Deseret News | Utah Utes football: Offense still searching for rhythm

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Utah Utes football: Offense still searching for rhythm

Just Average | 7:39 a.m. Sept. 30, 2008

"Senior quarterback Brian Johnson, who has thrown five interceptions, fumbled four times and been sacked 12 times, hasn't been pleased with his own performance in several instances this year."

Maybe it's time to accept the fact that Brian is just an average quarterback. As a senior, he should be excelling, especially against weak teams like Utah State and Weber State. There's no reason Utah should be settling for field goals against teams like that.

The Utes are fortunate that they have such a good defense, because their offense is mediocre, at best.

3 fixes needed | 7:42 a.m. Sept. 30, 2008

1. Has anyone else noticed that Johnson plays like he is afraid of getting hurt?
2. (A)Ludwigs formations often give away what is about to happen. One game last year the announcer had noticed it and was calling the play based on the formation. (B) Often after the snap there is this long pause before the play develops. The running yards would be much better if the backs could hit the holes faster.
3. Passing plays Johnson comes up locked on his intended receiver 90% of the time.

By the numbers | 7:52 a.m. Sept. 30, 2008

Max Hall____107 of 144 (74.31%), 7 TDs, 2 Ints, 1284 yds, 10.42 yds/cmp, rating 180.8 (6th)
Brian Johnson_92 of 133 (69.17%), 5 TDs, 8 Ints, 1129 yds, 8.49 yds/cmp, rating 152.8 (21st)

Comments continue below

Correction | 7:54 a.m. Sept. 30, 2008

Max Hall has 15 TDs and 2 Ints
Brian Johnson has 8 TDs and 5 Ints

Consistency, yes!!! | 7:51 a.m. Sept. 30, 2008

Aren't we supposed to be running over everyone at this point.

It concerns me. We hav had five weeks to shake off the rust against teams like Weber and Utah State and yeah, we have put up decent number's, but were not there and we just happen to be heading into the meaty part of our schedule with Oregon State and Wyoming coming up in the next two weeks. One of these guys beats up on USC and we all remember Wyo from what happened with the onside kick and such.

I know our guys can do it, but I am realistic at the same time.....consistency is a key to being successful. Our little brothers to the southseem to be enjoying more of that despite who they play.

Let's go utes!!!!!!!

RR | 8:30 a.m. Sept. 30, 2008

I think if the media was watching Utah play, they wouldn't be ranked #15. Still, being 5-0 is pretty good. I too agree that Johnson should be shattering records. After that one year when he was a top 5 passer, I thought for sure this year he'd be right there again.

I thought the 5-2 record vs ranked opponents was interesting. This year, W over #1 USC. Last year, wins on the road at #2 Cal and at #17 Oregon. 2006, W at #24 Hawai'i and vs #3 USC. This team can beat ranked teams on the road. They seem to get up for ranked teams on the road like Utah can. This OSU team is a real threat, and they showed it last week against a supposed unstoppable USC team.

If they make even close to the same mistakes they made vs Weber and USU, they will not win. 4 days is not enough to get those issues fixed.

flintrock | 8:45 a.m. Sept. 30, 2008

Johnson has consistently gotten worse each year. Some quarterbacks have it and some don't. His internal clock in the pocket and when to get to get out of their has not changed in 4 years. He is good for a fumble about once a game. It is obvious by the formation whether Utah is running or throwing in most cases. Ludgwig needs to move Johnson around a little more often so that the defense can't get there timing down and sack him. My nickname for Johnson is Brainfreeze, and yes he does try to avoid being hit....gunshy works for me. Ludwig also has the worst play calling sequences I have seen in a while. They are not tied together to confuse the defenses...Just Hey Gomer that play loooooksss gooood letssss try that... that'lll fool...emmm

Yards/Points/Turnovers | 9:10 a.m. Sept. 30, 2008

Which is more important, yards or points?

