The Utes are on the road again this week and are opening up Pac-12 play in Eugene. Ahead of this Saturday’s game against Oregon, The Utah Chronicle had the opportunity to meet with The Daily Emerald’s Justin Wise to see what he thinks of the upcoming competition.
Oregon had a dominating win against Georgia State. How does this help ready the team for Pac-12 play and for Utah?
It readies Oregon for Pac-12 play because it got back in the win column. The team also executed its offense with backup quarterback Jeff Lockie, which is good experience to have if Vernon Adams Jr.’s injury continues to keep him from playing. Other than that, though, I’m not sure how much the Ducks showed in this win that should prepare them for Utah or the rest of the Pac-12. The secondary struggled like it has throughout the season, and the offense was playing against a very overmatched opponent.
How was Oregon able to have such a balanced attack on Georgia State?
Oregon’s offense kept it simple in this one. Ducks running back Royce Freeman averaged over 10 yards per carry and it opened up the rest of the offense. Lockie passed for 228 yards. But the rushing attack opened everything up, as Ducks running backs accounted for over 300 yards on the ground.
Do the Ducks have anything to prove this season after losing to Michigan State?
Yes, Oregon has to prove that it can win without Marcus Mariota. Sure, the team won a Rose Bowl and reached a national championship before Mariota became a three-year starter. But proving that it can continue to win without the greatest quarterback in its history is its task this season.
Last year, they had their way with the Utes in Salt Lake. What are they preparing for this time around?
The final score says Oregon won 51-27, but the score doesn’t portray how the game was going for the Ducks early. If it weren’t for Kaelin Clay’s early celebration, the Utes would have been ahead 14-0 in the second quarter. As for this year, Oregon is preparing to face a stout and physical team. Last season, Mark Helfrich joked that the Ducks would play 12 guys on defense to contain Devontae Booker. This year, Booker poses the same threat.
Who do the Utes need to keep their eyes on?
Utah needs to keep its eyes on Bralon Addison. The wide receiver missed all of the 2014 season with a torn ACL, but has shown in just three games how much of a threat he can be in the Ducks’ offense. Against Michigan State, Addison returned a punt for a touchdown, while also finishing with seven receptions and 138 yards. He’s also shown a lot of versatility and has been featured in Oregon’s version of the Wildcat.
What is going to be the hardest thing Utah will have to overcome in Eugene?
The amount of weapons Oregon has is its biggest advantage, and something that Utah will have a hard time overcoming. In addition to Adams, Freeman and Addison, Oregon has numerous weapons on offense, including Charles Nelson, Devon Allen and Dwayne Stanford. Utah can match Oregon in the trenches. But, Oregon’s speed could be the deciding factor in this one.
What will Oregon struggle with on Saturday?
Oregon’s secondary has struggled all year. Opposing passing attacks have averaged over 300 yards through the air per game, and tackling in the open field has been a constant issue throughout each game. Although Utah does not pose a huge threat at quarterback, Oregon’s secondary hasn’t proven that it can sustain any group of wide receivers it has faced this season yet.
What is your final prediction and why?
JW: Oregon – 38, Utah – 27. This one will be competitive. A rugged Utah team will come into Autzen Stadium and keep things interesting throughout. Utah’s wide receivers will have a big day, and Devontae Booker will cause fits for Oregon’s front seven. But Oregon’s offense will be too much for Utah to contain, and I see the Ducks creating a couple turnovers and capitalizing on them late to run away with a win.
@kbrenneisen
@JustinFWise