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[Rick]

I wonder about news on Woods – the runningback. Nothing in the press about him. Kyle was effusive about Mitchell and he named a few others. Is Woods injured? I would have expected something about him given his success last season.

[Rick]

The jubilation that day in the student section was special. Because of the offense, I thought we’d be in the game. What I didn’t expect was the aggression of the defense that day. Thanks for bringing back a sweet memory.

[Rick]

Game time decision – announced on by Bill Riley this afternoon.

[Rick]

I’ve posted this before. Woods arrived at Utah with a partially torn ACL. I don’t know what has happened by way of surgery or not to repair the ligament. He played his final game at Idaho on the injured knee. I’m not sure that they (Idaho) knew how serious the injury was at the time.

[Rick]

I guess that I’m more positive than many on the board about Mitchell. I don’t think we saw near enough from him Saturday to sit in judgement. Reports I’ve received from practice are quite positive. To my eyes, there were no holes to hit yesterday on his runs. He still managed to follow blockers who got a strong push twice for first downs.

Anyway, getting a sure thing in the portal would be nice but I think running back by committee can work for this team given the talent level everywhere else.

It would have been nice to see what Woods can do. I don’t think he’ll be back from the ACL injury for fall ball. I don’t think he arrived with a fully torn ACL so I don’t know the surgical approach – if any. Perhaps someone else knows more about this than I do. Coach Whittingham hasn’t declared him out for the season but he’s also not talking about him. I know that he did not participate in spring at all. Perhaps that’s why it’s radio silence.

[Rick]

Come on Red,
Hope springs eternal. It’s part of being a Utah football fan.

Actually, I do think we have reason to be optimistic with Singer, Lyons and Pittman. Although, their success largely depends on a healthy Cam Rising. I noted something Vele said yesterday at the Pro Day. He spoke of a “vanilla offense” last year. That cannot be the case this season with the wideout and tightend rooms that Utah has.

[Rick]

What’s interesting is that the ACC would get a larger payout than the Big 12. Absolutely crazy.

[Rick]

Matt,
Perhaps the best setting for a stadium in college football. Washington on a beautiful day is quite a setting as well.

Like MD said, not a good actual stadium and I’ll take Utah’s game day over the Y’s, although I only get to a game once every other season or so. I understand the Y’s been working on the experience so I’m certainly not as informed as you.

[Rick]

Yes Eagle – sorry, I get ahead of myself too often on the keyboard.

You are correct that Alex did a courtesy interview. I can also tell you that Harlan, under pressure of several key alums, tried for another conversation. Alex was so underwhelmed from the first interview that he declined.

That was tough to know at the time but no fault of Coach Smith’s. I’ve been rooting for him to do well but what we’re seeing is unacceptable.

[Rick]

It won’t happen now but another candidate emerged when Harlan fired Smith. Porter Moser reached out and got no response. The word that got to me is he wanted the Utah job over Oklahoma. Harlan proactively pursued Smith, which certainly makes some sense; but he was blind to the interest of Moser and Randy Bennett (who also reached out through intermediaries). Neither were given interviews. If anyone believes the Alex Jensen interviews were legitimate, I have swampland to sell you. Alex will never work under Harlan.