If the ultimate goal is to outscore your opponent, then limiting the opponent's scoring would seem to be more important than winning the stats war.

Utah is ranked #5 in total defense at 231.40 yds/gm, just ahead of TCU at 233.60 yds/gm.

BYU is #27 in total defense at 303.50 yds/gm.

Advantage Utah and TCU, in yds/gm defense.

What about scoring defense, though?

In scoring defense, BYU is ranked #7 at 11.0 pts/gm.

TCU is #14 at 13.2 pts/gm.

Utah is tied for #41 at 19.6 pts/gm.

If I were a Utah fan with an offense that has struggled all season, I would be much more concerned with having a defense that can keep other teams from scoring, rather than simply limiting the number of yards.

Part of the equation for why Utah's defensive yards per game look so good is because Utah's offense keeps giving up the ball deep in Utah territory allowing for short drives by the opponent that don't produce yards, but do produce points.

Turnover Margin
TCU is tied for 7th at +1.60/gm.
BYU is tied for 13th at +1.25/gm.
Utah is tied for 69th at -.20/gm.

You will see | 9:51 a.m. Sept. 30, 2008

Utah hasn't had a problem winning the big games in the past it is the little ones that get us. Utah has played well enough to get by the little ones and I expect them to take it to OSU and get it done.
The coug fans are scared that the Utah pieces are going to come together on Nov 22 and there won't be a thing that they will be able to do to stop it!!

Hall has a higher rating....BFD!! "My dad could beat up your dad".....silly zoobs!!!

We will see... | 12:17 p.m. Sept. 30, 2008

U in November. MANY BYU fans purchased Utah season tickets this year, we've had ours since July, just so we would be guaranteed a ticket to the BYU/Utah game.

I've watched all of the Utah games, except Weber State, and frankly, this "the Utah pieces are going to come together" is looking like a pipe dream, so far. Maybe they will; maybe they won't, but, almost halfway through the season, Utah has yet to put a complete game together. Good defense. Spotty offense.

And, in case you're counting on RES to be the magical ingredient to a Utah win, consider, BYU is 6-4 the last 10 meetings in RES, 2-2 this decade.

To: you will see | 12:36 p.m. Sept. 30, 2008

Your O-line can't protect your QB, your QB can't protect the ball, your d-line can't stop the run without four linebackers behind them to help, oh yea, I'm really worried. LOL!!!

You will see??? | 12:54 p.m. Sept. 30, 2008

See what? Johnson getting sacked again and again, and then either fumbling the ball or throwing an interception. The ute defensive line unable to stop a running attack without nine guys in the box. Get real. No my friend, you'll see.

Momentum | 1:28 p.m. Sept. 30, 2008

BYU's Strength of Schedule is 111 and will get worse before it gets better. I would rather the Utes peak in November rahter than in some meaningless game against an awful UCLA team in September. Also, comparing the two QB's turnovers is legit but all other stats are completely meaningless; neither one could do the others job in their respective offence.

WhoAmISir | 1:39 p.m. Sept. 30, 2008

Watched all 5 games this year and I have my fears with Oregon State. Are the Utes going to play a complete game? Is Ludwig going to open it up with his play calling? Will we hang on to the ball? Is Johnson going to get sacked or run it? Are the defensive backs going to stay with their assignments? These are some of the questions that I have and Iï¿½m not the only one asking - so are a few other folks:

ï¿½There have been too many turnovers, too many sacks and too many stalled drives against inferior competition. In easy wins over Utah State and Weber State. The Utes rank near the bottom in the national stats in sacks allowed at No. 103, are tied for 93rd in turnovers lost and are tied for 69th in turnover marginï¿½. - Mike Sorensen

Oregon State is probably licking their lips with those 2 stats.

ï¿½Sometimes we hold the ball too long, sometimes our protection's broken down and sometimes the route structure has been very poor and we're not getting open,ï¿½ - Kyle Whittingham

Johnson, O-line, Ludwig take notes here ï¿½ important stuff ï¿½ the BOSS is seeing these things.

