchdown catches a piece, and both had some spectacular catches for scores. Anderson had a great over the shoulder catch on a perfect ball from Wilson, from 38 yards out. Scott had a great toe touching touchdown catch on a fade in the red zone, and a catch with some great juking moves leading to some serious yards after catch to score, from 36 yards out. Tonga wouldn't be outdone though, by catching a pass from Wilson on 4th-and-short and dragging multiple Bulldogs into the end zone.</p>
<p>The Utes were also very diverse and dangerous on the ground as well. The three-headed running monster of <span>Devontae Booker</span>, <span>Bubba Poole</span> and <span>Travis Wilson</span> ran for 158 yards, and the Utes as a team ran for 258. Wilson has improved greatly on the read-option since last season, and was getting good chunk yardage on the ground, when the defense was really starting to focus on Poole and Booker.</p>
<p>The offensive line was improved on Saturday. Much better at both run and pass blocking. Often times Wilson had ample time to sit back in the pocket to deliver a strike to any one of his play makers. They also got better push off the ball to help Booker and Poole find open field.</p>
<p>Another major concern coming into the Fresno game? The Utes run defense, and it appears to be just fine. Utah shut down the Bulldogs rushing game, only allowing 55 yards on the ground, for an average of 1.4 yards per rush. <span>Nate Orchard</span> and crew were just monsters, recording seven sacks in the game, and constantly pressuring the quarterback for Fresno State. Orchard was also playing a bit of a roving linebacker position, similar to <span>Trevor Reilly</span> last season, to keep the offense guessing where he may be coming from.</p>
<p>As for the pass defense, there was some good strides made from last week to this week. Both Dominique Hatfield and <span>Eric Rowe</span> played well on the outside. Yeah, Rowe got picked on a little bit, but he was in position almost every time and just needs to start making the play on the ball. <span>Justin Thomas</span> also played very well at the nickel back position. They seemed to go after him a little bit, and he broke up one pass, and was in perfect position almost every time when the ball went his way. I'm still a little concerned about the linebackers in coverage, specifically in the middle of the field. There seemed to be some gaps that Fresno could have exploited, and did a couple times against the twos.</p>
<p>As for special teams, <span>Andy Phillips</span> hit his one field goal attempt, and <span>Tom Hackett</span> was a pure assassin with the punts he was laying down. That dude seems to have some kind of guidance system on the ball to stick it within the 10 yard line.</p>
<p>Overall, I saw the improvement I wanted to see going from week one to week two. Sure, Fresno isn't as good as they were last year, but Utah dominated them in every aspect of the game, not unlike fellow Pac-12er USC. Now the key is to rest up, heal any bumps and bruises, and watch film like crazy to prepare for the trip to Ann Arbor to take on Michigan in two weeks. Utah needs to use every day of this BYE to tighten up their game even more, including some penalties, which there were too many of today (12 for 118 yards). If Utah goes in prepared and focused, I like their chances.</p>
<p>What are your impressions of the Utes after the Fresno game?</p>
<table border="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Totals</td>
<td>Fresno State</td>
<td>Utah</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1st Downs</td>
<td>24</td>
<td>26</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Net rushing yards</td>
<td>55</td>
<td>258</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Net passing yards</td>
<td>283</td>
<td>268</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Total Yards</td>
<td>338</td>
<td>526</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Fumbles/lost</td>
<td>1-1</td>
<td>0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Penalties/Yards</td>
<td>6-55</td>
<td>12-118</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3rd Down Conversions</td>
<td>5 of 16 (31%)</td>
<td>8 of 17 (47%)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>4th Down Conversions</td>
<td>0 of 2</td>
<td>1 of 2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Sacks/Yards</td>
<td>2-11</td>
<td>7-34</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Points off Turnovers</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>14</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p> </p>
<table border="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Passing (Utah)</td>
<td>Cmp-Att-INT</td>
<td>Yards</td>
<td>TD</td>
<td>Long</td>
<td>Sack</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Wilson</td>
<td>11-20-0</td>
<td>181</td>
<td>5</td>
<td>41</td>
<td>2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Thompson</td>
<td>4-7-0</td>
<td>87</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>45</td>
<td>0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>TOTAL</td>
<td>15-27-0</td>
<td>268</td>
