Utah-Oregon: Five Essentials For The Utes

(Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images)

I love games like this.

Two talented teams with a ton on the line. The higher ranked being tested on the road against an explosive team yearning to be make a statement.

On national TV.

This is a huge game for Utah and really their last big test prior to what figurest to be a very compelling conference title chase.

A big win on the road against a top tier Pac-10 team would significantly bolster the Utes' BCS creds, boost rankings and almost assuredly move them ahead of Boise State in the BCS buster discussion.

More importantly, it will say a lot about this Utah team and its identity following last year's Cinderella season.

On the flip side, the Ducks will be hungry. They are just one big-game win away from recovering the 2009 season and wiping the nightmare in Boise off of their minds.

Utah has a big name, a solid ranking and a stellar reputation, but thus far have appeared very average in their first two games

The Ducks may be catching the Utes at just the right time. Utah is still breaking in a new QB and several new offensive starters, a factor that could come into play in a place like Autzen Stadium.

Expect the Ducks to be aggressive defensively. Mixing things up and trying to confuse Utah's new starter QB Terrance Cain.

I would also expect Oregon to look downfield, take advantage of their remarkable speed and try to exploit Utah's two new corners, R.J. Stanford and Brandon Burton.

Both of whom struggled immensely last week at San Jose State.

1. Don't fall behind

I know that's easier said then done. Last year's miracle Utes came alive when opponents took the lead. It's easier to do that with a fifth-year senior QB, three senior WR's and an All-American kicker.

The jury's still out on how this team will respond in the face of adversity. But it's better not to find it out all. Especially in a place like Eugene, OR.

Autzen is a nasty place for a road team to play. Loud, rowdy and obnoxious.

The true strength of this Ute offense is its balance. They can run with power using Matt Asiata (I'm thinking he will play), engage with speed on the outside with Eddie Wide or run the option with Cain, who has looked phenomenal running the ball.

Thus far, the balance and consistency of the running game has helped Utah open lanes for their talented receivers. Cain has been terrific distributing the ball, and finding the mismatches, particularly on the underneath routes.

A strong running presence will keep the spread in full force and provide the open lanes Ute wideouts will need to make big plays.

Falling behind could erase that entirely. It would force Utah to be one-dimensional offensively and ultimately force Terrance Cain to win with his arm. On the road. Against a fast and hungry defense.

I have faith that Cain has the ability to do it. But it's better to avoid it altogether. Plus, he really hasn't proven he could beat defenses with the deep ball.

And if Utah becomes one-dimensional, favoring the pass, they'll have to be multi-faceted in the passing game.

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