Utah @ Michigan Live Blog
Ute Coverage on 1320 KFAN and thefansports.com.
THIS IS A LIVE GAME BLOG...HIT REFRESH AND MOST RECENT POST WILL APPEAR AT TOP OF PAGE.
Tune into 1320 KFAN for the Post Game Show.
Final Score UU 25 UM 23
After watching the second half offensive output by the Utes, I think it was planned. I'm pretty sure up 25 - 10, Andy Ludwig implemented his prevent offense.
Even with the awful 2nd half, the Utes will walk away with a big win to start the year. And especially because the poor second half it is almost perfect for the Utes. Now you get the big win, but you don't get the big heads. The coaching staff will have plenty of ammo to use to humble the players in film sessions and at practice.
Now going into a week where revenge could be a motivator against UNLV, there is some work to do.
6:19 4th Quarter UU 25 UM 23
Penalties, lack of adjustments, and lack of urgency on the offensive end may come back to haunt the Utes. Four second half sacks of Brian Johnson has effectively stalled the offensive output. Michigan now has all the momentum at home, and the Utes HAVE to do something on this drive.
8:42 4th Quarter UU 25 UM 17
Something dramatic has happened. The Utes ho hum approach to the second half has caught up to them. After another sack on Brian Johnson, and a blocked punt, Michigan promptly throws a touchdown pass. Now the Utes are forced to do something.
11:00 4th Quarter UU 25 UM 10
Barring some dramatic change of events, this game is over. Utah has stalled in the second half, but they haven't even really tried. It's been a very vanilla offense and effort in the second half for the Utes. And a lot of the same from Michigan, nothing.
So what have we learned from this game?
The Ute offense is for real. Brian Johnson looked like a world beater in the first half picking apart the defense.
Matt Asiata may just be worth the wait. He looked very good running the ball with a mix of power and a little bit of speed.
I'm not sure you can make a judgment on the defense. They really were not tested
End of 3rd UU 25 UM 10
Mark it down! At the 2:47 mark of the 3rd quarter, the Wolverines finally rushed the ball up the middle. Result, a 21 yard gain. And guess what, they didn't go back to it. In fact, they end up fumbling the ball as Stevenson Sylvester stripped the ball and the Utes recovers.
8:00 3rd Quarter UU 25 UM 10
Could it still be that with all the talent that Utah has, Louie "The Weapon" Sakoda is still the best player? Just a thought after a 53 yard field goal (his 4th FG today).
Can someone tell me why Michigan hasn't even tried the middle of the Ute defensive line?
Michigan still looks terrible, but their half time adjustment have been better than the Utes. They have been able to get to and shut down Brian Johnson in the second half. I still worry about the ability of the Utes coaching staff in making in game adjustments.
Halftime - UU 22 UM 10
So much for the hyped up Michigan defense. Brian Johnson 15 of 23 for 253 and a touchdown. Matt Asiata has 48 yards rushing. And Bradon Godfrey has 5 catches for 65 yards and a touchdown. A huge half for the Utes offense, and it would be bigger if not for 6 penalties.
On the other side of the ball, the defense allowed Michigan's only touchdown on a short field situation after Jereme Brooks fumbled a punt. Other than that, the Ute defense has shut Michigan down.
Surprisingly, with a young inexperienced QB, Michigan is not staying conservative. We've seen a full spread to this point. And it's playing right into the Utes hands. The Wolverines have only 4 yards rushing. And the Utes are dominating the stats across the board. Not even the most optimistic Ute fan saw this good of a start.
Down note. Penalties. The Ute offensive line has cost the team 10 points on motion penalties.
2:53 2nd Quarter UU 15 UM 10
Although the offense seems to bog down after getting inside the 30 yard line, it continues to dominate the Michigan defense. We now know why, Coach Whittingham has been willing to give Asiata chances despite troubles remaining healthy. Asiata took 3 straight direct snaps and gained 21 yards on the plays.
9:00 2nd Quarter UU 12 UM 10
Three Drives...Three scores for the Utes. The only thing holding the Utes back, is the penalties from the offensive line (6 pen 60 yds). Brian Johnson seems to be able to get what he wants thus far. Matt Asiata get his first big play (2nd big offensive play so far...see keys) on a 38 yard catch out of the flat.
