Bagley - A Showcase of Offensive Ineptitude
Ute Insider Reports Weekdays 3 - 6 on Locked on Sports.
LARAMIE, WYO - Before Ute fans get all excited about another win and a 7 - 0 record, take a closer look at today’s game.
In a 40 - 7 Ute victory over the Wyoming Cowboys, only 14 the points were put there by the offense. Those two scoring drives capped by touchdowns by the Utes totaled of 117 yards.
The Utah special team outscored the Utah offense, while the offense and defense came away with 12 points a piece.
The offense had a hard time putting together a drive. Three times the Utes began drives inside Wyoming territory. Once the Utes were forced to punt on a 3 and out. The other two times, Louie Sakoda hit field goals after the offense moved the ball a combined total of 42 yards.
While it worked today, and to this point in the season, you will not always face a team as pathetic as Wyoming. While I don’t own a crystal ball, I don’t forsee TCU or BYU turning the ball over 5 times, and allowing 2 special teams scores.
Would 14 points scored by the Utah offense (against a Wyoming defense) be enough to beat either of the 2 other top teams in the MWC? I don’t know, but I would imagine Ute fans would be much more comfortable with a few more points on the board.
The Utes will record the win, but they were out gained by the Cowboys by 10 yards on only 3 more plays (252 - 242). Normally, you don’t win those games.
And it just wasn’t total yards and plays that the Cowboys lead in on the box score. Wyoming had more first downs (14 - 11), and rushing yards (184 - 123)
One of the biggest reason for the offensive ineptitude is the inability to convert on 3rd downs and to put themselves in a position to succeed on 3rd downs. The Utes were only 4 of 17 (23.5%) for 3rd down conversions. The majority of those the Utes were forced to try and gain 5 or more yards.
While the offense struggled, the defense continued to be dominate. Greg Newman tied Joe Dale for the team lead with 7 tackles, but Newman also had his first career interception, and was the catalyst for many of the defensive stops.
Even the second team defense looked much better than it did last time it took the field against Weber State.
So while Ute fans, enjoy the record. Ride the wave. But don’t overlook the fact that this team has a lot of improvement that needs to be done to finish the deal.
In a 40 - 7 Ute victory over the Wyoming Cowboys, only 14 the points were put there by the offense. Those two scoring drives capped by touchdowns by the Utes totaled of 117 yards.
The Utah special team outscored the Utah offense, while the offense and defense came away with 12 points a piece.
The offense had a hard time putting together a drive. Three times the Utes began drives inside Wyoming territory. Once the Utes were forced to punt on a 3 and out. The other two times, Louie Sakoda hit field goals after the offense moved the ball a combined total of 42 yards.
While it worked today, and to this point in the season, you will not always face a team as pathetic as Wyoming. While I don’t own a crystal ball, I don’t forsee TCU or BYU turning the ball over 5 times, and allowing 2 special teams scores.
Would 14 points scored by the Utah offense (against a Wyoming defense) be enough to beat either of the 2 other top teams in the MWC? I don’t know, but I would imagine Ute fans would be much more comfortable with a few more points on the board.
The Utes will record the win, but they were out gained by the Cowboys by 10 yards on only 3 more plays (252 - 242). Normally, you don’t win those games.
And it just wasn’t total yards and plays that the Cowboys lead in on the box score. Wyoming had more first downs (14 - 11), and rushing yards (184 - 123)
One of the biggest reason for the offensive ineptitude is the inability to convert on 3rd downs and to put themselves in a position to succeed on 3rd downs. The Utes were only 4 of 17 (23.5%) for 3rd down conversions. The majority of those the Utes were forced to try and gain 5 or more yards.
While the offense struggled, the defense continued to be dominate. Greg Newman tied Joe Dale for the team lead with 7 tackles, but Newman also had his first career interception, and was the catalyst for many of the defensive stops.
Even the second team defense looked much better than it did last time it took the field against Weber State.
So while Ute fans, enjoy the record. Ride the wave. But don’t overlook the fact that this team has a lot of improvement that needs to be done to finish the deal.