<td>6</td>
<td>45</td>
<td>2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Passing (FSU)</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Connette</td>
<td>16-24-0</td>
<td>177</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>53</td>
<td>3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Burrell</td>
<td>8-16-0</td>
<td>106</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>42</td>
<td>4</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>TOTAL</td>
<td>24-40-0</td>
<td>283</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>53</td>
<td>7</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p> </p>
<table border="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Rushing (Utah)</td>
<td>No</td>
<td>Gain</td>
<td>Loss</td>
<td>Net</td>
<td>TD</td>
<td>Long</td>
<td>Ave</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>K Thompson</td>
<td>9</td>
<td>73</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>71</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>15</td>
<td>7.9</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Booker</td>
<td>10</td>
<td>67</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>67</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>19</td>
<td>6.7</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Poole</td>
<td>13</td>
<td>60</td>
<td>6</td>
<td>54</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>11</td>
<td>4.2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Wilson</td>
<td>11</td>
<td>50</td>
<td>13</td>
<td>37</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>17</td>
<td>3.4</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>McCormick</td>
<td>9</td>
<td>24</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>22</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>6</td>
<td>2.4</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dres Anderson</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>6</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>6</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>6</td>
<td>6</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>McClellon</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>TOTAL</td>
<td>54</td>
<td>281</td>
<td>23</td>
<td>258</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>19</td>
<td>4.8</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Rushing (FSU)</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Waller</td>
<td>15</td>
<td>65</td>
<td>4</td>
<td>61</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>23</td>
<td>4.1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Connette</td>
<td>16</td>
<td>56</td>
<td>16</td>
<td>40</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>13</td>
<td>2.5</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Williams</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>4</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>4</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>4</td>
<td>4</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Quezada</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>5</td>
<td>-4</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>-1.3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Burrell</td>
<td>4</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>20</td>
<td>-20</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>-5</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Team</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>26</td>
<td>-26</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>-26</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>TOTAL</td>
<td>40</td>
<td>126</td>
<td>71</td>
<td>55</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>23</td>
<td>1.4</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p> </p>
<table border="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Receiving (Utah)</td>
<td>No</td>
<td>Yards</td>
<td>TD</td>
<td>Long</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Scott</td>
<td>6</td>
<td>77</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>36</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Anderson</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>84</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>41</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Lewis</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>45</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>45</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Fakailoatonga</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>26</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>26</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Tonga</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>24</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>24</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Patrick</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>13</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>13</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>McClellon</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Poole</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>-4</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>TOTAL</td>