End of 1st Quarter UM 10 UU 9
A 16 play drive full of big plays, and big mistakes is capped by a Sakoda FG. The Utes have had big penalties, one in this drive wiping away a Casteel TD. To this point the penalties have not killed the team ( 5 for 55 yds), but if it keeps up, it will.
6:00 1st Quarter UM 7 UU 6
With what has been a comedy of errors for the Utes thus far, isn't actually turning out that bad. A punt return fumble by Jereme Brooks, a PI penalty that wiped away a interception, a late hit, and a blocked PAT. And after all that, the Utes are only down 1.
Brian Johnson looks good, as does Casteel. Defensively, the Utes have been solid as well. Paul Kruger already has 2 tackles.
Jereme Brooks made amends for the fumble with a big run after a short pass, setting up a Corbin Louks 8 yard TD.
Pre-Game Thoughts
Having watched this Ute team through all of fall camp, this team is ready. I'm not saying that they will go into the "Big House" and blow Michigan out, just that they are ready. This team has a lot of talent, leadership and potential. So if they stay healthy through this game (and the season) they'll be a very good team. (On the other hand if they do not, depth is not a strong point and this team will struggle.)
One of the key positions that I'll be watching is Mike Wright at middle linebacker. Wright has some experience, but not tons. He's also going to be the guy who will have to help or will be helped by the two defensive tackles (who many call the weak spot of the defense). If Greg Newman and Kenape Eliapo can do their job, Wright will be free to make plays. If not, Wright will see the Wolverine lineman in his face all game long. They will be tested early and often, as Michigan has a inexperience quarterback, and will be looking to run the ball.
Key Utes to watch who I think will jump out. Watch for Jereme Brook and David Reed to impress in both the passing game, and in returning kicks. Also watch Nai Fotu. He has so much talent, and now has experience to go with it.
So how does the game turn out? If Michigan can wear down the Ute starters and get to the 2's and 3's the Utes will not win this game. The Utes need to stop the run game, and be able to make 3 big plays offensivly. They do this, they win. Prediction. Utah 23 Michigan 17.
Tune into 1320 KFAN for the Post Game Show.
Final Score UU 25 UM 23
After watching the second half offensive output by the Utes, I think it was planned. I'm pretty sure up 25 - 10, Andy Ludwig implemented his prevent offense.
Even with the awful 2nd half, the Utes will walk away with a big win to start the year. And especially because the poor second half it is almost perfect for the Utes. Now you get the big win, but you don't get the big heads. The coaching staff will have plenty of ammo to use to humble the players in film sessions and at practice.
Now going into a week where revenge could be a motivator against UNLV, there is some work to do.
6:19 4th Quarter UU 25 UM 23
Penalties, lack of adjustments, and lack of urgency on the offensive end may come back to haunt the Utes. Four second half sacks of Brian Johnson has effectively stalled the offensive output. Michigan now has all the momentum at home, and the Utes HAVE to do something on this drive.
8:42 4th Quarter UU 25 UM 17
Something dramatic has happened. The Utes ho hum approach to the second half has caught up to them. After another sack on Brian Johnson, and a blocked punt, Michigan promptly throws a touchdown pass. Now the Utes are forced to do something.
11:00 4th Quarter UU 25 UM 10
Barring some dramatic change of events, this game is over. Utah has stalled in the second half, but they haven't even really tried. It's been a very vanilla offense and effort in the second half for the Utes. And a lot of the same from Michigan, nothing.
So what have we learned from this game?
The Ute offense is for real. Brian Johnson looked like a world beater in the first half picking apart the defense.
Matt Asiata may just be worth the wait. He looked very good running the ball with a mix of power and a little bit of speed.
I'm not sure you can make a judgment on the defense. They really were not tested
End of 3rd UU 25 UM 10
Mark it down! At the 2:47 mark of the 3rd quarter, the Wolverines finally rushed the ball up the middle. Result, a 21 yard gain. And guess what, they didn't go back to it. In fact, they end up fumbling the ball as Stevenson Sylvester stripped the ball and the Utes recovers.
8:00 3rd Quarter UU 25 UM 10
Could it still be that with all the talent that Utah has, Louie "The Weapon" Sakoda is still the best player? Just a thought after a 53 yard field goal (his 4th FG today).
Can someone tell me why Michigan hasn't even tried the middle of the Ute defensive line?
Michigan still looks terrible, but their half time adjustment have been better than the Utes. They have been able to get to and shut down Brian Johnson in the second half. I still worry about the ability of the Utes coaching staff in making in game adjustments.
