SB Nation User Blog: JazzyUte

Utah is 7-0 all-time in games when both they and their opponent are ranked in the Associated Press...

JazzyUte — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 07:32:19 -0000

Utah is 7-0 all-time in games when both they and their opponent are ranked in the Associated Press poll.

Let's make that 8-0 Saturday night!

Surprise! Bronco was wrong

JazzyUte — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 05:19:10 -0000

More photos » by Colin E. Braley - AP

Eddie Wide is trying to carry Utah to another Mountain West title

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Earlier last month, BYU head coach Bronco Mendenhall suggested the Cougars-Frogs game would decide the Mountain West. There wasn't even a hint of Utah anywhere in his words. That was the definitive title game - or so he thought.

This Saturday, Utah and TCU will meet in Fort Worth for essentially a conference championship game. The winner will at least lock up a share of the title and the loser will probably be theoretically eliminated from title discussion (though TCU has a slim chance at claiming a tie due to the fact the Utes still take on BYU down in Provo).

Which means, for the second year in a row, the conference title does not run through Provo. Which is a surprise, because two years ago it appeared BYU was well on their way to claiming control of the top-spot in the Mountain West.

Prior to the 2008 season, the Cougars had not lost a conference game since 2005 (their final of the season, against Utah) and had won two consecutive outright conference titles. They were poised for not only a third, but possibly the BCS. That came crashing down in Fort Worth and since, it's been a Utah/TCU league.

It's interesting how fast the landscape changed. In BYU's last season atop the conference, they were an impressive 11-2, while the Utes and Frogs were a combined 17-9. Not entirely impressive.

Since, BYU has gone 17-5 and the Utes and Frogs are a combined 24-3 and more importantly, undefeated in conference play (18-0 over the last two seasons; BYU is 10-3). Oh the mighty have fallen - though I'll give the Cougars some credit for not entirely slipping into irrelevance.

What's also interesting is that I think most people thought TCU and Utah would be playing for the conference championship prior to the season. The Utes weren't just going to fall off due to losses on offense and TCU was by far the clear favorites to dethrone Utah. Bronco, obviously, had different thoughts.

Then BYU beat Oklahoma and everything changed. Well changed up until their game against Florida State and they quickly fell back to reality. Yet, even after that loss, they still felt this team was capable of beating TCU. They weren't. Which makes Bronco's statement that much more laughable.

I had a feeling back in October the title would not come down to that game and it won't. Utah and TCU will once again decide who wins the Mountain West - not BYU.

That must suck for the Provo faithful who, three years ago, thought they were too good for the Mountain West.

CBS Sports' Dodd in Utah's corner

JazzyUte — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 23:29:18 -0000

At least for this week.

Dennis Dodd, Senior Writer: Some lingering bad feelings in this one. Last year in Salt Lake City, TCU outplayed Utah for 58 minutes and lost in the last two, 13-10. Utes are feeling disrespected this week for not being acknowledged as the defending MWC champs. This is the biggest game in conference history considering Utah has been to BCS bowls twice. TCU has never been there. Frogs croak.

Prediction: Utah 23, TCU 20

Can't really go wrong with that!

"Kyle's not afraid to use anything as motivation," says one of his former players. "The practices...

JazzyUte — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 20:24:27 -0000

"Kyle's not afraid to use anything as motivation," says one of his former players. "The practices the week before the TCU game aren't the same as the practices the week of Wyoming or San Diego State. He might yell at you if the effort isn't there the week of the Utah State game, but if it happens the week of TCU, he'll start practice over. He uses psychology, mind games, he'll fabricate a story, to get your attention. He'll call a team meeting and tell everybody: 'We're going to get our asses kicked.' He'll make you wonder: 'Am I doing enough to be ready this week?' That gets everyone hyper-focused."

Why Utah has a chance...

What the 16-point spread means

JazzyUte — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 19:16:19 -0000

More photos » by Will Powers - AP

TCU is good. But sixteen-point favorites over the fourteenth team in the nation? Not quite sure.

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I'm pissed. I'm pissed the spread is so high. I get that TCU is a great team. I get Utah hasn't looked entirely great this season. I get that. What I don't get is how, knowing the history of this rivalry, Vegas can disrespect Utah so badly.