<td>15</td>
<td>268</td>
<td>6</td>
<td>45</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Receiving (FSU)</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Harper</td>
<td>6</td>
<td>83</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>40</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Peck</td>
<td>4</td>
<td>67</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>53</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Watson</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>62</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>42</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Quezada</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>22</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>9</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Waller</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>6</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>5</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Root</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>25</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>18</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Micenheimer</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>4</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Scott</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>14</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>14</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>TOTAL</td>
<td>24</td>
<td>283</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>53</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
https://www.blocku.com/2014/9/7/6116503/utes-roll-over-fresno-state-in-mwc-v-pac-12-matchupShane.Roberts2014-09-06T12:00:03-06:002014-09-06T12:00:03-06:00Fresno State @ Utah Open Thread
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/a77DWGMEAabESfnjJUsgvKucqXQ=/0x1112:2666x2889/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/38049906/20140828_ads_bn1_420.JPG.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Chris Nicoll-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Utah takes on former WAC foe Fresno State today in Rice-Eccles Stadium. Utah is looking for win number two on the young season.</p> <p>After a pedestrian 56-14 win over FCS Idaho State 10-days ago, Utah is looking to make the cliché week one to week two improvement, which should be the biggest improvement of the season. That improvement is hoping to come against two-time defending Mountain West champs Fresno State. Fresno is looking to rebuild their offense after losing <span>Derek Carr</span> to the NFL. While on the other side of the line of scrimmage, Utah is looking to sure up a running defense after an iffy week one, and a struggling secondary. Some depth chart changes have happened for Utah to try to tighten things down a little bit.</p>
<p>Offensively, Utah is trying to keep professing under first year offensive coordinator Dave Christensen. Travis Wilson looked good in game one, and it will be important for him to play well against Fresno, because the quality of athlete and player is going to jump dramatically from ISU. It will be key for the Utes to get the running game going with <span>Devontae Booker</span> and <span>Bubba Poole</span>, to establish a tone for the game.</p>
<p>The Utah game is going head-to-head with three other Pac-12 games at 1pm MT, Sac St at Cal (Pac-12 Net), CU at UMass (ESPN3), and Eastern Washington at Washington (Pac-12 Net). At 1:30pm MT USC and Stanford will be kicking off on ABC/ESPN.</p>
<p>If you're not up at Rice-Eccles with 45,000 of your closest friends, then site back in your favorite chair, watch the Utes, and discuss what's happening here, in our open thread!</p>
<p><strong>GO UTES!</strong></p>
https://www.blocku.com/2014/9/6/6110923/fresno-state-utah-open-threadShane.Roberts2014-09-06T07:00:08-06:002014-09-06T07:00:08-06:00How to watch/listen to Fresno State vs. Utah
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/g43jQ-pySHFlb0WIXstLcX_ZqjI=/0x0:4000x2667/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/38048396/20140828_ads_bn1_418.JPG.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Chris Nicoll-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Fresno State comes into Rice-Eccles Stadium for the week two matchup against the Utes. </p> <p>Utah welcomes in former WAC foe Fresno State to Rice-Eccles Stadium. Fresno is coming off a beating at the hands of USC last week, 52-13. Fresno is bringing into Salt Lake a two-quarterback system under former Ute running backs coach and offensive coordinator Dave Schramm. The Bulldogs are searching for the replacement for <span>Derek Carr</span>, who is now starting for the Oakland Raiders.</p>
<div class="read-more" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; image-rendering: optimizequality; text-align: center; width: 632px; background-color: #eeeeee; padding: 10px; font-family: 'Gotham SSm A', 'Gotham SSm B', Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px auto 15px; font-size: 0.8em; color: #292929;">
