Sputtery Offense? Utes' Prove Otherwise

By Jacob Sorenson

Utah football writing can be difficult when the main focus is always their defense. For me, a spectator who enjoys good college football but not technically an avid supporter, I've attempted the past couple of seasons to take a very raw approach when analyzing the Utes'. I have watched, reviewed, and witnessed Utah football as an outsider with a hope of achieving balanced views. Constant questions returning to mind are; Do the Utes have the offensive presence to succeed? Do the Utes have the balance required to win the PAC12 south? Will Utah's offense have a more balanced attack and not be so predictable?

Following their come from behind 31-27 win many of those questions were answered. If I did not believe or had potential doubts in the first few weeks of the season, each were for the time being satisfied. It all began in the first half when I leaned over to Shawn stating that the Utes' were too predictable. Run, Run, Run, and if necessary pass, in long yardage situations. USC had figured them out. With such predictability I couldn't stand watching a horrid offense play a sub-par defense and make it seem excellent. Utah had been forced to punt three or four times by this point and I felt that if USC were to take the lead, and Utah not change, they would be doomed to failure.

Beginning the second half there was a slight click that happened within the offense. Garrett Bolles began to hold blocks, give or take a penalty. Isaac Asiata was moving the front 7 of USC in whichever direction they wanted. Now, Utah's defense was not putting the offense in great standing, completing one of their most up and down performances of the year, all the while still causing 3 turnovers. USC seemed to find gaps in the zone and things that other teams will certainly look to expose as the year moves along. However, the offense began to sparkle.

Utah's greatest success came following third quarter drives which included running scenarios including Moss and Shyne. The true depth at running back is something that wasn't quite known until playing USC and following the retirement of Joe Williams. In the first three weeks of the season, all focus had been on the Moss and Williams rotation, occasionally entering Shyne when both needed a rest. However, Troy Williams in addition to the two common back rotation seemed to be sufficient for the run game. Although they experienced success and scored on their opening drive, and won each of their first three games, worry quickly rose when USC powered to a 24-10 lead.

It was at that point that something clicked for Utah. The earlier fumble recovery, later ruled a forward pass for USC that led to a touchdown two plays later was practically overshadowed and Utah began to Roll late in the second half. Going down two touchdowns ignited Troy Williams and the offense. Perhaps the key play of the game came on a trick play. The end around flee flicker left Troy Williams scanning the field connecting with Harrison Handley for a 28 yard gain. His only catch of the game, Handley's wide open gain left me for one angry as Williams missed Tim Patrick in the middle of the field for what would have been a touchdown as he was undefended by 20 yards. Although the touchdown did not come on that play, the 28 yard gain was enough and Utah salvaged a touchdown as Isaac Asiata recovered a fumble in the end-zone to cut the lead to 7.

USCs' proceeding score would be their last and Troy Williams led the Utah offense on the field for two more touchdown drives in which the Trojans looked absolutely defenseless. The Trojan's allowed big penalties on the first, eventually relinquishing a touchdown to Raelon Singleton, and on the final Utah drive giving up 3 consecutive fourth down conversions allowing Williams to connect with Tim Patrick for the game-winning score.

Now, I want to take a step back and recall that this article was not a recap of the game, but rather how the game changed my current view of the offense. Watching a very bland Utah offense through much of the first half and beginning of the second half made me wonder if they would compete in the PAC-12 south. However, half-way through the third quarter and through the entire fourth I witnessed the 180 turn as Troy Williams commanding leadership took the offense with confidence to consecutive scores.

Essential measures in weeks to come will provide greater insight as to how impactful the second half success of the Utah offense truly was. The idea that it was a one game wonder seems unlikely, certainly after watching them control the game against San Jose State the week prior it's something more. The biggest key to success will largely be health of the offense and an improved zone play on defense, much similar to that seen in weeks one through three. All speculation aside, this Utah team has potential, and a most likely top 20 rank under its belt. Should they continue with the offensive success the week 5 match-up with Cal this season should be one for the books. Such a game could land them as the clear front-runner for the PAC-12 south and a potential upset bid of Stanford or Washington in the PAC-12 title game.

My questions have all been answered for the time being. Certainly more will arise as teams bring to light new challenges for Utah, but this team seems to adapt much better than teams of years past. Do the Utes have a solid offense? YES. Do the Utes have a clear chance at winning the PAC-12 South? No doubt. Do the Utes show they can be consistent? Certainly. Could this be the year the PAC-12 breaks into the college football playoff and could it be the Utes who make their name known? I guess we just better watch to find out.