Does anyone recall the last time the Utes were such big underdogs? UCLA 2007? It surely wasn't the Sugar Bowl (though that was ridiculously high, as well).

I guess I see this as more of a slight against Utah than a sign of respect toward TCU. I mean, I was kind of pissed last year when the Utes were underdogs in their own stadium against the Frogs, but this takes disrespect to a whole new level. Seriously. I doubt you'll find one game between the fourth ranked and fourteenth ranked teams that even resembles such a spread.

Maybe I'm getting worked up over nothing and hell, maybe in the end it'll actually help us (Utah seems to play better when everyone writes them off), but I think they've earned a bit more than a 16-point 20-point spread against a team who - regardless of margin - has only won one more game this season.

I guess if anything will be gained from this is that I expect the Utes to easily cover. That means anyone dumb enough to bet against Utah will lose their money. But we'll see.

Patterson prepares for Utah

JazzyUte — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 08:25:32 -0000

You know, over at his van down by the river.

Rivals ranks Utes 8th, TCU 4th

JazzyUte — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 23:13:11 -0000

Rivals ranks Utes 8th, TCU 4th

Now that's some respect.

Utah's path to a 3-1 record against the Frogs

JazzyUte — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 18:17:56 -0000

More photos » by Colin E. Braley - AP

3 days ago: Utah wide receiver Jereme Brooks (85) looks back for New Mexico defenders as he scores a touchdown off a 69-yard Jordan Wynn pass during the first quarter of an NCAA college football game at Rice-Eccles Stadium, Saturday, Nov. 7, 2009, in Salt Lake City, Utah. Utah defeated New Mexico 45-14. (AP Photo/Colin E. Braley)

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It's hard to compare these Frogs to TCU teams of the past because they're just so damn good. But I think there is precedence here. The Utes have done better than any Mountain West team against TCU and own a 3-1 record since their arrival in 2005. That just isn't luck. There is an obvious trend that suggests the Utes have their number.

Now does that mean much for Saturday's game? Not quite. The Frogs are capable of beating Utah. They did it in Kyle Whittingham's first season and had them on the ropes last year. But I think it also shows the Utes are capable of going toe-to-toe with them and that's what they'll need to do if they have any chance Saturday.

What better way to get an idea of what to expect this weekend than by looking at the past three meetings (all Utah victories) and comparing them to TCU's output each year.

2008:

The game most remember. Utah trailed 10-0 and 10-3 at the half before rallying and winning 13-10 in the final minute. It was a loss the Frogs suggested should not have happened and you know they still aren't over it. But how did Utah manage to win that game? It wasn't just because TCU missed a couple crucial field goals deep in the Utes' territory.

For starters, let's take a look at the defensive statistics, since that has always been the Frogs' strongest point under Gary Patterson.

Last season, TCU once again had one of the best defenses in the country. They ranked second in points given up per game at 10.9 (we'll round that up to 11).

Looking deeper, though, the Frogs ranked second (behind USC) in yards given up at 215 per game. This is actually better than their current total - if you can believe it.

Utah, in their win, had 275 total yards. That's pretty significant when you realize just how well TCU kept offenses in check. That 275 total yards was the most TCU gave up in all but two games (Oklahoma and BYU). This shows the Utes did just enough on offense to keep the game from turning into a total Frogs blowout (10-0 in any case against Utah that year would've been considered a blowout).

What won the game for the Utes, however, was their defense. Last year, like this year, TCU averaged 35-points (this year it's 37, but you get the point). They also averaged 417 yards per game, which put them in the top-half of the country. They're doing a bit better this season at 458.

In their loss to Utah, though, they were actually held just one-point below their season average. Surprising, isn't it? Of course, most those yards came in the first half - when the Frogs scored all their points and that can't be ignored. The Utes' defense struggled early, calmed down and shut TCU out for the remainder of the game. In fact, the Frogs really only rolled Utah on their first two possessions. After that, their gameplan was good enough to get them into field goal range, but hardly good enough for gimmie-points. They also failed to break the plane on their lone touchdown, though that's neither here nor there.

