To me, the most Ironic part of the last 2 losses – is the way we got outplayed at the line of scrimmage.
Over the last several years, Utah has earned the reputation throughout the PAC 12 for being a physically, dominating team. This no doubt starts up front in the trenches. I do think this praise for being tough & physical is warranted – particularly on the D Line.
However, in our last 2 games, both sides of our line got worked. And that, is surprising….
As I said in an earlier post, (I believe) the 3 teams we lost to this year, are teams that have more, elite (big, physical, fast) athletes.
Bottom Line : as much as Utah is known for being physical – we still need that to improve. As has been mentioned, many of the starters on the O Line return next year. Additionally, though we’ll certainly miss Anae, L Fotu, and Penesini – Utah is typically able to reload at the D Line position.
The team that wins the battle of the line of scrimmage, generally wins the game. It certainly makes everything else easier. Go Utes !