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Utah Utes football: Offense trying to get back on track
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Y Fan | 7:00 a.m. Oct. 28, 2009
Utah has to get their rear in gear with their ofence, Realy close U. It's
gonna be a showdown in november!
Hello. | 8:00 a.m. Oct. 28, 2009
Wyoming is a good football team that went into Colorado Springs and played AF
almost even. Since I know the Utes won't take Wyoming lightly, I'm
not too concerned with Mike Sorenson's thoughts about this--but, he should
know Wyoming is not the weak sister it was under Joe Glenn.
T. Cain is a wonderful, young football player. But, Schram is not using Cain's strenghs very well--and that is what needs to be fixed.
The Ute's base running play is the read option, but Cain hasn't yet been able to make this play work because he can't seem to make the "read" necessary. He has to keep the ball sometimes, if only to keep the defense honest. Alex Smith was the master of this play, with less pure atheletic skills than Cain (if you ask me).
So, if there is one thing to do this week in practice it is to help Cain make that read and keep the ball a third to a half the time.
Also, involve the tight end in some intermediate range pass routes that Cain can throw accurately.
Go Utes!
T. Cain is a wonderful, young football player. But, Schram is not using Cain's strenghs very well--and that is what needs to be fixed.
The Ute's base running play is the read option, but Cain hasn't yet been able to make this play work because he can't seem to make the "read" necessary. He has to keep the ball sometimes, if only to keep the defense honest. Alex Smith was the master of this play, with less pure atheletic skills than Cain (if you ask me).
So, if there is one thing to do this week in practice it is to help Cain make that read and keep the ball a third to a half the time.
Also, involve the tight end in some intermediate range pass routes that Cain can throw accurately.
Go Utes!
Come on | 8:32 a.m. Oct. 28, 2009
I know losing Asiata was a big blow - but to still be mentioning it as a problem
for the offense is crazy - especially when you consider that Wide has had so
much success at running the ball. I know that the wildcat or Asiat package was
a big part of the offense but either use someone else in that scheme or develop
a wrinkle.
I like Cain - I think he has the ability to be great we just need to open up the offense a little more - we have been productive without Asiata in other games - go back to that film and figure out what was working.
Also, if you are still using almost all of the play clock with a no-huddle, then really what is the point? Just huddle up get the play in and then let them get to the line... mix in a no huddle here and there to throw teams off but it you do it every time and use the whole play clock anyway, it's not going to work to your advantage.
Even with the problems, the Utes still find ways to win - that is great.
Go Utes!!!
I like Cain - I think he has the ability to be great we just need to open up the offense a little more - we have been productive without Asiata in other games - go back to that film and figure out what was working.
Also, if you are still using almost all of the play clock with a no-huddle, then really what is the point? Just huddle up get the play in and then let them get to the line... mix in a no huddle here and there to throw teams off but it you do it every time and use the whole play clock anyway, it's not going to work to your advantage.
Even with the problems, the Utes still find ways to win - that is great.
Go Utes!!!
Comments continue below
No-Huddle | 9:17 a.m. Oct. 28, 2009
I'm armchair quarterbacking here, but I don't understand the point of
a no-huddle when you're barely getting the play off in time.
Predictable play-calling is starting to catch up to us. Air Force was right on top of that quick pass to the flat we always run early.
Predictable play-calling is starting to catch up to us. Air Force was right on top of that quick pass to the flat we always run early.
LaVar the Utah Cat | 9:26 a.m. Oct. 28, 2009
If Cain is truly as poor as it seems on longer passes, then maybe flea-flicker
passes and longer passes by other than the QB are part of the answer. I also say
either play Wynn or redshirt him. Don't dither and do a McBride (Alex
Smith) and waste a year on one series of downs.
Dave Schramm | 9:50 a.m. Oct. 28, 2009
seems like a nice enough guy, but I know Mike Sanford will need a job at the end
of the year. Can we bring him back please?
Ted | 10:39 a.m. Oct. 28, 2009
Air Force defense is one of the top 10 in the country.... Don't blame it on
lack of Utah offense...they were up against one of the best.
Why Sanford? | 11:46 a.m. Oct. 28, 2009
Why would you want him back? every one knows it was Urban and Dan Mullen who
actually ran the offense in '04.
The Long Ball | 11:56 a.m. Oct. 28, 2009
Does not have to do with Cains arm strength. It has everything to do with other
phases of the offense working in order to call the down field ball. Schram will
be waisting plays because the Shorter phases of the game aren't working.
And I agree with Ted, the Airforce D is legit!!!
Read Option | 12:25 p.m. Oct. 28, 2009
This play only works if the defensive end crashes down on the running back. IF
the defensive end plays the QB then Cain will always give it to the back. so
that is what he is reading the defensive end and it is not his fault for not
running the ball. GO UTES!
Anonymous | 1:09 p.m. Oct. 28, 2009
Cain is a stud. Open up the play book for him. Go utes! Beat Wyoming!