On the offensive end for the Utes, they struggled compared to their season average. They did put up 37-points per game in 2008, yet only scored 13 and averaged 405-yards on the year, though only 275 against the Frogs. We knew, though, TCU's defense would control Utah's offense just enough to make the game extremely close. They did.

It was on the defensive end where the Utes really put a dent into the Frog offense. I stated earlier they averaged 35-points per game and Utah held them only to 10. I don't expect a similar performance, but they should hold them well below their 37-point average this season.

Beyond that, the Utes' defense gave up 17-points per game on average, which is actually worse than this year's total (16 points per game). Utah is also doing about as well as they did last season in how many yards per game they give up. In 2008, it was 296, this season it is 299 - so a three yard difference). TCU did manage 416 in their loss to Utah, but I went over their unusually high production earlier.

In last year's game, it was really a mix of offensive and defensive performance that led Utah to the victory. It's not correct to suggest they completely shut TCU down - they didn't. However, they played better all around than any team the Frogs faced outside of Oklahoma (who really poured it on them).

What's interesting is how similar this season really is to last season's in terms of statistics. The defensive numbers aren't all that off and the offensive numbers for both teams are only slightly different. Maybe this TCU team isn't really leaps and bounds better than last year's. Though we know Utah isn't quite near the level they were in 2008 and that handicaps them a bit. It also means the Frogs don't need to be extremely better than last season to beat Utah.

But it does tell us maybe the Utes have a better shot than originally thought.

2007:

I think 2007 will mirror this week's game more than last year's contest. I say this not only because it's on the road, but I don't see another 13-10 decision. It won't be that low scoring. Which is an interesting position to take due to the fact Utah's offense is worse this season than last and TCU's defense is probably just as good and even then, the Utes only managed 13-points...at home.

The Utes won that game in 2007, 27-20. It was a close contest that came down to an onside kick that was overturned due to a TCU player touching the ball before it went ten yards.

It's hard to say if the Frogs would have tied the game up had the onside kick actually worked, but it certainly would have made things interesting. Regardless, though, the Utes left Fort Worth with a huge win (their fourth straight of the season) and it really set the tone for what would come to follow (a 13-0 campaign a year later).

I do believe this year's Utes are better than their 2007 counterparts and statistics tend to back that up. But it's also clear TCU is far better than they were that year and the statistics soundly make that point.

For the Frogs, they struggled a bit on the offensive end two years ago. They only managed 27-points per game (10-points less than this season) and scored seven points less than that average against Utah. Their total yards per game was at 388, which wasn't entirely bad, but again not near the level of this year's total. Utah held them to 285.

Yet it was on the defensive side of the ball that really hurt TCU overall. They did manage a respectable 19-points given up per game and they only allowed 320-yards per game. But compared to this year, there is a clear distinction. I mean, allowing almost 100 less yards per game is huge. It could be the difference between multiple scores.

Even though their defense in 2007 has a hard time living up to this year's squad, they were capable of keeping Utah's offense well below their season average in yards and they managed to do better than their season average in yards given up. The Utes only had 227 that night - 92 short of their season average.

The interesting thing about this game is that nearly across the board, TCU played better than Utah.

They had more total yards (227 for Utah, 285 for TCU), more first downs and fewer penalties. Where the Utes really won the game was in turnovers and time of possession. The Frogs had four turnovers to Utah's one and the Utes held onto the ball for nearly 37-minutes. TCU only had it for 23-minutes. When you're chewing up clock like that and running the ball just enough (Utah had 107 yards on the ground), you're going to be in position to win the game.

And that's exactly what the Utes did. It wasn't a particularly pretty victory, but they managed to win and improved their record to 5-3 on the season.

2006:

Probably the most baffling of Utah's wins because this wasn't a very good Utes team and the game was shockingly not all that close. Utah steamrolled TCU 20-7 in a defensive battle that really made the difference between a disastrous second year for Whittingham and a fairly tolerable season.

The 2006 Frogs were actually pretty good. I'd say one of the best defensive teams TCU has fielded. In fact, that defense was very similar to this year's in the sense they really knew how to shut opponents down.

They gave up only about 13-points per game, which was fifth best in the nation that year and they ranked fourth in yards given up (249). Their offense, though, wasn't nearly as good. They were only slightly better than Utah in both points per game and yards per game. This probably leveled the playing field just a bit, because the Utes' defense had some problems.