<strong style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">More</strong>: <a target="_blank" href="http://www.blocku.com/complete-coverage-fresnost-v-utah" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; image-rendering: optimizequality; color: #91182d; font-weight: bold; font-size: 12px;">Complete Coverage: Fresno State vs. Utah</a>
</div>
<p>Utah is looking to pick up win number two on the season, a season where wins could be hard to come by. Coming off of a 56-14 beating of FCS Idaho State, Utah is looking for a challenge before the schedule really takes off, beginning with a trip in two weeks to Michigan. This will be a good test for <span>Travis Wilson</span>, to see how well he's progressed post-injury. Also for the Ute o-line and running back corps. Will they be able to get good push off the ball to establish a running game? Will Utah's secondary make the appropriate improvements to contain a passing attack? More about this Utah team will be known after 60-minutes of football against the Bulldogs.</p>
<p id="paragraph4" class="pgh-paragraph" 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;"><b style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">Game time, TV schedule: </b><span>1</span>:00 p.m. MT, Pac-12 Network</p>
<p id="paragraph5" class="pgh-paragraph" 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;"><b style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">Live TV stream:</b> <a href="http://pac-12.com/live" target="_blank" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; image-rendering: optimizequality; color: #91182d; font-weight: bold;">Pac-12 Networks Live</a></p>
<p id="paragraph6" class="pgh-paragraph" 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;"><b style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">Live radio stream: </b><a href="http://espn.kall700sports.com" target="_blank" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; image-rendering: optimizequality; color: #91182d; font-weight: bold;">ESPN700</a> (apps available on Google Play and iTunes)</p>
<p class="pgh-paragraph" 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;">The Pac-12 is also going to have some overflow programing, since three Pac-12 teams kick off at the same time. Here's what the conference released earlier this week about accommodating fans watching on TV:</p>
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<p class="pgh-paragraph" 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;"><i>In week 2, Pac-12 Networks will televise Fresno State at Utah, Eastern Washington at Washington and Sacramento State at Cal games at 12:00 p.m. PT. The Utah game will be carried on Pac-12 Mountain, Pac-12 Arizona and Pac-12 Network (national feed). The Washington game will be available on Pac-12 Washington and Pac-12 Oregon, while Cal-Sacramento State will be available on Pac-12 Bay Area and Pac-12 Los Angeles...</i></p>
<p class="pgh-paragraph" 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;"><i>In addition, Comcast will make the Fresno State-Utah game available to all of their subscribers throughout Northern California on the Comcast Hometown Network, which is channel 102 in most areas. </i></p>
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https://www.blocku.com/2014/9/6/6110819/fresno-st-vs-utah-tv-radio-video-streamShane.Roberts2014-09-05T16:00:03-06:002014-09-05T16:00:03-06:00Keys to the Game: Utah vs Fresno State
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<figcaption>Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Bulldogs, fresh off a beating at the hands of USC, are making their way to Rice-Eccles Stadium. What do the Utes need to do to get the win?</p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal">This week Utah hosts the Fresno State Bulldogs, who are coming off of a devastating 52-13 loss to #14 USC. While the score was lopsided to say the least, it's safe to say that Fresno State is not as bad as the score would lead you to believe. That being said, they do have plenty of issues. Utah on the other hand played a bad FCS team and while Utah won convincingly, they had a few hiccups of their own. Here are some key things to look for in week two.</p>
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<h4>Offense</h4>
<p>Wilson and company will need to build on the momentum they gained last week; and the play book will be opened up just a little bit more on Saturday. Wilson will need to be efficient and sound in his decision making. Look for a healthy dose of Booker and Poole (who both averaged almost seven yards per carry last week), as the Bulldogs allowed 277 yards on the ground last week to USC. Attacking Fresno on the ground should be the focus on Saturday afternoon, and it will be nice to see this offensive line assert and prove themselves.</p>
<h4>Defense</h4>
<p>Utah will need to create some turnovers this week, unlike last week. The Utah defense was able to cause a fumble against Idaho State, however, they failed to recover and capitalize on the loose ball. They will also need to sure up the missed gap assignments they had last week by the defensive line and linebackers. Fresno State's RB Marteze Waller ran for 97 yards on 16 carries last week against a very stout 'SC defense. Utah cannot afford to be sloppy in their run defense on Saturday.</p>
