Position Grades vs. USC
Troy Williams and the University of Utah delivered an epic comeback last night against Pac-12 South foe, USC. It wasn't the complete game that everyone has been waiting on, but it was an impressive statement, nonetheless. Here's how the units graded out:
Offense: A-
Perhaps the most impressive stat of the game was that the Utes had five trips in the red zone that resulted in 31 points. The Utes were run heavy in the first half, but balanced and trusted Williams in the second. Utah proved that they can win a game with their offense when their defense starts to sputter. Did that last drive by Williams remind anyone else of Travis Wilson’s fourth quarter drive to win the game against USC two years ago? What a performance by the offense.
QB: A+
Troy Williams has grit. What a performance by the signal caller. The last three drives of the game resulted in a touchdown for the Utes, and Williams led the charge with two touchdown passes and throwing absolute dimes to his receiving corps. The critical Demari Simpkins first down conversion sticks out in mind, as well as the touchdown passes to Raelon Singleton and the game-winner to Tim Patrick. Troy Williams played out of his mind and perhaps most importantly, didn’t force passes or turn the ball over. He also was allowed to run this game, which we saw in his rushing touchdown and the read option the Utes ran a few times.
RB: B
The fumble in USC’s territory, fumble in the end zone, and the low yards-per-carry (after the first quarter) drop the grade for the group. What raises them back again is the absolute dominance in the first half and the 4 fourth down conversions. In Utah’s first drive, they had zero (!!) passing attempts, marching down field on the legs of Moss and Shyne alone for a seven minute drive. Kyle Whittingham showed trust in his running backs and offensive line by running it up the gut of the Trojans (and nose guard Stevie Tu'ikolovatu) four times on fourth down. To get 186 yards on any team, much less USC, is quite the feat for Utah’s trio.
OL: A+
This game was the best the offensive line has played all season—mayb ethe best they’ve looked in a while. They didn’t give up a single sack and they gave Troy Williams enough time to brew a cup of coffee, make some breakfast, take a nap, then throw the ball with enough time left over. No bad snaps by Dielman and great job by the three inside men (Asiata, Dielman, Uhatafe) on pushing the line of scrimmage forward on those critical fourth down conversions and the dominant first half. Garett Bolles and Sam Tevi shored up the tackle positions. The hit that Bolles put on Cameron Smith was the ultimate signifier as to the growth and mettle of the offensive line. Also, credit to Isaac Asiata on his first career touchdown on that fumble recovery where he practically ripped limbs out of his way to get to the pigskin.
WR & TE: A-
The wideouts came out without fear against Adoree Jackson and co. Tim Patrick made himself some money today, going against one of the best cornerbacks in the nation and pulling together 100 yards and a touchdown on just 6 receptions. Raelon Singleton came up with some huge third down receptions and that critical touchdown reception to bring the Utes to within three points. Cory Butler-Byrd continued to provide a spark for the receiving corps with four receptions for 50 yards. A few drops, give gave this group a minus to the grade.
The tight ends saw some increased utilization, this game. Handley had that trick-play reception for 28 yards and Evan Moeai had two receptions for 20 yards. The middle of the field was covered well by USC’s secondary, but the fact that Utah was able to get nearly 50 yards out of their tight ends was a good sign for things to come.
Defense: B-
The defense did just enough for the Utes to win this game. They forced three turnovers, but they let every single drive of USC across the 50 yard line. Also, giving up over 200 yards is unacceptable against any opponent. Sam Darnold is the real deal and will only get better with more starts under his belt. Despite its perceived shortcomings this game, the defense only gave up 20 points (Adoree Jackson’s touchdown came on special teams) to one of the biggest and fastest offenses they’ll face all year, which is something to be proud of.
DL/LB: C
Lowell Lotulelei’s first half injury hurt the Utes, and we can only hope he can come back from his injury soon. Running back Justin Davis was too good against Utah’s stout defensive line running for 126 yards, the first time the Utes have allowed a single rusher 100+ yards since last season. I was pleasantly surprised with Pita Taumoepenu’s ability to hold that end, but all in all, the defensive line looked very average. They hardly made their presence known in the backfield with only one sack on a number of blitzes trying to get to a freshman quarterback. Sunia Tauteoli and Cody Barton struggled plugging up the gaps in the run game, as well.
DB/Safety: A-
Brian Allen, Reggie Porter, and Dominique Hatfield held Darreus Rogers and Juju Smith-Schuster to just 156 yards combined. That receiving duo is one of the best in the country. The fact that they were able to contain a pass-heavy Trojan team to zero receiving touchdowns speaks to the level of intensity the secondary was playing at. Chase Hansen and Marcus Williams were all over the field, forcing and recovering fumbles and coming up huge with open-field tackles.
Special Teams: C+
The Adoree Jackson return took all of Utah’s momentum away in just ten seconds and could’ve cost Utah the game. Other than that, great showing yet again by Mitch Wishnowsky and Andy Phillips.
Kickoffs: F
Never, ever, ever kick to Adoree Jackson. The man is dangerous and the fact that it took the kicking unit a returned kick to figure that out is unacceptable. The touchdown return gave USC new life and kept them from throwing in the towel early, which was Utah’s game plan with that long, run-heavy drive. Kick it to the first row of blockers before you kick it to Adoree Jackson.
Return Units: C
Not much here. USC punted just once for no return by Utah, and Cory Butler-Byrd was stopped before the 15 on both of his kickoff returns.
Punts/FG Unit: A+
Mitch Wishnowsky and Andy Phillips are special team gods. Phillips split the uprights on his 37 yard field goal and battled through his nagging injury to come into the kicking unit and deliver his squib kicks. Wishnowsky again proved that Australia is where punters are born—three punts for 149 yards and a long of 58, with two punts spotted inside the 10.