Halftime - UU 22 UM 10
So much for the hyped up Michigan defense. Brian Johnson 15 of 23 for 253 and a touchdown. Matt Asiata has 48 yards rushing. And Bradon Godfrey has 5 catches for 65 yards and a touchdown. A huge half for the Utes offense, and it would be bigger if not for 6 penalties.
On the other side of the ball, the defense allowed Michigan's only touchdown on a short field situation after Jereme Brooks fumbled a punt. Other than that, the Ute defense has shut Michigan down.
Surprisingly, with a young inexperienced QB, Michigan is not staying conservative. We've seen a full spread to this point. And it's playing right into the Utes hands. The Wolverines have only 4 yards rushing. And the Utes are dominating the stats across the board. Not even the most optimistic Ute fan saw this good of a start.
Down note. Penalties. The Ute offensive line has cost the team 10 points on motion penalties.
2:53 2nd Quarter UU 15 UM 10
Although the offense seems to bog down after getting inside the 30 yard line, it continues to dominate the Michigan defense. We now know why, Coach Whittingham has been willing to give Asiata chances despite troubles remaining healthy. Asiata took 3 straight direct snaps and gained 21 yards on the plays.
9:00 2nd Quarter UU 12 UM 10
Three Drives...Three scores for the Utes. The only thing holding the Utes back, is the penalties from the offensive line (6 pen 60 yds). Brian Johnson seems to be able to get what he wants thus far. Matt Asiata get his first big play (2nd big offensive play so far...see keys) on a 38 yard catch out of the flat.
End of 1st Quarter UM 10 UU 9
A 16 play drive full of big plays, and big mistakes is capped by a Sakoda FG. The Utes have had big penalties, one in this drive wiping away a Casteel TD. To this point the penalties have not killed the team ( 5 for 55 yds), but if it keeps up, it will.
6:00 1st Quarter UM 7 UU 6
With what has been a comedy of errors for the Utes thus far, isn't actually turning out that bad. A punt return fumble by Jereme Brooks, a PI penalty that wiped away a interception, a late hit, and a blocked PAT. And after all that, the Utes are only down 1.
Brian Johnson looks good, as does Casteel. Defensively, the Utes have been solid as well. Paul Kruger already has 2 tackles.
Jereme Brooks made amends for the fumble with a big run after a short pass, setting up a Corbin Louks 8 yard TD.
Pre-Game Thoughts
Having watched this Ute team through all of fall camp, this team is ready. I'm not saying that they will go into the "Big House" and blow Michigan out, just that they are ready. This team has a lot of talent, leadership and potential. So if they stay healthy through this game (and the season) they'll be a very good team. (On the other hand if they do not, depth is not a strong point and this team will struggle.)
One of the key positions that I'll be watching is Mike Wright at middle linebacker. Wright has some experience, but not tons. He's also going to be the guy who will have to help or will be helped by the two defensive tackles (who many call the weak spot of the defense). If Greg Newman and Kenape Eliapo can do their job, Wright will be free to make plays. If not, Wright will see the Wolverine lineman in his face all game long. They will be tested early and often, as Michigan has a inexperience quarterback, and will be looking to run the ball.
Key Utes to watch who I think will jump out. Watch for Jereme Brook and David Reed to impress in both the passing game, and in returning kicks. Also watch Nai Fotu. He has so much talent, and now has experience to go with it.
So how does the game turn out? If Michigan can wear down the Ute starters and get to the 2's and 3's the Utes will not win this game. The Utes need to stop the run game, and be able to make 3 big plays offensivly. They do this, they win. Prediction. Utah 23 Michigan 17.
Comments
Re: Utah @ Michigan Live Blog
Are the Utes trying to give this game away?!! A blocked punt, a fumble, and some 15-yd penalties is helping Michigan get back into the game. I hope, regardless of the outcome, that some players get a lecture on unsportsman-like play and coverage.
Posted by marcce on August 30, 2008 at 4:49 PM
Re: Utah @ Michigan Live Blog
I hate watching Utah's 4th quarter disasters! Quit playing not to lose!!! Just stick the dagger in and do your job. All that said...it is a win. We did go into the Big House and drop a loss on the Wolverines. Good win! Just quit with the let downs.
Posted by samongan on August 30, 2008 at 5:24 PM
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