<p>The secondary was picked on a little bit last week, and the coaching staff has taken steps to address that issue. Domonique Hatfield has been moved to corner primarily and listed as the co-starter alongside Davion Orphey, which will aid greatly in the defensive backfield. Another boost will be the return of nickel back Justin Thomas. Thomas was sidelined last week, and he adds speed and hands to the backfield which should pay off in the turnover battle.</p>
<h4>Special Teams</h4>
<p>Kaelin Clay is now the lone starter as punt returner, and he should be. Devontae Booker will be lined up next to him on kick returns, which makes for a formidable kick return duo. "Automatic" Andy Phillips may get a couple chances for FG's this week... did I mention his nickname is "Automatic"?</p>
<p>Overall, look for Utah to assert themselves very quickly. Ideally, Kendall Thompson should see some reps starting in the third quarter. Utah should win this game going away, but hey, it's college football and nothing is ever guaranteed.</p>
https://www.blocku.com/2014/9/5/6106905/keys-to-the-game-utah-vs-fresno-stateDaniel Spight2014-09-05T14:00:02-06:002014-09-05T14:00:02-06:001999 Vegas Bowl: The last Fresno v Utah matchup
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<figcaption>Chris Nicoll-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>It's been 15-years since the Utes and the Bulldogs last met. Here's how it went down.</p> <p>In 1999 Cher's "Believe" was at the top of the Billboard Hot 100. Movies like "The Matrix," "Star Wars Episode I," and "The Sixth Sense," were in theaters. The Runnin' Utes were a year removed from a Final Four run, and many of the players on the current football team were just going into kindergarten, if not pre-school.</p>
<p>It was December 19th, 1999, when the Utes took on Fresno State in the Las Vegas Bowl, the last time the two schools lined up against each other. Utah beat the Bulldogs 17-16, in what was basically Mike Anderson's NFL spotlight. Anderson rushed for a school and Las Vegas Bowl record 254 yards and two touchdowns (he was eventually drafted by the Denver Broncos in the sixth round of the 2000 NFL Draft).</p>
<p>The game was basically dominated by Utah's offense, as the Utes put up 548 yards to Fresno's 279. Although, Utah also didn't do themselves any favors by having 15 penalties for 151 yards. Special teams was the huge story line in this game. Fresno blocked two of Utah's field goals, including one that went back 75 yards for a Fresno touchdown. Utah got to a couple of kicks as well, including a crucial blocked PAT by Colby Knight that would have put Fresno up 17-14 in the fourth, and that PAT ended up being the difference in the contest.</p>
<p>Utah quarterback Darnell Arceneaux saw his first game action since a concussion earlier in the season, when T.D. Croshaw was knocked out of the game by a shoulder injury. It seems the QB injury bug has been around a lot longer than some fans remember. Arceneaux went 8-of-15 for 94 yards, and Croshaw before him went 3-of-9 for 120 yards and one interception.</p>
<p>Utah sealed the victory when kicker Cletus Truhe finally got a field goal attempt past the line of scrimmage with a 33-yard field goal with five minutes left in the game. The victory was Utah's first bowl win since the '94 Freedom Bowl, and only Utah's second bowl win since the 1964 Liberty Bowl.</p>
<table border="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>Fresno</td>
<td>Utah</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>First Downs</td>
<td>16</td>
<td>25</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Rushes - Yards</td>
<td>32-132</td>
<td>54-334</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Passing</td>
<td>147</td>
<td>214</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Comp-Att-INT</td>
<td>14-28-0</td>
<td>11-24-1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Return Yards</td>
<td>26</td>
<td>7</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Punts-Ave</td>
<td>5-37</td>
<td>4-39</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Fumbles-Lost<span> </span>
</td>
<td>0-0</td>
<td>2-0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Penalties-Yards</td>
<td>6-59</td>
<td>15-151</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Time of possession</td>
<td>24:06</td>
<td>35:54</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table border="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Series Record</td>
<td>Utah lead 5-4</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>First Game</td>
<td>1980 (Utah 27-12)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Last Game</td>
<td>1999 (Utah 17-16)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Series Streak</td>
<td>Utah 2 in a row</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Last Fresno Win</td>
<td>1997 (27-13)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>In Salt Lake</td>
<td>4-1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>In Fresno</td>
