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Utah Utes football: Johnson struggles, comes through when it really counts
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Anonymous | 12:16 a.m. Oct. 3, 2008
So amazing! Congratulations to Utah on a great win. Incredible comeback...Utah
defense is great! Don't forget that the majority of OSU's points came
from our offense's mistake, not our defense's. One suggestion for the
offense...play the entire game the way you play ed in the last two minutes...no
need to wait till the last 2 minutes to be great.
Ghost of LaTendresse | 2:24 a.m. Oct. 3, 2008
The TD strike to Godfrey was LaTendresse all over again...same post play to
Travis in OT against BYU in '05 for the win from the 25...Travis then
scored on the same play 4 times against Ga Tech in the Emerald Bowl...all from
about 25 yards out. Same yardage, same result. Godfrey is a stud over the
middle. What an atmosphere! Reminded me of the '03 games at home against
fellow Pac-10ers Cal and Oregon. Struggles and concerns for the Utes? No doubt,
but it's a lot easier to handle those when it comes with a win.
Anonymous | 3:25 a.m. Oct. 3, 2008
Good for Johnson to put it all on him and make the plays he did at the end of
the game to makeup for his errors throughout game. That is what a champion is
made of. Now take this and keep improving through the rest of the season. Now
go beat those Cowboys like we did last year (but no on-side kicks this time.)
GO UTES!!!
GO UTES!!!
Comments continue below
Impressed again | 5:46 a.m. Oct. 3, 2008
Sincere congrats to Ute Fans. Brian came through and showed some heart. Seems
like he does that a lot at the end of games. Awesome to keep Utah unbeaten and
the Mountain West looking dominant. Now if our Cougs can stay unblemished,
we'll stay on track for a nationally focused show down. November 22nd
baby!!
The Last couple years Utah has put a last minute drive that would have won the game against the Cougs, but unfortunately for the Utes, the Cougs responded and had some fortune on their side as well. It will undoubtedly be the same intensity this year. Can't wait.
The Last couple years Utah has put a last minute drive that would have won the game against the Cougs, but unfortunately for the Utes, the Cougs responded and had some fortune on their side as well. It will undoubtedly be the same intensity this year. Can't wait.
Nick P | 7:06 a.m. Oct. 3, 2008
It was nice of Johnson to show up for the last 2 minutes of the game. Fantastic
win.
BYU National Champs! | 8:31 a.m. Oct. 3, 2008
All this game showed me, is that Utah is not a complete team. If they play this
way against BYU, BYU's going to be up by 30 with 2 minutes to play.
I'd like to see Johnson come back from that deficit!!
Can we have a complete game??? | 8:44 a.m. Oct. 3, 2008
The comeback in the final 2+ minutes was incredible. I just can't figure
out why we can't execute like that the rest of the game - for 27.5 minutes
in the second half we stunk. Our defense was solid except for about 4-5 big
plays allowed in part by missed tackles. But Ludwig needs to do something
different with our offense because our receivers aren't getting open
(evidence Brian standing in the pocket for 7-10 seconds and getting sacked)
which leads to all sorts of bad plays by BJ (sacks, fumbles, INTs). We
wouldn't need heroics if we fix those problems.
Interesting ESPN Stat | 8:55 a.m. Oct. 3, 2008
As I came home from the game and caught Sports Center ESPN ran an interesting
story. UOFU Football has the most wins against BCS teams (coming from a non-BCS
conference) in Division I. 15 Wins against BCS teams shows the strength of the
program. BYU will definitely be tough to beat this year but when it comes to
beating the best we have proven to be the best given the cirumstance of being a
"Non BCS" school. Which is complete garbage in my opinion, but you
play with the hand you are dealt. GO UTES!!!!
I'm a BYU FAN | 9:13 a.m. Oct. 3, 2008
re: BYU National Champs: I'd like to apologize for a fellow BYU fan who
shows zero class. Congratulations Brian, you put on one heck of a late show last
night! Utah makes the MWC proud!
Congrats to OSU Coaches | 9:21 a.m. Oct. 3, 2008
Give credit where credit is due -- OSU scored 4 touchdowns and a field goal,
Utah scored 3 touchdowns and 3 field goals. It was OSU's poor coaching
that turned 4 OSU TDs and the FG into only 28 points. If OSU would have simply
kicked the extra points in the 2nd and 3rd quarter -- they would have been up by
9 (even if they only made one of the attempts). In that case, Utah would have
have been doing an onside kick at the end of the game rather than kicking it
deep and letting the defense hold.
