Utah vs. Oregon Complete Game Preview
Oregon begins their Pac-12 title defense on Saturday, and things do not start off with an easy conference opener as Utah comes to town for a battle of Top 20 teams.
If you’re looking for a strength vs. strength matchup, then look no further than this contest, as the Ducks’ high-powered offense should be fun to watch against a stout Utes defense that doesn’t appear to have had much of a drop-off despite loosing a host of draft picks over the years.
It remains to be seen if Oregon quarterback Vernon Adams is 100 percent ready for game action after breaking his finger in the season opener, but his likely second start will need him to be in quality form if he’s to lead the team against a salty squad intent on pulling the road upset.
While Adams’ Heisman hopes took a bit of a hit after the loss to Michigan State two weeks ago, this game could mark the second stop of an under-the-radar Heisman campaign for Utah running back Devontae Booker, the headliner of the Utes offense. He’s averaging 115 yards per game and will have his hands full trying to run around a fairly solid defense that is designed to stop the run more than it is to slow down the passing game.
Either way, Week 4’s best action seems to be centered on the Pac-12, and this game is a big reason why.
Date: Saturday, September 26
Time: 5:30 p.m. PT (8:30 p.m. ET)
Location: Autzen Stadium; Eugene, Oregon
TV: Fox
Radio: Sirius 126/XM 198; ESPN 700, Salt Lake City; Oregon IMG Radio Network
Line: Oregon -14, according to OddsShark.com.
Utah Keys to Victory
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Control the Clock
Utah’s ground game is topnotch thanks to the great running of Booker, but it will need to establish the run and control time of possession to limit Oregon’s offense and give its defense a break.
Take Advantage of Turnovers
The Utes want to attack and make the opposition uncomfortable—to the point where it will turn the ball over. That will be the case on Saturday against Oregon. If the defense is able to snag a turnover, though, the offense has got to capitalize with touchdowns (not field goals) if the team is to pull off a road upset.
Get After Adams
“Sack Lake City” has not been getting to the quarterback as much as it was last year, but it’s still a tough group to stop. With Adams' size (5'11", 201 lbs) and the fact that he’s injured, expect Utah to really make him uncomfortable in the pocket and try to force him into making mistakes.
Oregon Keys to Victory
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Protect Adams
Adams is already banged up, so job No. 1 is to keep him upright. The offensive line and running backs must also create throwing lanes if the Ducks are to get to 1-0 in Pac-12 play.
Establish the Run
There are options for days in the backfield, with Royce Freeman chief among them at running back. Whoever’s taking the handoffs needs to get positive yardage and help sustain drives in order to take the pressure off Adams and the passing game.
Rush More than Three
The Ducks have not been very good when only rushing three or four players on defense. In the early going of the season, opposing quarterbacks have been able to pick their secondary apart. It’s time to stop rushing a handful of players and bring some heat.
Utah Players to Watch
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QB Travis Wilson
The oft-injured quarterback sat out last week with a shoulder injury, and it remains to be seen if he’ll be the starter on Saturday. Kendal Thompson does bring a speed element to the running game if he’s the QB, but Wilson being on the field gives the Utes a true dual-threat quarterback with a strong arm.
RB Devontae Booker
Booker is a tough runner between the tackles, but he really excels in the passing game with a pair of the best hands in the country at his position. Since he can beat you several ways, keep an eye out for him being split out wide to take advantage of mismatches.
LB Jared Norris
The team’s leading tackler is a big reason the defense has stayed in form despite losing talented players, and his range allows him to be in on nearly every play.
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Oregon Players to Watch
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QB Vernon Adams
How’s that finger? That’s what the Oregon faithful will be keeping an eye on, because Adams is clearly the choice at quarterback for the Ducks. He should be plenty comfortable with the offense at this point, and all that remains before the big numbers start to get put up is the health of this signal-caller.
RB Royce Freeman
Freeman has been labeled a big back at times for his ability to run between the tackles. But make no mistake, he can hit the edge and turn the corner with the best of them.
WR Bralon Addison
After missing all of last season due to a knee injury, Addison appears to be fully healthy and able to contribute on both offense and special teams. His ability to take the ball to the house on every play makes him a must-watch player when he steps onto the field.
Prediction
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If the Utes want to prove they’re for real in the Pac-12 South race, then this is the game to do it. They’ll be facing an opposing quarterback with a significant injury and a suspect pass defense. While their own health has some question marks, too, this is the best team Utah has been able to take on the road against a conference power.
Still, it’s hard to see the team having enough offense to keep up with Oregon at what should be a raucous Autzen Stadium. The defense certainly needs to come along for the Ducks, but right now they should be able to outscore most of their competition while getting just a handful of stops throughout the game.
This could be fun with a few #Pac12AfterDark-type moments, but don’t be surprised if the home team ends up putting some distance between them and Utah late in the game in a 37-23 victory.
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