<td>0-3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Neutral Site</td>
<td>1-0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p><iframe width="420" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/ODXq4XM39nE" frameborder="0"></iframe></p>
https://www.blocku.com/complete-coverage-fresnost-v-utah/2014/9/5/6111017/fresno-st-vs-utah-1999-las-vegas-bowlShane.Roberts2014-09-05T11:00:07-06:002014-09-05T11:00:07-06:00Fresno State Special Teams vs Kaelin Clay
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<figcaption>Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The role that special teams can have on a game can be momentous. To see what Fresno State's specialists bring to this game, we will break them down.</p> <p>As fans saw last week, special teams can be very exciting. With a dynamic return man for Utah in wide receiver <span>Kaelin Clay</span>, special teams could help to decide this game. We will examine the Fresno State specialists to see how they may affect this game.</p>
<p><b>Kicking/Punting</b></p>
<p>Last season's kicker, <span>Colin McGuire</span>, just quit the team Wednesday due to family health issues. He played in the loss last week against USC, making one of two PATs. His loss means that freshman walk-on kicker Kody Kroening will handle field goals and PATs. Starting punter <span>Garrett Swanson</span> handles kickoffs and may be called on for long field goals. Having a true freshman walk-on handling kicks could be significant if the game is close, because it is likely he could struggle in a hostile environment taking his first kicks in a game.</p>
<p>Swanson was solid last season punting the ball, averaging 43.1 yards per punt (long of 69) on 53 punts. Swanson did struggle in week one against USC, however, only averaging 35.5 yards per punt (long of 47) on six punts, and only allowed one return. It will be interesting to see if he rebounds to his 2013 form against Utah, or if he again has shorter kicks.</p>
<p><b>Kickoff/Punt Returns</b></p>
<p>Fresno State struggled to return kickoffs last season, finishing with an 18.6 yards per kick average (109th) with no touchdowns. With what we saw from Utah kicker <span>Andy Phillips</span> last week, I expect Phillips will probably just kick the ball in the endzone for a touchback on most kicks (he had nine touchbacks on nine kickoffs last week).</p>
<p>Fresno State did well returning punts last season, with 11.6 yards per punt return (25th) on 24 returns and two touchdowns, but if you look at the stats, most of the damage was done against FCS Cal Poly (32.5 yards per return and two touchdowns). Both of the touchdown returns, and 21 of the team's 24 returns were handled by now-graduated wide receiver <span>Isaiah Burse</span>. I expect this to be an area where Fresno State regresses this season, especially against an excellent punter like Utah's Tom Hackett.</p>
<p><b>Kickoff/Punt Return Coverage</b></p>
<p>McGuire handled kickoffs last season, and the team struggled to contain opposing return men. The Bulldogs finished 104th in the nation last season, allowing 23.4 yards per return and two touchdowns on 60 returns. In 2012, Swanson handled kickoffs (the team allowed 19.5 yards per return), but special teams coordinator Pete Germano wanted to rest his leg last season with Swanson taking over punting duties. Kickoff coverage improved in week one against USC when the Bulldogs only allowed 14.3 yards per return (with a long of 19) on three returns. Swanson did not have any touchbacks in week one against USC, so he may have to rely on directional kicking to keep the ball away from Ute return man Kaelin Clay. While the kick coverage is better this year, this could be an area where Utah does some damage if Clay gets a chance to return a kickoff during the game.</p>
<p>Punt return coverage last season for the Bulldogs was stellar. They only allowed nine punt returns all season, yielding 3.0 yards per return (long of 23) and no touchdowns. Against USC in week one, Fresno State allowed one punt return for 10 yards. This will be an interesting battle to watch, the Fresno State punt return team versus Clay.</p>
<p>Fresno State head coach Tim DeRuyter and Germano know they will have their hands full on kickoff and punt return coverage with Clay back there. It will be interesting to see if they decide to kick to Clay or if they just try to keep the ball away from him on special teams. Their coaching staff knows for them to pull off the upset, they cannot allow Clay to bust a big kickoff or punt return. I think that special teams could play a very important role in this game.</p>
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<br>Read more here: http://www.fresnobee.com/2014/09/04/4104423/fresno-state-football-utah-special.html?sp=/99/330/336/#storylink=cpy</div>
https://www.blocku.com/2014/9/5/6108097/fresno-state-special-teamsAlex Stark2014-09-04T07:00:09-06:002014-09-04T07:00:09-06:00Utah Football Preview: Fresno State Defense