Comments
Re: Bagley - A Showcase of Offensive Ineptitude
Blah, Blah, Blah...
Seriously Kfan's coverage of the Utes is Borrrrrring...
You don't need to blow sunshine and seashells but, for heaven's sake 40-7...7-0...and maybe the best combo of defense and special teams in the league. Give this all the "ugly" 40-7 wins you can find.
If you erased the numbers and just looked at your words you would think that the Utes were 4-3...
Here is the simple fact: read it, learn it, & repeat it.
If Utah wins out they go to the BCS regardless of whether they win by 1 or 100... If they lose one game they are out even if they win the rest of then by 100. Style points don't matter for Utah. Wins and Losses do. Got it? Good.
Seriously Kfan's coverage of the Utes is Borrrrrring...
You don't need to blow sunshine and seashells but, for heaven's sake 40-7...7-0...and maybe the best combo of defense and special teams in the league. Give this all the "ugly" 40-7 wins you can find.
If you erased the numbers and just looked at your words you would think that the Utes were 4-3...
Here is the simple fact: read it, learn it, & repeat it.
If Utah wins out they go to the BCS regardless of whether they win by 1 or 100... If they lose one game they are out even if they win the rest of then by 100. Style points don't matter for Utah. Wins and Losses do. Got it? Good.
Posted by vegas ute on October 11, 2008 at 5:21 PM
Re: Bagley - A Showcase of Offensive Ineptitude
How much of the offensive ineptitude had to do with the weather?
Posted by jerryhill on October 11, 2008 at 9:04 PM
Re: Bagley - A Showcase of Offensive Ineptitude
Ben:
You are crazy. Yes, the offensive production was by no means overwhelming. But going so far as to call it ineptitude? I have two quick comments.
First, it's hard to get anything going if you don't get alot of opportunities. Don't try to fool any of us into thinking the Utah offense did. With the Defense and Special Teams scoring 3 TD's, Utah's offense simple didn't get on the field much (they didn't get the normal number of opportunities).
Second, the weather was horrible. When you take the weather into consideration and then compare the offensive stats put up during the first 3 quarters of play, Utah's offense did OK (subtract the garbage production that Wyoming's 1s put up against Utah's 3s in the 4th quarter and Wyoming loses 130 yards).
You are crazy. Yes, the offensive production was by no means overwhelming. But going so far as to call it ineptitude? I have two quick comments.
First, it's hard to get anything going if you don't get alot of opportunities. Don't try to fool any of us into thinking the Utah offense did. With the Defense and Special Teams scoring 3 TD's, Utah's offense simple didn't get on the field much (they didn't get the normal number of opportunities).
Second, the weather was horrible. When you take the weather into consideration and then compare the offensive stats put up during the first 3 quarters of play, Utah's offense did OK (subtract the garbage production that Wyoming's 1s put up against Utah's 3s in the 4th quarter and Wyoming loses 130 yards).
Posted by joeutah on October 12, 2008 at 12:38 PM
Re: Bagley - A Showcase of Offensive Ineptitude
Yes. Weather had some to do with the poor offensive output. But Wyoming played in the same weather and out gained the Utes. I realize that it was a big win (scoreboard wise), but "really", you're okay with your offense?
I see the scoreboard and the record, and know that if they win out they will go to the BCS (vegasute), but how confident are you that you beat TCU and or BYU if your offense can't move the ball through the air, or on the ground (I talked to a couple of fan at the game who were happy with the win, but nervous about the offense). Sit back and be honest with yourself. The weather doesn't account for the fact the ground game also struggled yesterday. Corbin Louks was your leading rusher with 50 (count them, 50) yards.
I see the scoreboard and the record, and know that if they win out they will go to the BCS (vegasute), but how confident are you that you beat TCU and or BYU if your offense can't move the ball through the air, or on the ground (I talked to a couple of fan at the game who were happy with the win, but nervous about the offense). Sit back and be honest with yourself. The weather doesn't account for the fact the ground game also struggled yesterday. Corbin Louks was your leading rusher with 50 (count them, 50) yards.