Utah got outplayed and outgained, but OSU got outcoached and outscored. Go Utes, but we couldn't have done it without Coach Riley and the refs.
Utah got outplayed and outgained, but OSU got outcoached and outscored. Go Utes, but we couldn't have done it without Coach Riley and the refs.
joe dirt | 9:41 a.m. Oct. 3, 2008
I love the utes and brian johnson he did it when it counted. however this trend
will come back to bite them if the defence have a lack luster of a game but I
don't see that unless there are injuryies or they come out flat with
overconfedience. This really goes well for the MWC and a show down with TCU and
BYU
Hey Ute Fans | 10:49 a.m. Oct. 3, 2008
No worries. I have an idea....I want you to stay unbeaten when the Y rolls in to
smoke you. I have the answer. I will hit the intramural fields down at BYU and
find you a QB.
Where's LOUKS | 10:58 a.m. Oct. 3, 2008
Does Ludwig actually watch the game films? Louks is a difference maker every
time he touches the ball...( see the Michigan game, Weber State game, Lat year
at Lousville, UCLA etc. ??)
Last night..0 carries, 0 passes while Johnson is was a disaster for most of the game...we were lucky to win BUT...
Ludwig scares me...
Last night..0 carries, 0 passes while Johnson is was a disaster for most of the game...we were lucky to win BUT...
Ludwig scares me...
BCS - Don't Think So | 11:23 a.m. Oct. 3, 2008
If only Utah could play Pac-10 teams all year, you would be an 8-4, or possibly
7-5 team. But alas, you get a free pass of playing in the always strong MWC and
so with wins, at home, over unranked opponents, you storm the field. One aspect
of showing you deserve to be in BCS consideration is to act like it. Storming
the field after surviving a narrow loss to an unranked foe at home does not show
you guys deserve to be there. You have to walk the walk and celebratory acts
like that show you do not belong. Did Penn State storm the field after being
Coastal Carolina? Did Georgia storm the field after beating Central Michigan?
Nope.
Why the Utes Won | 11:59 a.m. Oct. 3, 2008
The Utes overcame bad officiating and bad quarterbacking to win this game. OSU
is a good team, but all round the Utes are better.
Here�s a key to the win: a focus on getting Brent Casteel the ball more. I�ve been saying this all year, we need to get him the ball, he is a play maker. Casteel came up big!
Here�s a key to the win: a focus on getting Brent Casteel the ball more. I�ve been saying this all year, we need to get him the ball, he is a play maker. Casteel came up big!
We see how good he is... | 12:12 p.m. Oct. 3, 2008
When he doesn't have time to think. Those throws in the two minute
situation were rifled and the scamble for the two point conversion were quick
responses. BJ thinks way to much back there...
I wish someone would just sit him down and tell him he has a pretty good defense behind him. So what if you make some mistakes, take THE CHANCES and stop thinking too much!!!! Let's make it simple
1- 3-5 seconds throw the ball (if that's not there)
2- step up and run UP FIELD (if that's not there)
3- throw it out of bounds
I have confidence that he can do it and this win just may be the game that jolts him out of it.
OH, and fire Ludwig PLEASE!!! I honestly was laughing out loud at the play calling last night in the 3rd quarter. That Casteel in motion around the end thing has never once worked. Of course that could be because you spread all five out "WIDE", try bringing them in and then see if he can get out and around. MY GOODNESS!!!! SORRY everyone for the length of this.
Go Utes!!!
I wish someone would just sit him down and tell him he has a pretty good defense behind him. So what if you make some mistakes, take THE CHANCES and stop thinking too much!!!! Let's make it simple
1- 3-5 seconds throw the ball (if that's not there)
2- step up and run UP FIELD (if that's not there)
3- throw it out of bounds
I have confidence that he can do it and this win just may be the game that jolts him out of it.
OH, and fire Ludwig PLEASE!!! I honestly was laughing out loud at the play calling last night in the 3rd quarter. That Casteel in motion around the end thing has never once worked. Of course that could be because you spread all five out "WIDE", try bringing them in and then see if he can get out and around. MY GOODNESS!!!! SORRY everyone for the length of this.
Go Utes!!!