Wayne Peart | 1:35 p.m. Oct. 28, 2009
LOL what's so funny is that some BYU fans are already saying it will be a
good year for them If they can beat Utah (Which Won't Happen).
0
0
Funny | 1:42 p.m. Oct. 28, 2009
I guess all that team speed at wideout is irrelevant if your QB can't out
throw a cheerleader.....BYU's DB's can cheat up and cover any WR for
10 yds....
Re: Read Option | 1:43 p.m. Oct. 28, 2009
Problem is that the defensive end is not always keyed on Cain. In fact, agaist
AF the D-end consistently cheated inside--expecting Wide to get the hand-off.
There were several plays where Cain had 6-8 yeard gains had he kept the ball.
Go Utes!
Go Utes!
Re: Funny | 1:59 p.m. Oct. 28, 2009
Don't kid yourself.. BYU's DB's couldn't keep up with a 90
year old grandmother with a broken leg.
JB1 | 1:59 p.m. Oct. 28, 2009
Yes everyone knows that Mullen and Urban were the designers of that offense
(exceot for the guy above I guess), but how bout giving BJ a shot at OC.
Moose on the Loose | 2:48 p.m. Oct. 28, 2009
Everyone knows that losing Asiata was a BIG blow to the yewties offense.
Every game now we here the Ewes whinning because of Asiata loss.
Let's play ball and quit using all of the excuses!!!
Also, if you are still using almost all of the play clock with a no-huddle, then really what is the point? Just huddle up get the play in and then let them get to the line... mix in a no huddle here and there to throw teams off but it you do it every time and use the whole play clock anyway, it's not going to work to your advantage.
The Yewts were lucky to pull out wins that last couple of weeks............but your luck won't last for ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Just count your blessings that you don't have to play my Bronco and play on our blue turf and hear our supportive fans!!!!!!!!!
Every game now we here the Ewes whinning because of Asiata loss.
Let's play ball and quit using all of the excuses!!!
Also, if you are still using almost all of the play clock with a no-huddle, then really what is the point? Just huddle up get the play in and then let them get to the line... mix in a no huddle here and there to throw teams off but it you do it every time and use the whole play clock anyway, it's not going to work to your advantage.
The Yewts were lucky to pull out wins that last couple of weeks............but your luck won't last for ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Just count your blessings that you don't have to play my Bronco and play on our blue turf and hear our supportive fans!!!!!!!!!
LMAO | 3:25 p.m. Oct. 28, 2009
Moose On the Loose: I don't know of any fans blaming or whining about
losing Asiata, but I guess if it works for your argument by all means.
We are not making excuses and you also won't find me scouting out Boise State articles to talk trash about them. Way to stay classy though. I also think all the Ute "fans" who go out of their way to bash BYU are lame, but I guess it adds to the rivalry.
I would say that a lot of the problems with Utah's offense is a few issues. First and foremost, we cannot have our WR dropping balls, I have seen too many this season. Second, we need to stretch the field more by calling some long throw plays. Three we need a leader to step up and be vocal on our offense, it is like we are going out there only worried about doing our assigned job that we forget to play as a team and that is because nobody is leading the offense.
We are not making excuses and you also won't find me scouting out Boise State articles to talk trash about them. Way to stay classy though. I also think all the Ute "fans" who go out of their way to bash BYU are lame, but I guess it adds to the rivalry.
I would say that a lot of the problems with Utah's offense is a few issues. First and foremost, we cannot have our WR dropping balls, I have seen too many this season. Second, we need to stretch the field more by calling some long throw plays. Three we need a leader to step up and be vocal on our offense, it is like we are going out there only worried about doing our assigned job that we forget to play as a team and that is because nobody is leading the offense.
re: Moose | 3:54 p.m. Oct. 28, 2009
Enjoy that ride right down the BCS standings Moose. Boise and their cupcake
schedule is already being exposed as a fraud, and it's only 1 week into the
BCS rankings. Imagine the next 5 weeks as you play nothing but WAC teams, and
other schools run right by you in the BCS.
Enjoy the Humanitarian Bowl! Or maybe you can lose to the 2nd place MWC team again this year in San Diego!
Enjoy the Humanitarian Bowl! Or maybe you can lose to the 2nd place MWC team again this year in San Diego!
Funny guy | 5:18 p.m. Oct. 28, 2009
When did it become funnty to spell Utes Y-e-w-t-s? It has never been funny. It
actually makes the person who wrote it look like an idiot. But, you
wouldn't care about looking like an idiot because you use 25 exclamation
points. One is enough.
GO WYO, go COUGS. We'll rebound, Max is the man. The only way Utah resembles TCU is that they have never been able to stop Harvey Unga.
GO WYO, go COUGS. We'll rebound, Max is the man. The only way Utah resembles TCU is that they have never been able to stop Harvey Unga.
Big J | 7:03 p.m. Oct. 28, 2009
We have had issues with our offense. We had issues with our offense this time
last year. We continue to work those "kinks" out as the year goes on.
By the last few games of the year, we are hitting our stride.
Go utes!
Go utes!