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<img alt="Fresno State linebacker Kyrie Wilson and his defensive teammates will need to be more stout as they travel to Rice-Eccles Stadium for Saturday's showdown with Utah." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/w7S_iL1Xc14ZyKeUZqAIAAhyz5A=/50x0:3948x2599/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/37939066/20140830_mta_al2_192.JPG.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Fresno State linebacker Kyrie Wilson and his defensive teammates will need to be more stout as they travel to Rice-Eccles Stadium for Saturday's showdown with Utah. | Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Fresno State often struggled last season to stop opponents. After a 52-13 pasting in the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, how does the Bulldog defense look heading into Rice-Eccles Stadium?</p> <p>Now that we have explored the offense for the 2013 Mountain West Conference champion Fresno State Bulldogs (11-2), we dive into the other side of the ball and examine their defense. Unlike the offense in 2013, the defense struggled mightily throughout much of the season. This is surprising given head coach Tim DeRuyter is a defensive minded head coach and was a hot name for many offseason coaching vacancies. I think many people expected that the Fresno State defense would be markedly improved this season, from 431.8 yards (87th in FBS) and 30.8 points (82nd) per game last season. That was not the case against USC in week one, where Fresno State gave up over 700 yards of total offense and 52 points to the Trojans.</p>
<p>Fresno State runs a blitz-heavy 3-4 defense. Expect pressure to come from linebackers, safeties, basically everyone could come on a blitz, which was good for sixth in the nation for sacks last season. Six starters return for the Bulldog defense, including All America safety Derron Smith and second team All-Mountain West performers linebacker Ejiro Ederaine and defensive lineman Tyeler Davidson.</p>
<p>Smith is a versatile athlete who will play in deep coverage, play close to the line, and come on blitzes. With 14 career interceptions, he is the active career leader in FBS in interceptions, so throwing away from him is clearly prudent. (The matchup between Smith and Utah quarterback Travis Wilson will be one to watch to see if Wilson will challenge Smith.) Fresno State also returns two other players in the secondary, but this was a group that struggled last season. With two of the three starting cornerbacks gone, this group may regress from last season's poor numbers (283.2 yards per game, 119th in the nation). In Fresno State's two losses last season (San Jose State and USC), the opposing quarterback had a quarterback rating of over 200.0. Fresno State gave up an average of 422 passing yards in their two losses (including 577 yards to San Jose State) compared to 251 yards in wins. The Fresno State secondary struggled to stop the pass against USC, giving up 424 yards passing with no interceptions. USC quarterback Cody Kessler won Pac-12 offensive player of the week for his performance.</p>
<p>All four starting linebackers for Fresno State return from last season. Ederaine is the most talented of the group and excels at putting pressure on the quarterback and making plays in the backfield. He had 16.5 tackles for loss and 10 sacks last season. Against USC, Ederaine recording two tackles for loss but no sacks.</p>
<p>Davidson is the only returning starter on the defensive line. The plan was for him to play more defensive end this season rather than nose tackle. Against USC though, Fresno State struggled to stop the Trojan rushing attack except for when Davidson was playing nose tackle. He played 13 snaps at nose tackle during the game, of which USC ran the ball on six of those plays for a total of 11 yards (USC gained 277 yards on the ground for the game on 64 carries). Defensive coordinator Nick Toth has stated that Davidson will be playing more at nose tackle, but he will continue to play defensive end as well. With the talent at linebacker and defensive lineman and heavy pressure scheme last season, Fresno State gave up 147.3 rushing yards per game (40th).</p>
<p>When teams had success throwing the ball on the Bulldogs last season, it was usually on earlier downs. To open up the passing game on first and second down, Utah will need to establish their running game. Causing Utah to be one dimensional was one of the keys for Fresno State to win according to MWC Connection editor Matt Kenerly. Forcing Fresno State to crowd the box to stop the run will open up the passing game for Wilson.</p>
<p>Utah struggled to convert third downs last season, generally because they were in third and long situations. It will be key to avoid third and long Saturday, because that allows Fresno State to bring pressure to force quick throws. The secondary runs a very conservative coverage to keep players in front of them, meaning it is unlikely Utah will convert many third and longs. The only good news for Utah is last week against USC, Fresno State did not perform well on third down, allowing the Trojans to convert 11 of 18 third downs.</p>
https://www.blocku.com/2014/9/4/6098497/utah-football-preview-fresno-state-defenseAlex Stark