[Rick]

I hope Whittingham stays. I think we’ll compete at the top of the league next year if he returns. I already can hardly wait to see what next year brings. The defense is in terrific shape. The offensive line will be good with the potential to be great.

Hanging onto players will be important to maintain the player foundation. There is no question that we need a better quarterback room and a better running back room. The coaches need to create a vigorous quarterback battle in the spring. I’d love it if we could bring in a physical running back. In the NIL era that should be more likely than ever.

We have a terrific coaching staff, we have a terrific defense and two of the best offensive tackles in the league. This program needs to stay together and reload – not rebuild.

[Rick]

Thoughtful response Jim. I love Oregon’s offense and I think that’s where Scalley will try to take us. I don’t know that we can get there. Can we get the talent at the same level as Oregon? I see Saban’s Alabama approach more likely and aligned with where Whittingham has led us – Pro Style leaning toward smash mouth.

[Rick]

We had a strong offensive coordinator – Andy Ludwig. The call for his dismissal and the glee on this board when he resigned (by some) was shameful. The most important position on the field is quarterback – boy have the Utes learned that these last two seasons. I’m not worried about coaching. I think Bajakian can do the job if they choose to give it to him. I lean towards those on the board that want someone more aggressive but as long as Kyle is head coach things will lean conservative. It’s a formula that has worked historically and would have worked this season with better QB play and a few plays going our way.

The sky isn’t falling. No question the staff and players have some lessons to learn … so do we fans.

[Rick]

I guess we disagree on this one Proud. I know it’s laughable to say at this point but if Rising is healthy this season Utah is 9-0 or 8-1 at this point. A good and experienced quarterback is what this team needs. No question the coaching staff failed to get the right back up in place but I also see why. Who wanted to come in and play second to Rising, even with his history?

[Rick]

We just need to realize that this is one where every BYU fan sees it one way and every U fan sees it another. Like Klatt says – a 50/50 call. Sucks to be a U fan.

The reality for me is I put it in the category with a handful of other plays – the if only plays
-If Vaughn somehow keeps his hands off the Y receiver Retslaff still takes the sack. I don’t think he had time to even look downfield. If he did, the safety comes over and knocks the ball away or intercepts. If you watch the complete play, you’ll see how well the safety is positioned.
-How about the next play (I think) where the U should have intercepted the ball (game over)
-How about Micah’s dropped touchdown pass (brutal)

We had our chances. BYU got a few extra ones and took advantage. Credit them. That field goal kicker is terrific – smiling on the sideline as he’s about to go in and kick the biggest field goal of his life.

Damn Cougs.

[Rick]

Uteanooga,
If I could give ten thumbs up I would.

[Rick]

I think Reid will play. O’Toole may be a game time decision but I think he’s ready to go as well. Probably safe to say both are still a little banged up but I think they are ready.

[Rick]

22,
Five games in – mostly led by the backup QB and you’re making conclusions like these? The O’line is solid and they may become really good in the back half. The U chose to go with the young tackles and that’s bitten us a few times but I’d say he was accurate so far. How do we feel about the defensive ends if O’Toole is healthy? I doubt we lose contain of Fifita as often in the loss – especially on the final touchdown pass. Unfortunately, Fano got suckered into leaving the outside lane on that play and did a few other times. Tough to get all over him. He’s trying to make plays and has a fair amount to learn. I love the D’tackles.

Where are we with a healthy Reid? Are we better? I do agree with those who think Lander may be a step slow coming back from injury and I don’t know that he was ready to call the defense. My issue isn’t with the backups. I think Fotu and Hall are playing well. Hall could be another special Utah linebacker when all is said and done. My issue is with Lander. I think that I’ve expected too much. He may be a year away from the NFL instead of ready to go after this season.

I do agree that the tight ends may have been over-hyped but I also point back to the quarterback. How do we feel if Wilson hits a wide open Bentley on the stick route against Arizona. It was a touchdown if the ball doesn’t sail on him. What about the throw to Lohner? Too low. If it’s up high? OnlyU is probably more right than wrong. I’ve seen flashes from all six this season. The problem is there are six – an embarrassment of riches.

I do think the wide receivers could show a little more but Singer and Parks have been strong, haven’t they? I hope we see two or three more get involved – Lyons? McClain? the Syracuse player? Perhaps Rising’s return will help here but if two or three receivers and two or three tight ends and a running back or two are getting catches at that point the U will have a damn good offense. That’s six to eight play makers.

I guess that I’m still all in with OnlyU.

[Rick]

Rick,
While I do think it’s silly to blame decisions on analytics, I think going for it on fourth and short in the redzone should happen more often than not. My issue is with the play calling in those situations. It is most often predictable and, as a result, allows the defense the upper hand. I hope there has been significant review and change to the red zone offense during the bye week. Some have said it would be better with Cam. That makes some sense to me, but I’ve seen poor play calling, or perhaps better said scheme, in the red zone for years.

[Rick]

Amen Hoosier. I appreciate the comparison and insight.

[Author]

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