RE: Moose on the Loose | 7:11 p.m. Oct. 28, 2009
Boise fan, you are the equivalent of a stalker when it comes to your obsession
with the Utes. Please keep your comments to your own Idaho papers.
rvalens2 | 7:46 p.m. Oct. 28, 2009
Re: Moose on the Loose
As a Utah fan, who also happens to be a Boise State fan, I find your postings on issues related to the Utah team to be in poor taste.
I root for both teams because I'm an Idahoan that attended the UofU. My heart lies with the Utes but I also cheer for the Broncos and watch as many Boise State games as I can.
Who would be better in a head to head match up this year? I'd give a slight edge to Boise State only because they beat Oregon and have a solid quarterback and receiving corp.
I say let's support both Utah and BSU. To me when both do well it drives another nail into the coffin of this farce we call the Bowl Championship Series.
As a Utah fan, who also happens to be a Boise State fan, I find your postings on issues related to the Utah team to be in poor taste.
I root for both teams because I'm an Idahoan that attended the UofU. My heart lies with the Utes but I also cheer for the Broncos and watch as many Boise State games as I can.
Who would be better in a head to head match up this year? I'd give a slight edge to Boise State only because they beat Oregon and have a solid quarterback and receiving corp.
I say let's support both Utah and BSU. To me when both do well it drives another nail into the coffin of this farce we call the Bowl Championship Series.
I'm offended | 7:16 a.m. Oct. 29, 2009
No offense, but that is the most cliched opening line to a story in the history
of journalism, Mike. It's only been done roughly 17 billion times. Can we
please get some quality writing up in this joint?
Anonymous | 8:40 a.m. Oct. 29, 2009
"We'll rebound, Max is the man. The only way Utah resembles TCU is
that they have never been able to stop Harvey Unga."
Is this dude serious? 38-7, and he's pumping-up Unga. Unreal.
BTW, how was "Max" the man, in a 48-24 blow-out loss to UTAH last year, or the 32-7 beating TCU gave bywho, last year? HAHAHAHA
Is this dude serious? 38-7, and he's pumping-up Unga. Unreal.
BTW, how was "Max" the man, in a 48-24 blow-out loss to UTAH last year, or the 32-7 beating TCU gave bywho, last year? HAHAHAHA
davidutefan | 12:55 p.m. Oct. 29, 2009
Let's see, We lose a different running back to injury just about every
game. Our QB is a first year starter. Our pass defense is the strength of the
team and we played a team that passes what? 3 times a season. A team that is for
real on defense and gave TCU fits earlier in the season and our only loss comes
to a highly ranked team leading the PAC 10 right now and we're already
bowl eligible after 7 games. What was it I'm supposed to be worried about
again?
re:anonymous@8:40 | 1:20 p.m. Oct. 29, 2009
Kruger's still open ,too!
Anonymous | 1:13 a.m. Oct. 30, 2009
Heeeellloooooo people......why have the Utes not used Jamel King? Now that he
is back (injury last year), they are missing out on a tough young guy. Remember
before his injury he made it up to the rover linebacker position. He has too
much talent to not be used in the Utes line-up.
UtahAlumnus | 2:31 p.m. Oct. 30, 2009
Breaking News: We just fumbled the ball again.
Breaking News again: Cain just tried to throw deep again resulting in another pick.
Breaking News again: Pass interference on one our cornerbacks.
Breaking News again: Another penalty on the Utes.
Breaking News again: Cain just tried to throw deep again resulting in another pick.
Breaking News again: Pass interference on one our cornerbacks.
Breaking News again: Another penalty on the Utes.
Anonymous | 8:03 p.m. Oct. 30, 2009
Is it possible that Schram is trying too hard? Maybe what needs to happen is
for the reins to be relaxed a bit and let Cain play HIS game. We have a ton of
talent of the offense but they don't execute. I'm not a football guru
by any stretch but it seems to me that the no huddle strategy is not playing
into the strengths of the athletes. Look what happened last year when Ludwig
let Johnson play his game in the Sugar bowl. I'm just sayn'
Comments?
Comments?
ChubbyElvis | 12:57 a.m. Oct. 31, 2009
Cain has had plenty of opportunities to show the coaching staff what he can do.
Watching this season, its obvoious Cain is very gifted as an athlete but as a
quaterback there have been some questions raised. How well does he..read
defenses?..throw the deep ball?..throw with accuracy? and lastly How good are
his football instincts? At times this offense looks like its on the verge of
disaster, only to be miraclously saved by a 5 yard slant pass or a sweep which
the WRS or RBS run 80 yards for a TD. The coaching staff may be realizing that
against TCU, the Utes are going to need a much more prolific offense. Wynn may
be a freshman, but he is wise beyond his years. His pocket presence, ability to
read defenses, that rocket of an arm and ability to put the ball where only the
reciever can catch it maybe just the thing to wake up that sleeping giant known
as the Utah Utes Offense!
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U. running back Matt Asiata, shown here during fall practices, was supposed to be the focal point of the offense, but he's out with injury.
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