Hmmm... | 2:05 p.m. Sept. 30, 2008

Utah will want to solve the turnover problem before they play BYU, who has been very good at capitalizing on turnovers recently. You don't want to give Max Hall and the BYU offense a short field, even if that short field is inside Rice-Eccles Stadium.

Question: is Utah still planning the "black out" game against TCU?

Ernest T. Bass | 2:23 p.m. Sept. 30, 2008

What we need for consistency is a player with a helmet the size of a hot air balloon. Pump it up with helium and see what happens.
We need the lack of turnovers to be one of the foundational pillars of the program.
The fact that they have a problem with turnovers and are still 5-0 is very telling.
re: 'to:you will see' 12:36. Tell me a defense who can stop the run without linebackers. The role of the D-line is to pick up the blocks intended for the LBs so the LB can make the tackle.

re hmmm | 3:25 p.m. Sept. 30, 2008

yes, although I hope it won't be a curse like it was for Georgia.

haha | 3:28 p.m. Sept. 30, 2008

I agree with Ernest! Show me a defense that shuts down the run without using linebackers and I will show you a horrible offensive line!

RE; Ernest T. Bass | 3:38 p.m. Sept. 30, 2008

While you have a valid point, please don't pretend to be Ernest. We know you are not him as you are not trying to rile people up with ridiculous comments. Will the real Ernest T Bass please stand up?

Future QB | 4:53 p.m. Sept. 30, 2008

If Brian Johnson is an average QB then we are in trouble next year. or this year if Brian gets hurt again. The U really needs some proven JC talent for next year. I hope they are looking there will be a void.

UTE fans come on | 5:35 p.m. Sept. 30, 2008

Why is their all this smack talk about brian johnson. His play has been good, not great but good. do not worry about him in the oregon state game, we all know brian gets up in big games, remember when he won the battle of the brians in louisville, and look where brohm is now. brian always seems to turn it on at the end of the season as well. I have seen him play for a while now, while he is not doing as well as he has in the past he is still a good quarterback and he gives us the best shot to win games NOW. Of course he is scared of getting hurt, what player isnt. He is just doing what the coaches tell him, you think ludwig tells him to take off running and lower his head when he is getting ready to be takled, of course not. We just need to realize not every player is as good as Alex Smith, look on the bright side, he is not Darnell arceneaux

BYU Texan | 6:45 p.m. Sept. 30, 2008

RE: Momentum

What are you talking about BYU has peaked? It looks as though they are dominating and staying at that level. Talk about SOS all you want, but in the end all that matters is the W column. Here's a scary thought for you Utes, if someone from the MWC doesn't tag BYU w/ a L, then BYU might be in the running for the national championship game. Especially if they beat a top 10-15 Ute team. At least 4 of the teams ranked in the top 7 will have at least one L because they will end up playing amongst each other.

Is BYU one of the top 2 teams in the country, doubt it. Are they a top 10 team, most likely. One thing is for sure, some Ute fans should quit worrying about the Y's SOS and start worrying about their team. While I didn't watch the Weber State game, the score didn't look too good, and I doubt the Ute's scrubs were playing in the 3rd and 4th Qs like BYU's has been the past two games.

Let's hope both teams make it undefeated so it makes the Nov matchup all the greater.

Mark in Peoria | 6:49 p.m. Sept. 30, 2008

Hey. I liked Darnell Arceneaux.

Die Hard Cougar Fan | 7:26 p.m. Sept. 30, 2008

but I thought you Utes would enjoy this.

Billingsley
1. LSU
2. Oklahoma
3. Alabama
4. USC
5. Missouri
Colley
1. Alabama
2. Vanderbilt
3. Utah
4. Texas
5. Northwestern
Massey
1. Alabama
2. Northwestern
3. Vanderbilt
4. Utah
5. Boise State
Sagarin
1. Alabama
2. Utah
3. Boise State
4. Texas
5. Oklahoma

Mark Enjoy.

