In a trendy segment, BruinBlitz.com asks the upcoming opponent’s rivals.com site, and this week, Ute Nation was kind enough to take on some questions. The following is what transpired.
BruinBlitz: What is the Ute fanbase take on Utah coach Kyle Whittingham? There were rumblings that the fanbase is getting restless.
Ute Nation: “The fan base absolutely loves Kyle Whittingham, but there are some that get restless wondering if he’s taken the program as far as he can take it. Therefore, that small minority is reserving judgment now, until the end of this season.
“As for my take, Whittingham would be successful wherever he would coach, so Ute fans need to be grateful for him before he hangs up his clipboard. The one negative over the years has been that his teams usually lose 1-2 that weren’t expected, like USC this year. Can he buck that trend? We’re about to find out, as November had never been kind to the Utes until last season.
“All coaches have their flaws. As well as their naysayers and Whittingham is one of the best coaches in the country.
BruinBlitz: Are Ute fans happy being part of the Pac-12? How much do the fans miss playing BYU when the conference is at stake?
Ute Nation: “Ute fans are beyond happy to be a part of the Pac-12 and rightfully so with how the program has adjusted to being a threat in the South division on a consistent basis.
“To a lot of the fan base, BYU is an afterthought. The fans are actually tired of playing BYU, and after nine straight wins against them, it’s just not fun or intriguing for the Utes or their fans. This year’s game was bizarre as BYU fans basically went into the game accepting their fate. It just doesn’t feel like a rivalry anymore, and Whittingham (a former Cougar) would tell you the same if a mic wasn’t in his face.
“Utah will gladly keep BYU as an afterthought as they chase Pac-12 titles instead of Mountain West Conference ones.
BruinBlitz: From an outsider’s perspective, who would you say is Utah’s Pac-12 rival?
Ute Nation: “That is a difficult question. The “Rumble in the Rockies” was too forced, and Colorado hasn’t been that good. ASU is getting close, and some believe it is, but not everyone does, and I included. With the mutual respect on and off the field, and within recruiting, I would say USC, although a real rivalry is going to take a while. It would be nice for Utah to have a true rival, which BYU still is, but it’s just not the same, and the Utah program could honestly care less.
BruinBlitz: How is the health of QB Tyler Huntley and Zack Moss? What do they bring to the table for the Ute offense?
Ute Nation: “Huntley played the Washington game at about 80%, but should be near full health thanks to the BYE week. Zack Moss is healthy and ready to roll.
“These two bring a pick-your-poison element that Utah hasn’t really had since they’ve been in the Pac-12. It doesn’t matter the down or distance; opposing defenses always have to lock in on Moss as the number one threat, and he still gets his yards.
“Moss is a complete back, as a runner, receiving threat, and a blocker. He’s also silenced the doubters this year when it comes to his breakaway speed. Word is that most NFL scouting departments have given him a first-round grade for the 2020 Draft.
“The most impressive part of Moss’ game is his YAC. He thrives off of contact, even though he’ll juke you too. He loves to wear defenses down, but he doesn’t have to do it all alone.
“As for Huntley, so many people look at his numbers and instantly call him a game manager because of his completion percentage (73.8%) and his touchdown to interception ratio (11:1). He’s dynamic with his feet when he needs to be, but he’s focused a lot more on his passing under new offensive coordinator Andy Ludwig. Video of him in the last three games is deceiving of the type of quarterback he is, because of his leg injury. Some even say that him not being able to run as much in those three games, made him a better passer. In past years when Huntley would get flushed out of the pocket, his first and only instinct was to run. Now he looks to find the big strike to a receiver downfield.
“Moss is the one breaking Utah records, but Huntley is the undisputed offensive MVP for this year’s squad.
BruinBlitz: What kind of offense do Utes run? Outside of Huntley and Moss, who are the offensive players that Bruin fans should be aware of and why? Has the offense played up to expectations?
Ute Nation: “The best thing to happen to Utah football this season was the return of their offensive coordinator from their Sugar Bowl year, Andy Ludwig. Utah’s offense was too complicated for the last two years, so Ludwig was brought in to simplify things and play to his groups’ strengths. Because of this, Utah runs a more traditional run-first offense. Everything starts with Zack Moss.
“Ludwig is the type of offensive mind that might nickel and dime you to death, before popping a big play. He’s also shown that he can adjust his offense on the fly, as he’s had to do at two different times—a stretch without Moss and the recent stretch with a limited Tyler Huntley.
“What approach they come out with on Saturday will tell you just how Huntley’s leg is feeling, as the last couple games they started relying on a quicker passing game, in order to protect their star.
