Throughout the first four games of the season, the Utah football team has put up 155 points on the board.
There have been 11 rushing touchdowns scored, coming from six different players.
Toss in the seven touchdowns received, which five different eligible receivers have hauled in, and you have a potent, attack-now offense.
The enigmas facing the Utes are the dreaded penalties and turnovers that have perhaps stalled the offense from putting 50 on the board every game.
“It hasn’t been any one particular guy or situation,” head coach Kyle Whittingham said.
So far, the Utes have managed to fumble the ball 10 times this season, losing six of them, while the interception count has been bumped up to four after last weekend’s game against Air Force.
The No. 2 on a list of “must-wins” for the Utes is, ironically, protect the football.
Luckily for the Utes, they have the firepower and versatility to its mistakes.
“We’ve been able to overcome adversity,” linebacker Mike Wright said. “(We’ve been) able to bounce back each separate time.”
It’s been a recurring theme for the Utes needing to bounce back immediately. After the first 3-and-out of the season at the Big House, then-punt returner Jereme Brooks muffed the punt. That same game, the Utes were to hold the Wolverines for a second straight 3-and-out, but a suspect pass interference call on Stevenson Sylvester allowed Michigan to take an early 7-0 lead.
The Utes have been saddled with a painful average of 81 yards per game in penalties. The 324 accumulated yards on 37 separate penalties is certainly something the Utes need to address8212;preferably sooner than later.
There have been a number of touchdowns and big-play gains called back on account of an offensive holding call or illegal contact call.
Despite the turnovers and penalties, a true thorn in the side of the Utes has been poor pass protection, which has consistently lead to turnovers.
Opposing teams have racked up 12 sacks on the Utes this season8212;good for a loss of 89 yards. Considering the Utes defense has some of the premier pass-rushers in their conference and potentially the nation, it comes off a bit mind-boggling to why such a potentially flashy and potent offense could require so many kinks to be worked out.
“It has been a combination of holding the ball and protection breaking down,” Whittingham said. “A couple of times we have missed pickups and blitz packages.”
Although the Utes have already played three games on the road this season, their toughest tests of the season will surely come within the friendly confines of Rice-Eccles Stadium. With the likes of Oregon State, TCU and BYU making their visit to Salt Lake this year, the Utes will undoubtedly make sure to do their No. 2 on the “must-win” list in order to ensure a victory.
With a 4-0 start the Utes are immensely talented this year, but they won’t be able to get where they want if they continue to let the little things drown them.
“There is no one common thread,” Whittingham said. “We emphasize taking care of the football daily.”
Tyler CobbUtah will need to use their versatility to help them overcome penalties and turnovers that seem to be the week spot for this seasons team.