Ford in Rp | 7:31 p.m. Sept. 30, 2008

Hate to break it to the Deseret News Utahs total offense ranks 25th in nation not 28th

Couple thoughts | 9:17 p.m. Sept. 30, 2008

1. byu fans rip utah about not playing a complete game and then say "but in the end all that matters is the W column" well if thats ok for byu why not the u, correct me if i'm wrong but the utes are 5-0. Whether we win by 1 or 50 it is still a win.

2. Regarding the weber game "I doubt the Ute scrubs were playing"... well actually they were... the score was 37-7 until the last 7 minutes of the game... when the 2's & 3's gave up two scores.

3. The reason they had 9 in the box is because AF was not going to throw... held them to 53 yards... so guess what it worked... and by your logic you and crowton must be great friends "I'd rather win by 9 then 2"... it really doesn't matter how many guys it takes to stop the run... the utes stopped the run.

4. I'll take a crappy 5-0 ute team that averages 38 points a game and yet hasn't put it altogether yet any day of the week. Because if that's not putting it all toghether it's pretty dang good.

GO UTES 6-0

RE: SOS | 10:20 p.m. Sept. 30, 2008

If this is the year that a non-bcs team can get into a bcs game with one loss - then byu better be concerned with strength of schedule. Because, if at the end of the day byu and utah each have a loss - and utah beats byu on nov 22, utah will probably leap frog byu and get in. (usu=usu, weber=nia, michgan>ucla, osu>uw, everything else is equal) based on sos.

And sos is what will keep an undefeated byu team out of a nc game. Teams like usc, florida, ohio state, and georgia will all jump over an undeafeated byu team if they remain one loss teams. not only will they rank higher because their sos is higher and sos is 1/3 of the equation, but even the humans in the other polls will take into account who those teams have played on a week in week out basis.

Byus only hope for an nc game is to stay undefeated and hope that there aren't any other undefeated teams, and a lot of teams with 2 losses...it wouldn't suprise me if they took two 1 loss teams...over byu, heck lsu got in last year with 2 losses.

Anonymous | 10:42 p.m. Sept. 30, 2008

Memo to utah`s ad...

Hey lane kiffen is available...we need a decent offensive coordinator...ludwig needs to go!

Make it happen!

Utes will Jump Cougs | 11:27 p.m. Sept. 30, 2008

If the BCS came out today BYU would be ten and BYU 11. Utah only needs to jump 2 of the teams between them and BYU in the opinion polls to jump BYU in the BCS and become the frontrunner to be the first non-BCS team to play for a (mythical)championship.

Go Beavs!!!!!!!! | 11:52 p.m. Sept. 30, 2008

Here we come gentlemen!

Dude... | 3:37 p.m. Oct. 1, 2008

Anyone who's talking about a NC for either you Utah or BYU is out of their mind. It won't happen. There's too many other strong teams, and even though Utah and (even more so) BYU are playing very well right now, they would get absolutely creamed by the USC's, and Oklahoma's and Florida's. Stop kidding yourselves that they'll play for the title. As much as it sucks, the college football world DOES NOT care about the non BcS schools. And if it ever gets to a point where one is eligible for a NC game, they'll come up with some poor excuse to say no.

Carey | 7:33 p.m. Oct. 1, 2008

I am new to reading these article comments. I am excited for the Oregon State game tommorrow, that is why I checked his out. Why are these BYU people all over this article? I don't get it. Why are they not commenting on what BYU is doing. Someone help me.

Re Carey | 8:07 a.m. Oct. 2, 2008

Because most BYU fans are so obsessed with Utah and tearing other people down. It's a Cougar thing I guess...

Re: Carey | 11:22 a.m. Oct. 2, 2008

Are you new to the rivalry too? That's what opposing fans do! Utah fans do the same thing on articles about BYU. It's fun, you should try it sometime.

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