Oregon has made their living running the ball this season. However, on 11/20 in SLC, their leading rusher only had 35 yards. There’s no way Oregon is coming into this game with the plan of hammering/establishing the line of scrimmage when they failed so miserably against us just two weeks before. In the Oregon/OregonSt game last Saturday, Anthony Brown was a very efficient 23/28 for 275 and 2 TDs — including a long bomb to Devon Williams. A bomb to Williams was also the only score they had against us two weeks ago. I fully expect Oregon to try and build on confidence gained in the passing game and come out slinging against our young defense and hope for big chunks and/or penalties.
A reason for optimism on Utah’s side is the sustainability of what worked offensively against Oregon in a 38-7 win just two weeks ago. Outside of the punt return, all other scores came from 10 yards or closer. Utah didn’t score on fluke plays, gimmicks, broken coverages or turnovers. Utah just punched Oregon in the mouth, executed the game plan, and marched the ball into the end zone when close enough. This is a sustainable formula that can be replicated with similar execution, and doesn’t require Utah to go outside of their identity. I do, however, expect Oregon to be a little more stout up front defensively, which will put a little more on Cam/TE/WR’s shoulders.
As mentioned above, I expect Oregon to try and go outside of their identity and use their offensive outside speed/talent to flip the script. Christobal has continuously mentioned Utah’s “size, toughness, physicality” this week, but he has yet to say anything about Utah’s speed as being an attribute. This is a facet of the game where Oregon thinks they have an advantage.
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