It was a rough season opener for the University of Utah as they seemed out of sync from the get-go against the USC Trojans, ultimately losing 33-17. Several positions were overmatched, although in fairness, the Covid issues the program faced the last two weeks, were heavy factors in the performance.
Here are the position grades for the game:
Quarterback: D+
Cam Rising had his moments early on, but ultimately had two costly turnovers, before exiting the game to a likely season-ending injury. His pass on the rollout to Cole Fotheringham was a thing of perfection and something he’s done all fall in practice. Unfortunately for 2020, it looks like everyone will have to wait another year to see why the program was so excited about him as the starter.
Bentley then came in and looked like a typical backup quarterback thrown into the middle of a game. To his defense, he missed about a week due to Covid contact-tracing rules, so it was obvious that that time off didn’t help. He should be a lot better going forward.
Overall they combined to go 19-34 for 216 yards for three interceptions and a fumble. Utah is lucky to have Bentley’s experience, but their offense will now be more limited than it would have been with Rising.
Running Backs: B-
Playing from behind and with no definitive go-to guy in the backfield, the running backs had their moments, but were never really about to find a rhythm. The running backs finished with 23 for 98 yards. However, 64 of those yards came in four carries.
Despite his lost fumble on the exchange—which was more on Bentley with a handoff that was placed at the top of the shoulder pads—true freshman Ty Jordan looks like a future star. He had seven carries for 32 yards and one reception for 21 yards. He displayed an explosive burst and packed a punch when he went head-on with the defenders. Still though, losing a fumble, gives you a short leash.
Wide Receiver: B-
With star receiver Britain Covey out, four receivers caught passes. Both Bryan Thompson and Solomon Enis had receptions of over 25 yards, with 30 and 25 respectively. Samson Nacua scored the offense’s only touchdown. Other than that, it was a performance to forget for a group that had received a lot of praise.
The hope is that Covey returns this coming week, but they need to get into a much better rhythm with Bentley, and fast.
Tight End: C+
USC made it a point to take the Utah tight ends out of the game plan and they did just that. Star Brant Kuithe only caught the ball four times, something that can’t happen going forward. He needs to be involved in both the run and passing games, in order to keep the defense on their toes. Overall three of them had six receptions for 52 yards and Rising connected with Fotheringham on probably the best pass and reception of the game. This group is too talented and needs to have more than six receptions per game.
Offensive Line: D+
To all of you that want bash on offensive line coach Jim Harding, stop. The starter had about two and a half practices to get into sync with one another, as that group was hit hard by Covid and the contact-tracing. They also started three freshmen.
Now with that out of the way, it was a bad performance. Rising and Bentley rarely had much time to settle into the pocket. There were also plenty of runs stopped right at the line of scrimmage due to the line being unable to set the gap.
Defensive Line: C
The defensive line held USC to 93 yards, as they only averaged three yards per carry. All of Mika Tafua, Hauati Pututau, and Devin Kaufusi ended up with sacks, but they failed to really pressure Slovis as the defense typically dropped seven to eight guys into coverage. They also forced the fumble that led to Sewell’s touchdown.
Linebackers: A
Devin Lloyd and Nephi Sewell led the Utes in tackles, with 11 and 10, respectively. Sewell got the Utes’ first score of the season on a scoop-and-score fumble recovery and also came up with a clutch interception. Additionally, a nice surprise was that true freshman Sione Fotu seems to be ready for immediate playing time.
Secondary: B-
The young secondary had a baptism by fire against a great passing team with three likely future NFL receivers. They didn’t give up anything deep over the top, but they need to do a better job of wrapping guys up. Holding Kedon Slovis to 264 yards passing on 35 attempts, is something they can hang their hat on.
Special Teams: C
Despite missing Covey, the Utes didn’t have many great opportunities in the return game. Jadon Redding made his lone field goal attempt, but Ben Lennon averaged only 26 yards pwr punt with a long of 46.
