Utah Utes Week 8 Preview

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The Utes debuted in the initial BCS standings at number 9. With a Top 12 ranking, the Utes would qualify for an at-large bid to a BCS game.

The Utes have outscored their opponents 117-7 in the second quarter this season.

LB JJ Williams (foot) and TE Brad Clifford (hand) will likely sit out against CSU.

Utah will wear special uniforms for the TCU game, in support of the Wounded Warrior Project. To see photos of these uniforms, click here.

Week 8 Preview
Utah continued its winning ways last week by defeating Wyoming 30-6. Colorado State enters this game with a lot of confidence after demolishing UNLV 43-10. Here are 5 things to look for in this week’s game:

Turnover margin
After the Wyoming game, Coach Whittingham was very angry about Utah’s turnover margin. The Utes turned the ball over three times against the Cowboys, without producing any turnovers of their own. If the Utes continue to turn the ball at such an alarming rate, it will definitely come back to haunt them against stronger competition.

The Utes worked all week in practice with an emphasis on forcing turnovers. Expect Utah’s defense to force a couple of turnovers in this game.

Big day on the ground
The Utes will run the ball effectively against the Rams. CSU has struggled against the run this season, allowing almost 5 yards per carry. RB Matt Asiata will rush for 100 yards again this week.

Stuff the run
In both of its wins this season, Colorado State has run the ball effectively to set up the passing game. Utah’s defense has limited teams to 2.6 yards per carry. That trend will continue this week as the Ute defensive linemen will control the line of scrimmage, freeing up the linebackers to make tackles.

Wynn bounces back
QB Jordan Wynn went 16 for 25 last week, but threw a career-high three interceptions. Throughout his career, Wynn has always followed a rough outing with a solid performance in the next game. He will do the same thing this week, turning in a solid performance, and playing error-free football.

Full 60 Minutes
While the Utes have played very well in spurts this season, they have yet to play a complete 60 minutes of football. Utah usually starts out slow, and then wins the game in the second quarter. Last week, the Utes got out to a quick start, but played poorly in the second half. This week will be the week where they finally break through and play a solid game for the entire 60 minutes.

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