It’s hard to pinpoint exactly what is in store for the Utes for the remainder of the season, especially after a big win against Oregon. One thing is for sure, though — they will have to grind out their best efforts if they want to compete with the high-caliber competition they will face throughout the remainder of the season.
There is a chemistry that has developed with both the offensive and defensive sides, on and off the field. The Utes have the confidence to perform with a “sky’s the limit” attitude, and the players, one being Kenneth Scott, can’t say enough about how much the program has enabled them to play the game with passion.
“Me and Travis [Wilson] have chemistry, and we’ve been going at it for about a couple years now, so there’s already built-in chemistry,” Scott said. “But offensively as a whole, offense is just efficient and effective, so it’s really good.”
Playing unselfishly, praising others and looking out for the well-being of one another seems to be the reoccurring chatter around the team and without those things, it wouldn’t function properly. The hard work and focus the coaching staff puts on their guys is definitely paying off according to head coach Kyle Whittingham.
“I think they are doing a great job,” Whittingham said. “I think this is the best offensive production of the year. I think our staff works well together, and obviously there’s a lot of synergy.”
Without getting too ahead of themselves, Whittingham wants to see that his team continues to execute at a consistent level, but he is aware of the progress his team has made and gives credit where it’s due.
“I think it’s a very functional staff — we work well together,” Whittingham said. “But again, just like the players, we can’t just keep patting ourselves on the back. We just need to keep working and grinding. There’s always improvements that need to be made. I was really pleased with how the entire staff operated on Saturday, the calling on both sides of the ball, offense and defense. The mechanics of the game were very smooth.”
Even quarterback Wilson, who has been given his share of challenges due to an injury early on, has remained positive about his play. While some question whether another quarterback should step in to lead on offense, he has his mind set on doing what to be done to finish the job. During a game, he never thinks that a mistake will get him benched. He just tries to focus on whatever, or whoever, is in front of him.
“I just want to make sure I’m playing with confidence and playing with faith in my guys,” Wilson said. “So far we have been doing a great job with that, our offense has been making great plays and helping me out with that.”
Wilson sees his competition as a positive rather than a negative, which motivates him to work harder. He also wants the same for his teammates.
“I mean, obviously we have some great quarterbacks here, but that definitely is not going to render my performance,” Wilson said. “Any competition that me and Kendal [Thompson] have is always good for me and helps me get better, and helps him get better as well.”
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