First off I’m a fan and I am allowed to look past NMS. We will win this game handily.

So what would you do to try and have success and score points against Utah’s Defense? IMHO, points will be at a premium and any possible way to score will be needed.

The easy answer would be to plan a short passing game with expectations to get the ball out within 2 to 3 seconds. The problem is that is easier said than done because Utah plays super tight coverage off the line of scrimmage. What I would do to counter that would be having our RB and FB in every route to stop their LB’s from free blitzing. I would determine Chase Hansen’s pass defense responsibilities and attack that like crazy. ASU did this to perfection by the way. In other words attack them right where they become vulnerable when blitzing. 3 to 4 yd plays are ok. I would also use motion on almost every play to try and create early separation. Their Dline is stout but not unstoppable to block. Obviously Fotu and Anae should have extra attention if possible.

The other thing I would 100% do is only run the ball after completing 2 or 3 passes in a row. ASU had success passing which set up the run. They also have an Elite RB, which we don’t have. If Grimes tries in any way to establish a run game before having success passing, I will question his abilities.

Speaking of running, Utah plays the run on 2nd and 1 or 2, or 3rd and 1 better than any team I’ve seen. It’s like they are almost baiting you on 2nd and 2 to try and run the ball twice for the first down. They over load the box and actually become much more vulnerable against the pass. I really hope our Offensive coaches can figure this out early.

I would also have multiple screens ready to go although Utah also seems to handle screens when blitzing better than most. Obviously team speed plays an important role in their success defending screens. I would actually be really selective about which screens might work.

I would also attack the middle of the field with TE’s and crossing patterns on short distance downs.

If we find ourselves in many 3rd and long we are toast. Utah will blitz and frustrate Zach more than anything he’s come close to seeing so far.

I don’t have a lot of confidence we can score more than 14-17 pts on offense unless Utah turns the ball over. Any Defensive points I think would give us a real chance at winning.

Man I hate Utah!!!!!!