Here’s Matt’s article on defenses thoughts ending fall camp and heading into Florida:

https://utah.rivals.com/news/utes-defense-feeling-more-prepared-for-rematch-against-gators

Will Utah try to painfully win like they used to. It could be hard to watch like this......


Login to view embedded media

Ground and pound is much harder to win with in today's landscape. It's hard to run the ball and play Defense when the rules favor scoring and throwing the football.

If Utah is able to run well with Ja'Quinden Jackson behind the strength of Utah's O Line then teams will load the box and make Barnes or Johnson beat them.

To avoid being one dimensional, Utah will need the QB to keep the ball and run effectively enough times to where it keeps the Defense honest.

If Rising either misses a few games or is not 100% then it creates more caution since Brandon Rose is now hurt and "out indefinitely." Utah can't afford Barnes to get hurt. That might be why we are hearing Nate Johnson's name popping up now. I bet Utah is looking at him giving the rock to Ja'Quinden or keeping it himself. Although I suspect it's more of a package in circumstances.

Let's discuss the young QB from Mississippi:

Let's talk about a speedy young cornerback:

College Football 2023: Week 0 Predictions 🏈​

-The scrimmage was a big step forward for the offense, since the defense got the better of last week’s scrimmage.

-The 1s were “thud” so they weren’t live. This was due to the team being pretty beat up right now. The 2s and 3s were live.

-The offense had better execution. Threw it better, ran it better and pass protected better. Far less penalties and not really any glaring errors.

-Nate Johnson has closed the gap on Bryson Barnes. It’s a dead heat. It's a day by day thing right now, as Whittingham says Rising is progressing through practice. The OL is sorted out and set, as the depth chart should come out on Thursday.

-Rising has continued to set the bar and be the leader of all leaders. It’s been big to have him involved, regardless of any limited capacity.

The decision on Rising will come down to the wire. For game 1, Whittingham is still referring to him as plan A.

-They’re slowly but surely getting healthier, but the defense is going to have to tap into that depth a little for Florida.

-The RBs are looking good, healthy, and working hard. He acknowledged to no surprise that Ja’Quinden Jackson is the lead back.

-Spencer Fano is mature beyond his years. Light on his feet, athletic, with a high football IQ. Being here in the spring was huge for him. Whittingham compared him to Jordan Gross.

-Smith Snowden is already in the two-deep.

-The WR room looks much deeper and more prepared, but Whittingham wants to see it continue when the bright lights and pressure are on.

-The personnel is what stands out about Florida. The SEC sets the bar with NFL talent and Florida has a lot of it.

Let's discuss a young and promising safety in Johnathan Hall:

Will Parks take the next step and become a consistent big post that this season?

Let's talk about true freshman linebacker, Owen Chambliss:

We’ll be providing the stats for the commits throughout the high school season. Most of the guys are now playing, after it was only the Corner Canyon group last week:

https://utah.rivals.com/news/tracking-utah-2024-commit-games-wilson-shines-in-loss-to-national-power

Let's talk about a guy that could be a big post of the Utah receivers taking the next step forward:

Mbanasor is still working his way back from injury, but the offense is excited for when they’re can unleash him:

https://utah.rivals.com/news/utenation-countdown-to-kickoff-no-12-sidney-mbanasor

Does anyone know who chooses the music and videos for the game time entertainment? I have good idea for something I coined a couple years ago.

Sione Fotu is not a name to sleep on, even with a loaded LB room…

https://utah.rivals.com/news/utenation-countdown-to-kickoff-no-12-sione-fotu

Sorry if old news and already discussed but I am curious what his recovery period looks like? Not for football sake but for the kid's sake itself.

Thanks to the Alex and Sean for a terrific job on the player profiles. Your time and effort is greatly appreciated.

Morgan was a great interview yesterday. Insightful and also noticed amused by some questions from everyone. Here are the notes from the interview:


-Scalley is feeling good heading into the season. He acknowledges that fall camp is a grind physically, mentally and emotionally. He loved that the guys fought through it. They’ve created some good depth.

-He felt like they needed to tackle more to be ready for the opener. They weren’t prepared enough last year for full speed tackling.

-They’ve made the most progress in the fall at the DT position and securing some of the secondary positions.

-It’s helpful knowing who Florida’s QB will be and Merrz is a good QB. Good arm and is athletic emo to make you miss. He’s been in big games, so you can’t rattle him.

-Asked about a three-peat, Scalley shot it down by saying, “Well the reason we were able to do it was by focusing one game at a time, so we’ve got Florida. We’ve got Florida.” (Alex take: Scalley finished that with a smile and a nod that was entertaining. He wasn’t going to be tee’d up even though it wasn’t the reporter’s intent)

-David Fotu, Logan Fano, Smith Snowden and Nate Ritchie are defensive under the radar guys Scalley highlighted as being ready.

-Logan Fano fought through fall camp injury-free.

-He also highlighted Jonah Lea’ea as a newcomer to watch. Defensive end is a stacked room and it keeps guys competing.

-Levani Damuni and Miles Battle have adjusted well. Damuni is playing fast now that he has the scheme down. Battle is playing much more physically since he got to Utah.

-Asked about Bishop and Vaki, the reporter implied both are suited for strong safety. Scalley quickly asked the reporter what he wanted his safeties to do and how he envisioned it. Scalley took it well, as everyone was laughing. Scalley said he’s looking for range and physicality and ball skills and they both excel at that.

-Vaki brings physicality similar to Marquise Blair. It’s the type of physicality that gets in opponents’ heads.

-Pepa is looking for Pepa to show consistency in year two.

-A reporter hinted at having Fillinger at a different position (defensive tackle). Scalley replied, “He’s a very productive defensive end, and we’re happy to have him.” Then gave another exaggerated nod. He said before Van got injured he was either 1 or 2 on their production board. He’s a complete defensive end.

Let’s talk about Nate Johnson, who is beginning to take advantage of the extra reps, according to Andy Ludwig:

https://utah.rivals.com/news/utenation-countdown-to-kickoff-no-13-nate-johnson

Kennedy is one of the athletic and young defensive ends that could be make an impact for years to come:

Why Gamers are Going Crazy Over This $18,460 Chair!

Let's talk about a kid that could be a key player in the nickelback role:

Does anyone know if campus will shut down early on ga e day? Wanting to tailgate but worried about locations.

Calvert is a guy who I think can be a valuable depth piece in the linebacker room:

The Most Unbelievable Moments in College Football History​