In 2006, they gave up 20 points and 327 total yards per game - the worst average of the Whittingham era. Utah's defense wasn't entirely bad, but it wasn't really good, either. With TCU's offense not near the level it would become the next three years, Utah did benefit from its low rate of success.

The Frogs were held well below their season average in points and yards. TCU averaged 404-yards that season and the Utes held them only to 309. On the other side of the ball, they really pounded the Frogs' defense. It was, without question, the most dominant performance either team has had in this series in the Mountain West era.

Utah had 354 total yards, which was the second most given up by the TCU defense that year (BYU, their other loss, managed 395). The Utes also forced four turnovers, which dictated the flow in Utah's favor even more.

In the end, the Utes pretty much had their way with TCU. It wasn't quite the blowout the Frogs saw a week prior against the Cougars, but it was close. Which is remarkable because while on its own, the win doesn't look entirely out of place, in the context of the season, you see just how poor the Utes looked for a good portion of it. It is, in fact, a win that was sandwiched in between a 36-3 loss to Boise State and then a 31-15 loss to Wyoming.

The bottom line is that in the last two meetings, things have been extremely close. It's come down to one or two plays, yet it seems Utah has had the advantage, even though TCU might have looked a bit better statistically. I can't explain that entirely and I won't try to because some things are better left unexplained. What I do know is that the Utes have the winning mindset against the Frogs. This much is proven with their ability to overcome losing the statistical sheet and winning the game.

What has kept Utah in position to win every one of these games has been their defense. It was that defense in 2008 that pushed TCU back just far enough to where their two crucial field goals weren't a given. It was that defense in 2007 that forced four turnovers and preserved a huge and season-defining win on the road.

If Utah is going to win this week, it will take a solid defensive effort and a little push on the offensive end.

With history really backing up the Utes' chances, I think it would be very unwise to suggest they can't win this game.

#14 Utah @ #4 TCU

JazzyUte — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 05:01:08 -0000

Next Game

Utah Utes
@ TCU Horned Frogs

Saturday, Nov 14, 2009, 5:30 PM MST

Amon G. Carter Stadium

TV: CBS College HD

Radio: Kall 700

Complete Coverage >

Utah faces its toughest test this Saturday as they travel to take on undefeated TCU. The Horned Frogs are vying for the school's first BCS berth and a win against the Utes would all but put them there.

For Utah, this game marks a chance to win at least a share of the conference championship (assuming they beat San Diego State in two weeks) and position themselves for a chance at the BCS. While the odds might be stacked for the latter to happen, it's certainly something they will be playing for this weekend.

Which is essentially the scenario we saw a year ago, though the roles were reversed. In 2008, a 13-10 Utah victory, the Utes entered their epic showdown against TCU undefeated and a test away from pretty much locking up a spot in the Sugar Bowl. The Frogs entered with one-loss and were trying to play spoiler, while also bolstering their BCS chances.

The game lived up to its billing, as Utah would only take the lead in the final 50 seconds after trailing the entire game. It was, until that Sugar Bowl, the biggest win in school history. It was also the biggest game in Mountain West history. Is this year's tilt even bigger?

Utah was ranked 10th and TCU 11th when they met a year ago. TCU was also poised to overtake Boise State with a win and that meant it was pretty much a BCS elimination game. This year, however, that isn't the case. TCU could be eliminated from the BCS picture with a loss, but a win by Utah doesn't assure the Utes anything except the inside track to the Mountain West title.

Which probably suggests last year's game was a bit more important. Plus, both teams appeared to be fairly equal. In fact, the Frogs actually were a couple-point favorites over Utah, even though the game was being played in Salt Lake City. This time around, it seems there is quite a bit of distance between the two programs. Which explains the Vegas line, which is as high as 17-points in some places.

The Utes also haven't looked entirely impressive this season. They've eeked out wins over San Jose State, Colorado State, Air Force and Wyoming - teams that, outside of the Falcons, aren't doing much this season. But is it fair to suggest Utah isn't impressive because their games haven't exactly been blowouts? I mean, this is a team that hasn't lost in conference play since the 2007 season and boast a solid 21-1 record in their last 22-games.