“This offense has far exceeded any expectations that anyone had for the 2019 season, and that’s why they’re currently in the CFP conversation.
“Aside from Huntley and Moss, the players to watch would be tight end Brant Kuithe, wide receiver Bryan Thompson, and offensive lineman Nick Ford (if you’re a fan of the trenches).
BruinBlitz: What style of defense do the Utes play? Utah is currently ranked first in the conference in total defense, rushing defense, passing defense, and total defense. That is a dominating defense. What makes them so good? Who are the playmakers UCLA fans should be aware of?
Ute Nation: “The Utes run a predominantly 4-2-5 defense where they’ll disguise safeties as linebackers and linebackers as defensive linemen. Defensive coordinator Morgan Scalley likes to attack with stunts and blitzes, while the secondary plays man-to-man coverage.
“They are what they are because Scalley has learned from the best, Kyle Whittingham. Now Scalley is considered one of the brightest up-and-coming minds in the country.
“I could go on and on about what makes this defense so good. Yes, they have one of the top cornerbacks in the country, in Jaylon Johnson, but it all starts with the defensive line. Bradlee Anae gets all of the fanfare, but the combo of Leki Fotuand John Penisini holds the key to it all. Their stats may not back it up, but if you want to be thoroughly impressed and entertained, focus on the middle of Utah’s defensive line. They collapse the pocket with consistency, and at 6-foot-5 and 335 pounds, Fotu can make plays sideline-to-sideline—don’t believe me, just watch the Cal highlights.
“Additional players to watch that wasn’t already mentioned would be linebacker Francis Bernard and safety Julian Blackmon.
BruinBlitz: What is your prediction of the game, and why?
Ute Nation: Oh man, I’ll be honest, with UCLA’s recent win streak and how they can put points on the board, this could be viewed as a potential trap game since we all know that the Pac-12 loves to eat it’s own.
“That being said, I just don’t see that happening. UCLA offensively would have to come out and pop Utah’s defense in the mouth on a couple early drives to get momentum, but good luck with that, especially at Rice-Eccles Stadium.
“In five 2019 home games Utah has pitched two shutouts, and opponents are only scoring 6.6 points per game in those contests. I don’t see Utah’s offense having many problems moving the ball against the UCLA defense, so I expect this to be over midway through the third quarter.
“Utah 34 UCLA 13.”
BruinBlitz: What is the Ute fanbase take on Utah coach Kyle Whittingham? There were rumblings that the fanbase is getting restless.
Ute Nation: “The fan base absolutely loves Kyle Whittingham, but there are some that get restless wondering if he’s taken the program as far as he can take it. Therefore, that small minority is reserving judgment now, until the end of this season.
“As for my take, Whittingham would be successful wherever he would coach, so Ute fans need to be grateful for him before he hangs up his clipboard. The one negative over the years has been that his teams usually lose 1-2 that weren’t expected, like USC this year. Can he buck that trend? We’re about to find out, as November had never been kind to the Utes until last season.
“All coaches have their flaws. As well as their naysayers and Whittingham is one of the best coaches in the country.
BruinBlitz: Are Ute fans happy being part of the Pac-12? How much do the fans miss playing BYU when the conference is at stake?
Ute Nation: “Ute fans are beyond happy to be a part of the Pac-12 and rightfully so with how the program has adjusted to being a threat in the South division on a consistent basis.
“To a lot of the fan base, BYU is an afterthought. The fans are actually tired of playing BYU, and after nine straight wins against them, it’s just not fun or intriguing for the Utes or their fans. This year’s game was bizarre as BYU fans basically went into the game accepting their fate. It just doesn’t feel like a rivalry anymore, and Whittingham (a former Cougar) would tell you the same if a mic wasn’t in his face.
“Utah will gladly keep BYU as an afterthought as they chase Pac-12 titles instead of Mountain West Conference ones.
BruinBlitz: From an outsider’s perspective, who would you say is Utah’s Pac-12 rival?
Ute Nation: “That is a difficult question. The “Rumble in the Rockies” was too forced, and Colorado hasn’t been that good. ASU is getting close, and some believe it is, but not everyone does, and I included. With the mutual respect on and off the field, and within recruiting, I would say USC, although a real rivalry is going to take a while. It would be nice for Utah to have a true rival, which BYU still is, but it’s just not the same, and the Utah program could honestly care less.
BruinBlitz: How is the health of QB Tyler Huntley and Zack Moss? What do they bring to the table for the Ute offense?
