It’s Halloween.
Beware of the goblins, ghouls and ghosts.
Don’t be oblivious to the vampires and witches either.
Dare to venture a guess on whom the 8-0 Utes should keep an eye out for?
Here’s a hint8212;Utah will need a weapon containing some sort of silver material.
If you guessed wolves, you were spot on. Lobos, to be politically correct.
This weekend, the undefeated Utes head to Albuquerque, N.M., to take on the 4-5 New Mexico Lobos for their ninth game of the season.
Historically, the Lobos have played the role of a black cat on Halloween night for Utah8212;just plain old bad luck.
“Whatever the reason, New Mexico has been a team we have had some great battles with over the years,” Whittingham said.
Utah’s 1994 team was in an eerily similar situation to this year’s squad.
A then 8-0 Ute team, ranked No. 9 in the nation, headed down to Albuquerque to face off against the Lobos.
Let’s just say the Utes didn’t use their silver ammunition.
They were instead sent packing 23-21.
2003 was the same old result.
Fresh off of impressive wins over Pac-10 powerhouses Cal and Oregon, the No. 24 Utes gave up a 28-point third quarter en route to the 47-35 Lobo win.
The last time the Utes visited New Mexico, sans quarterback Brian Johnson, they built a 24-10 halftime lead, only to see it disappear in a 34-31 loss.
“It’s historically a tough place to play,” head coach Kyle Whittingham said, referring to University Stadium. “We were in very similar circumstances in 1994. We had the exact same record and were ranked close to where we are now and got beat. Two years ago we built a halftime lead and let it slip away. We have to stay focused. Our mind is on New Mexico.That is the task at hand.”
Whether it be the environment, the squad itself or the famed 3-3-5 Rocky Long defense, the Utes head to the southwest with a giant target on their backs.
The leader in the race of the non-BCS conference schools, the Utes have eight games under their belts. This weekend’s game against the Lobos will be different, and Johnson echoed those thoughts.
“(The Lobos have a) very physical, very tough defense,” Johnson said. “High-risk, high-reward. They like to get after the quarterback. We got to do a great job up front with the O-line. I have to do a great job with getting the ball out.”
The famed Lobo defense has produced 18 sacks on the year and has forced 21 fumbles, with 11 of those being recovered by New Mexico. But with a savvy and versatile offense, it could be a year where the Utes don’t have too much trouble, offensively.
It will come down to Utah putting the clamps on annual Mountain West Conference terror Rodney Ferguson, the Lobo running back.
“We’ve just gotta be prepared for anything,” said Ute linebacker Stevenson Sylvester said. “(New Mexico) likes to run a lot of trick plays, so we’ve gotta be ready for that. You’ve got to be prepared for everything. You never know what they’re gonna throw at you.”
The Lobo offense took a potentially fatal blow when starting quarterback Donovan Porterie, who historically has torched the Utes, went down with a season-ending ACL tear against a now 8-0 Tulsa squad.
Since then, it’s been a two-headed monster at quarterback for Long’s crew.
Freshman Brad Gruner and sophomore Tate Smith present two different potential problems for the Utes.
“No. 10’s (Gruner) a different quarterback than No. 25 (Tate),” Sylvester said. “No. 25 runs the option better and No. 10 throws the ball better.”
Ute defensive co-captain Brice McCain addressed the possibility of a letdown and potentially overlooking the always-dangerous New Mexico team.
“Everybody’s trying to knock you out,” McCain said. “We don’t plan on letting down for anybody. That’s what we expect.”
This year Utah’s defense is arguably the strongest and most talented in a long time. If the offense reverts to its early-season woes of starting off slowly, the other side of the ball should be able to help shoulder the load amidst a raucous crowd.
“They aren’t gonna change for nobody,” McCain said. “They’re gonna do what they do best, which is run the ball.”
With four games left on the bill, the Utes are not that far from perfection8212;but don’t bring that up to any of the players, as they are focused on the Lobos.
“The key for us is to come out and keep that same edge and same mentality we have through this point of the season,” Johnson said.
The Utes just better make sure they have a weapon sheathed in silver, just in case.
Lucas IsleyBrian Johnson will have to protect the ball on Saturday in Albuquerque. The New Mexico defense has recorded 18 sacks and 21 fumbles this year.