Posted by bbagley on October 12, 2008 at 2:09 PM
Re: Bagley - A Showcase of Offensive Ineptitude
Ben:
Look at the stats at the beginning of the 4th quarter... Utah had out gained Wyo by over 100 yards. Wyo got about 1/2 its yardage in two drives vs. Utah's back-up D in the 4th.
Did YOU watch the game? Did you not notice that? Only an idiot would claim Wyo's offense out-performed Utah's offense.
Am I delusional about the UofU Offense? No, I don't think so, I am not claiming that Utah is an offensive juggernaut. Clearly this Utah team is a lot more like the 2003 Utes than the 2004 Utes. A team that went 10-2 with good D, good special teams, and some "timely offense."
Unlike so many BYU fans I don't think that "my team" is ready to duke it out with Texas... Maybe I would like a little honest analysis instead of acting like this Utah team should be the killing people like the 2004 Utes and is not because they are somehow under-achieving.
This team "can" win any game left on their schedule but, that doesn't mean it "should" or "will."
I will say that nothing I saw vs. Wyo and Oregon St. makes me more concerned than I think BYU fans should be after the Y's last two games.
None of these teams are perfect. Repeating that fact over and over, and over, and over, is not very good journalism.
Note: I am NOT asking for blind optimism, just some, variety and fresh analysis. You are providing me no service by re-writing the same thing for 7 straight weeks.
Look at the stats at the beginning of the 4th quarter... Utah had out gained Wyo by over 100 yards. Wyo got about 1/2 its yardage in two drives vs. Utah's back-up D in the 4th.
Did YOU watch the game? Did you not notice that? Only an idiot would claim Wyo's offense out-performed Utah's offense.
Am I delusional about the UofU Offense? No, I don't think so, I am not claiming that Utah is an offensive juggernaut. Clearly this Utah team is a lot more like the 2003 Utes than the 2004 Utes. A team that went 10-2 with good D, good special teams, and some "timely offense."
Unlike so many BYU fans I don't think that "my team" is ready to duke it out with Texas... Maybe I would like a little honest analysis instead of acting like this Utah team should be the killing people like the 2004 Utes and is not because they are somehow under-achieving.
This team "can" win any game left on their schedule but, that doesn't mean it "should" or "will."
I will say that nothing I saw vs. Wyo and Oregon St. makes me more concerned than I think BYU fans should be after the Y's last two games.
None of these teams are perfect. Repeating that fact over and over, and over, and over, is not very good journalism.
Note: I am NOT asking for blind optimism, just some, variety and fresh analysis. You are providing me no service by re-writing the same thing for 7 straight weeks.
Posted by vegas ute on October 12, 2008 at 7:16 PM
Re: Bagley - A Showcase of Offensive Ineptitude
vegas ute,
Good post. I will ask you though, what is the story from the last couple of games from the Utes? I believe it is the inconsistency the offense has displayed. We see flashes of brilliance at times, then nothing. So you know that they do have the ability to move the ball, but don't at times. And while you are not a "delusional" fan, there are many others who are.
And yes, I am aware that the majority of Wyoming yards came in the 4th quarter against the 2's, but if the coaches and players are not alright with it, why should I, you or any fan be.
Also, regardless of what and when Wyoming got there yards, and how windy it was, the Utes did not move the ball on the ground. Corbin Louks is your leading rusher with 50 yards...really.
Thanks for listening, and your passion for the Utes. It's what makes my job fun......Bags.
Good post. I will ask you though, what is the story from the last couple of games from the Utes? I believe it is the inconsistency the offense has displayed. We see flashes of brilliance at times, then nothing. So you know that they do have the ability to move the ball, but don't at times. And while you are not a "delusional" fan, there are many others who are.
And yes, I am aware that the majority of Wyoming yards came in the 4th quarter against the 2's, but if the coaches and players are not alright with it, why should I, you or any fan be.
Also, regardless of what and when Wyoming got there yards, and how windy it was, the Utes did not move the ball on the ground. Corbin Louks is your leading rusher with 50 yards...really.
Thanks for listening, and your passion for the Utes. It's what makes my job fun......Bags.
Posted by bbagley on October 13, 2008 at 1:40 PM
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