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Takeaways: Utes Stumble in the Second Half to the Huskies


The University of Utah was on fire and clicking on all cylinders to start the game, before crumbling and being held scoreless in the second half. The Washington Huskies delivered their biggest come-from-behind victory since 1988, as they’re now in the driver’s seat for the Pac-12 North.

Here are the takeaways from the disappointing loss:


Young secondary holds its own despite loss

The Washington Huskies wide receivers were held to 10 catches for 125 yards. Huskies quarterback Dylan Morris also threw three interceptions to Faybian Marks, Zemaiah Vaughn, and Vonte Davis. His two touchdown passes were to his tight end who went for over 100 yards. The Utah secondary wasn’t the problem, although some of those receptions came at crucial times on well-placed passes.

Come 2021, Utah will trot out three freshmen and one sophomore, all of whom have had flashes of showing they already deserve key reps on a Pac-12 defense—Marks, Clark Phillips III, JT Broughton, and maybe Nate Ritchie depending his decision to serve a mission. Vaughn is a freshman walkon who likely won’t be a walkon for long.

For those that want to judge these guys during a lost season, it’s easy to nitpick, their newcomer moments. For those that understand that all eyes on 2021 is the most important objective, the secondary’s play should be reason for optimism.


The Utes quarterback picture is clear

After leading a dynamic and lethal offensive attack in the first half 9-11 for 87 yards and one touchdown pass Jake Bentley went 7-12 in the second half for 57 yards and two interceptions. Bentley and his guys were completely outmatched in the second half. The reason Rising won the job heading into the season was because the competition wasn’t close—Rising was also consistent. Bentley is special when he’s on, but inconsistency plagued him throughout fall camp and it also plagued him against the Huskies. Judging by his numbers at South Carolina, I think it’s also safe to say the same.

As long as he’s healthy at the start of next season, it’ll be Rising’s job. Therefore, at what point will the Utes look at the situation as a lost season and give reps to others like Drew Lisk and also Cooper Justice. Let me be clear, I’m not saying these two are better than Bentley because they’re not. This season is now a glorified exhibition season without their quarterback of the present and the future. Inconsistent play from a senior quarterback, will do nothing for the future of the program.



Jordan needs to be “The Guy”

Two games in, it’s not even a question, freshman Ty Jordan is a budding star. With 17 carries for 129 yards and five receptions for 52 yards, it can be argued that Jordan needs 15-20 touches per game. He displays shiftiness, speed, vision, and ability to pack a punch on the defenders. He’s also been a part of two Utah fumbles, although one was on a bad handoff from Bentley and the other he was squared up on a perfect tackle. Those fumbles could be a reason why it’s still a running back by committee approach, but it’s also clear that the coaches see him separating from everyone.

The Utah running backs are all actually showing that they bring something valuable to the table. The problem has been that they need carries to get into rhythm. This team, because of the quarterback situation, just might be best suited to become a run-heavy team for the remainder of the 2020 season.

Whatever route the coaches choose to go, it’s time to feature Ty Jordan.


Offensive line continues to shuffle & struggle

Due to injuries and Covid issues, the Utah offensive line just can’t find any rhythm. Against Washington, Orlando Umana was out, so Nick Ford slid over to center. Sataoa Laumea was back in the starting lineup and Simi Moala made his first start of 2020. I’m not going to be an offensive line apologist—everyone knows my stance on believing Jim Harding is one of the best offensive line coaches around. With as much uncertainty as that group has gone through in the last month, their struggles really aren’t a surprise.


The Receivers need more action

The best offensive play of the game was a beautiful pass from Jake Bentley to Bryan Thompson in the corner of the end zone to put the Utes up 21-0 late in the second half. This was Thompson’s third catch of the night and it ended up being his last. It was a tale of two halves for the Utes against Washington and a combination of being conservative and turnovers on the offensive side led to disaster for the Utes.

Not one Utah receiver had a reception in the second half. It is impossible to win a game in the Pac-12 with this stat. The Utes must find better ways to get their playmakers the ball. Solomon Enis only has two catches for 6 yards in the first two games. The Utes ran the ball well and Ty Jordan looks to be “the guy” but it is impossible to win in this league without any downfield threat. The Utes have the potential to stretch the defense but they first need to get healthy and have Britain Covey and Samson Nacua at full strength.


Up next

The Utes return home to face the 2-2 Oregon State Beavers on December 5th. The Beaver are fresh off an upset of the no. 15 Oregon Ducks. However, they’ll likely be facing the Utes without their starting quarterback Tristan Gebbia, who was hurt on the second to last play of the game.


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