Congrats to the Utes | 12:39 p.m. Oct. 3, 2008
Way to pull it out at the end. Another good win for the MWC!
Here's to having 2 undefeated teams matched up on 11/22. Then my Cougars will give you the smack down!
Here's to having 2 undefeated teams matched up on 11/22. Then my Cougars will give you the smack down!
Mike A-PG Coug | 12:48 p.m. Oct. 3, 2008
For the second time in my life I actually cheered for the Utes (first ime
against Ben Olson and UCLA last year...liked the results!) I have been a huge
BYU fan/Ute hater for 35 plus years. Things change. BYU and the conference
needed this win from Utah....Badly. I almost prayed for my Northern adversaries
to win this one...but stopped short.I still was glad and relieved when the Utes
won. It looks a lot better for BYU win or lose to the Utes in November (I
predict the Utes win 38-34)
Cougar fans need to wise up...we will have a very tough time agaist Utah in November. We will be very Lucky to even get past TCU in Dallas. AFA and even UNLV could present challenges. I just hope one of the teams are high enough in the BCS to play for a NC. If a 2 loss team goes to the NC instead of an undefeated BYU or Utah, I hope there is a lawsuit. Utah already had a BCS game and we have a championship. Please get a playoff system.
Cougar fans need to wise up...we will have a very tough time agaist Utah in November. We will be very Lucky to even get past TCU in Dallas. AFA and even UNLV could present challenges. I just hope one of the teams are high enough in the BCS to play for a NC. If a 2 loss team goes to the NC instead of an undefeated BYU or Utah, I hope there is a lawsuit. Utah already had a BCS game and we have a championship. Please get a playoff system.
RE: | 1:12 p.m. Oct. 3, 2008
to BCS - Don't Think So | 11:23 a.m. Oct. 3, 2008
I see what you are saying. The PAC-10 is SSSSOOOO strong. They are just blowing out the weak Mountain West teams. I think the MWC is 6-1 vs. the PAC 10.
I see what you are saying. The PAC-10 is SSSSOOOO strong. They are just blowing out the weak Mountain West teams. I think the MWC is 6-1 vs. the PAC 10.
To: Mike A-PG Coug | 1:29 p.m. Oct. 3, 2008
Nice to see you coming around. ALL Cougarfans should chear for the Utes in
every game they are not playing the Cougs. It does BYU and this fantastic
rivalry absolutely no good if both teams are not strong teams - and this year is
shaping up to be historic that way.
Great win Utes!! Now BYU needs to manhandle the Ags in another shutout. A 31-0 win looks better on the national radar than a 65-21 win IMO. We are going into this game 105-0. I would love to keep that 0 going.
Thanks for keeping your end of the bargain up Utes as things are shaping up for the biggest rivalry game in history.
Great win Utes!! Now BYU needs to manhandle the Ags in another shutout. A 31-0 win looks better on the national radar than a 65-21 win IMO. We are going into this game 105-0. I would love to keep that 0 going.
Thanks for keeping your end of the bargain up Utes as things are shaping up for the biggest rivalry game in history.
Come on, Whit | 2:18 p.m. Oct. 3, 2008
I love the Utes. I love this season. But when are you going to learn to
correct the repeating mistakes???
Utah needs a QB coach in the WORST way. Back in 2004, I loved seeing Dan Mullen on the sideline with Alex after a mistake, immediately addressing it and working on how to avoid it. Utah doesn't have that. Ludwig is too busy calling the plays to worry about the individual attention to coaching Brian.
Brian continues to have dumb fumbles. He continues to freeze when Whittingham starts the conservative 'keep-away' game that he makes the Utes play when they have a lead.
Brian needs to play like the first half vs. Michigan and like the last two drives vs. OSU if the Utes want to be a contender.
They can't 'wait to play their potential' until the BYU game.
Utah is the most penalized team in the NCAA, and tehy haven't stopped the mistakes.
And the Utes offense is sixth or seventh in the MWC. With the talent on this team - that's unacceptable.
PLEASE work individually with Brian to teach him the option. And PLEASE stop changing the tempo of the game after leads.
Go UTES!
Utah needs a QB coach in the WORST way. Back in 2004, I loved seeing Dan Mullen on the sideline with Alex after a mistake, immediately addressing it and working on how to avoid it. Utah doesn't have that. Ludwig is too busy calling the plays to worry about the individual attention to coaching Brian.