Ute Nation: “Huntley played the Washington game at about 80%, but should be near full health thanks to the BYE week. Zack Moss is healthy and ready to roll.
“These two bring a pick-your-poison element that Utah hasn’t really had since they’ve been in the Pac-12. It doesn’t matter the down or distance; opposing defenses always have to lock in on Moss as the number one threat, and he still gets his yards.
“Moss is a complete back, as a runner, receiving threat, and a blocker. He’s also silenced the doubters this year when it comes to his breakaway speed. Word is that most NFL scouting departments have given him a first-round grade for the 2020 Draft.
“The most impressive part of Moss’ game is his YAC. He thrives off of contact, even though he’ll juke you too. He loves to wear defenses down, but he doesn’t have to do it all alone.
“As for Huntley, so many people look at his numbers and instantly call him a game manager because of his completion percentage (73.8%) and his touchdown to interception ratio (11:1). He’s dynamic with his feet when he needs to be, but he’s focused a lot more on his passing under new offensive coordinator Andy Ludwig. Video of him in the last three games is deceiving of the type of quarterback he is, because of his leg injury. Some even say that him not being able to run as much in those three games, made him a better passer. In past years when Huntley would get flushed out of the pocket, his first and only instinct was to run. Now he looks to find the big strike to a receiver downfield.
“Moss is the one breaking Utah records, but Huntley is the undisputed offensive MVP for this year’s squad.
BruinBlitz: What kind of offense do Utes run? Outside of Huntley and Moss, who are the offensive players that Bruin fans should be aware of and why? Has the offense played up to expectations?
Ute Nation: “The best thing to happen to Utah football this season was the return of their offensive coordinator from their Sugar Bowl year, Andy Ludwig. Utah’s offense was too complicated for the last two years, so Ludwig was brought in to simplify things and play to his groups’ strengths. Because of this, Utah runs a more traditional run-first offense. Everything starts with Zack Moss.
“Ludwig is the type of offensive mind that might nickel and dime you to death, before popping a big play. He’s also shown that he can adjust his offense on the fly, as he’s had to do at two different times—a stretch without Moss and the recent stretch with a limited Tyler Huntley.
“What approach they come out with on Saturday will tell you just how Huntley’s leg is feeling, as the last couple games they started relying on a quicker passing game, in order to protect their star.
“This offense has far exceeded any expectations that anyone had for the 2019 season, and that’s why they’re currently in the CFP conversation.
“Aside from Huntley and Moss, the players to watch would be tight end Brant Kuithe, wide receiver Bryan Thompson, and offensive lineman Nick Ford (if you’re a fan of the trenches).
BruinBlitz: What style of defense do the Utes play? Utah is currently ranked first in the conference in total defense, rushing defense, passing defense, and total defense. That is a dominating defense. What makes them so good? Who are the playmakers UCLA fans should be aware of?
Ute Nation: “The Utes run a predominantly 4-2-5 defense where they’ll disguise safeties as linebackers and linebackers as defensive linemen. Defensive coordinator Morgan Scalley likes to attack with stunts and blitzes, while the secondary plays man-to-man coverage.
“They are what they are because Scalley has learned from the best, Kyle Whittingham. Now Scalley is considered one of the brightest up-and-coming minds in the country.
“I could go on and on about what makes this defense so good. Yes, they have one of the top cornerbacks in the country, in Jaylon Johnson, but it all starts with the defensive line. Bradlee Anae gets all of the fanfare, but the combo of Leki Fotuand John Penisini holds the key to it all. Their stats may not back it up, but if you want to be thoroughly impressed and entertained, focus on the middle of Utah’s defensive line. They collapse the pocket with consistency, and at 6-foot-5 and 335 pounds, Fotu can make plays sideline-to-sideline—don’t believe me, just watch the Cal highlights.
“Additional players to watch that wasn’t already mentioned would be linebacker Francis Bernard and safety Julian Blackmon.
BruinBlitz: What is your prediction of the game, and why?
Ute Nation: Oh man, I’ll be honest, with UCLA’s recent win streak and how they can put points on the board, this could be viewed as a potential trap game since we all know that the Pac-12 loves to eat it’s own.
“That being said, I just don’t see that happening. UCLA offensively would have to come out and pop Utah’s defense in the mouth on a couple early drives to get momentum, but good luck with that, especially at Rice-Eccles Stadium.
“In five 2019 home games Utah has pitched two shutouts, and opponents are only scoring 6.6 points per game in those contests. I don’t see Utah’s offense having many problems moving the ball against the UCLA defense, so I expect this to be over midway through the third quarter.
“Utah 34 UCLA 13.”