Yet the general consensus is that the Utes won't put up much of a fight. Which is hard to believe given the history of this series since TCU joined the Mountain West in 2005.

For starters, Utah is 3-1 against the Frogs over the past four seasons. That includes three straight victories and that lone loss came in overtime on a controversial play. The Frogs finished that year 11-1.

Only one team in the Mountain West seems to have their number and it is Utah. They're 1-1 in Fort Worth and with their worst team of the Whittingham era (2006) soundly beat TCU in Salt Lake. That would be only one of two losses. Their other came against BYU - who won the Mountain West that year.

Why the hype entering this game? They're good. Really good. Arguably the best team in Mountain West history. If they go undefeated, you might have to drop the arguably from that statement. The Utes, on the other hand, aren't really good. They might be good, but that's not good enough to beat what many perceive to be a national champion contender.

Since TCU's loss to Utah in November of last year, they've yet to lose. That includes an impressive bowl win over the Boise St. Broncos in the Poinsettia Bowl (their main challenger this year for a BCS spot) and road wins over Clemson and BYU. But beyond just wins, it's been the way they've won that has turned heads. Because if you look at the statistics, it paints a clear picture - TCU has dominated this season. That's not quite something Utah could have said a year ago entering their game against the Frogs.

Nationally, their defense ranks fourth in points given up per game and third in yards given up per game. But what really sets this TCU team apart from other Mountain West squads (and TCU of '08) is their offense.

Believe it or not, the Frogs rank sixth in the nation in points per game. They also rank eighth in yards per game. So, they basically have a great defense and a really good offense. For any opponent, those are numbers you do not want to see because it signals there isn't much weakness to exploit.

The good news is that the Utes have a really good defense. It might not be great, though a great performance this week would certainly make it that, but it's extremely good. I don't anticipate TCU putting up 37-points Saturday (their season average). It's just not going to happen.

That's why I believe Utah has a chance to win. I've always thought it better to have a so-so offense and a really good defense than a so-so defense and a really good offense (if you can't have both). Just look at BYU. I think it's safe to say they have a really good offense. But how'd that help them against TCU a few weeks ago? Their offense was shut down and because their defense was suspect, it allowed the Frogs to move the ball pretty much at their desire. The same thing happened a year prior.

This will not be an issue for Utah Saturday. They might not have a very good offense, but they don't need a very good offense to beat TCU. They just need their defense to step it up and keep the game close enough so that a few potential mistakes by the Frogs, or big plays by Jordan Wynn or Eddie Wide, could push them to the win.

Obviously Utah is facing a tall order here. Winning will take absolutely the best effort we've seen from them since the Sugar Bowl. But like the Sugar Bowl, it can be done. The Utes know this and they will enter Saturday's game with the mindset they can win. Just like they did back in January when they first stunned the college football world. Well the world is watching and doubting again and there is no better time to prove to them that Utah is still the King of the Mountain West and the best non-BCS team in the country.

Utah wins if...They don't turn the ball over. They have to thread the needle with this one if they even want to be in the game entering the final minutes. Turnovers will kill them. If Wynn struggles as the new starter and throws a couple of interceptions, or the receivers fumble, it's going to be a long night. TCU has too good of a defense to not pounce on Utah mistakes. And while our defense will do its job at keeping us in the game, if they're going to win it, they'll need an error-free night by the offense.

TCU wins if...They force Wynn into turning the ball over and shut down the run. TCU's run defense is good, but Utah's run offense is good (26th nationally), too. If the Utes can't run, they can't win.

What will happen...Utah plays a mistake free game. They find a solid running attack, chew up some game clock and play very conservative on offense. Defensively, they shut down Andy Dalton, stall the Frogs' running attack and the game plays out similar to 2007. Utes win 21-17.

Am I nuts for picking Utah? I can't go against them. I just can't. Not in a big game. Not after I've seen Whittingham teams rise up even when they weren't very good. We will win this. What are your predictions?

Utes drop to 16th in BCS

JazzyUte — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 22:11:18 -0000

Utes drop to 16th in BCS

Kinda saw this coming. Oregon lost and then we had to absorb a win over a team who's currently 0-9 this season.