My previous post emphasized why I am nervous for this match up. Here is the counterargument. I am hyped for Saturday’s game and believe Utah sets up nicely to get the win. Here are my top reasons to expect a favorable outcome:
1. A dynamic Ute offense the likes of which hasn’t been seen in years. This team is playing with swagger and has talent across the lines and in the skill positions. I don’t believe we’ve seen the best of this unit yet.
2. The best home field advantage in the Pac-12, the Utes will be backed by a raucous crowd ready to explode. This has simply been a different Utah team when playing at home and riding the crowd hype.
3. The possibility of this offense reaching an entirely new level. There are weapons that I believe Ludwig has been saving for just this moment. Utah has relied heavily on its downhill running game. Now I believe we’ll see a multi-dimensional attack that highlights some of our recently lesser used capabilities like the running ability of Cam and Kuithe, our downfield receiving, misdirection with Covey, and a TE onslaught.
3. Our Utes have consistently risen to the moment this season. The bigger the game and the more on the line the better they have played. UCLA and ASU are tough opponents, and Utah handled both.
5. Oregon is not the Oregon of recent years. Anthony Brown is a great runner but is prone to poor decisions. CJ Verdell, who was key in their win at the Horseshoe, is out for the season. They are young like we are.
6. Oregon can’t seem to maintain a lead. Their closest games had them up big in the 3rd, blowing double-digit leads against Stanford and nearly UCLA.
7. When the Utah defense is keyed in they are swarming opponents. The talent is there to compete with anyone. If the D can generate stops consistently the Utes will roll. We just need them to be focused and assignment sound.
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