Brian continues to have dumb fumbles. He continues to freeze when Whittingham starts the conservative 'keep-away' game that he makes the Utes play when they have a lead.
Brian needs to play like the first half vs. Michigan and like the last two drives vs. OSU if the Utes want to be a contender.
They can't 'wait to play their potential' until the BYU game.
Utah is the most penalized team in the NCAA, and tehy haven't stopped the mistakes.
And the Utes offense is sixth or seventh in the MWC. With the talent on this team - that's unacceptable.
PLEASE work individually with Brian to teach him the option. And PLEASE stop changing the tempo of the game after leads.
Go UTES!
Cougarfan97 | 2:45 p.m. Oct. 3, 2008
Good win Utes. And I am really impressed that no one is taking the bait on
either side to turn this thread into mindless rival ranting! Thank goodness!
This is much better, us just discussing each other's teams. What do you
guys expect from Wyoming? They should be easy but you better believe that they
are going to come out with some passion after that humiliating beat down in Salt
Lake city last year.
-Go Cougars!
-Go Cougars!
BYUtah fan | 4:14 p.m. Oct. 3, 2008
You've got to love it. Another BCS/PAC-10 team falls the mighty Utes of the
MWC. You've got to hand it to the Utah. Good teams find a way to win and
Utah found a way. Another check mark along the way to the titanic BYU-Utah
confrontation. I watched the game in a public place in Provo and there was
nothing but cheering for Utah. This is great football year for our state,
universities and conference. Great job Utah!!
danburtreynolds | 4:28 p.m. Oct. 3, 2008
To courgarfan97
I told a guy from Wyoming that I was going to Laramie for the game and his wife told me to watch out, I might get hit by a liquor bottle. That is what I am expecting from Wyoming. Laramie is a tough place to play. I like that Utah gets 10 days to prepare, they usually do well with extra time. Obviously, on paper Utah should win, but, it will be an emotionally charged game.
I told a guy from Wyoming that I was going to Laramie for the game and his wife told me to watch out, I might get hit by a liquor bottle. That is what I am expecting from Wyoming. Laramie is a tough place to play. I like that Utah gets 10 days to prepare, they usually do well with extra time. Obviously, on paper Utah should win, but, it will be an emotionally charged game.
re: BYU National Champs! | 11:31 a.m. Oct. 4, 2008
First of all neither Utah nor BYU is showing National Championship caliber.
Utah needs to stop throwing interceptions and fumbling the ball. This game
wouldn't have been close if you subtract the 6 for the fumble, and the 6
for the interception. Michigan wouldn't have been close for the same
reason. The defense had two miscues. They should've never let OSU score
in the first half. The second half score for OSU was more understandable for
the fact that the defense was playing twice as long since the offense took a
vacation during the 3rd quarter and half of the 4th quarter. I complement the
Defense, and hope they can improve a little bit. I complement the offense for
when they were firing on all cylinders. I complement the team for cleaning up
the game and having less penalties. Just work on the turnovers and I think the
offensive consistency will come naturally. That said, I hope the MWC continues
to improve and I hope that BYU and Utah are both undefeated for the final game.
I hope both teams are national championship caliber at that point. Utah
would've been national champions in 2004 if there was a playoff!
re: Congrats to OSU Coaches | 2:48 p.m. Oct. 4, 2008
Your argument sounds good for a guy that knows the final score, but the OSU
coaches made the very best coaching decisions when it came to deciding to go for
2 or the PAT. I will show you the complete logic in their decisions. OSU went
for the PAT on the first TD, and they missed. The next OSU TD, they were down
20 to 15. The PAT would leave them down by 2 scores. If they made the 2 pnt
conversion, then they would only be down by 3. Failure at the 2 pnt conversion
would leave things unchanged because they would still be down by 2 scores. The
next TD they were up 21-20. A PAT would put them up by two, which could be beat
by a FG. Going for two would mean that they could only be tied with a FG.
Missing the 2 pnt conversion still leaves you no worse because a FG would beat a
1 pnt lead just as good as it beats a 2 pnt lead. The next TD, the score was
27-20. They went for the PAT. Here the PAT put them up 28-20. Going
would've risked something here. They didn't.
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Utah quarterback Brian Johnson powered the Utes to a come-from-behind victory over Oregon State with a late touchdown pass and a two-point conversion run.
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