Utes Have High Hopes In New Offensive Scheme

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Utah’s offense has consistently been a question mark, but with a new offensive coordinator and two seniors leading the charge, this may be the year they break through.

There are still a lot of questions about the Utah offense. Led by a pair of seniors in the offensive backfield – Zack Moss and Tyler Huntley – the Utes have big expectations this season.

Through two days, the coaches and players are happy with what they’ve seen, but they hope to continue to see progress throughout fall camp to live up to the expectations they have for the 2019 season.

Emphasizing Ball Control

One thing that has hurt the Utes in years past is an inability to control the ball on offense. Whether it’s limiting turnovers, extending drives, or scoring in the red zone, they’re emphasizing doing their part to control the ball.

A way to do that is by running the ball, and with a workhorse back like Zach Moss, he’ll be the focus of the offense.

“I love the emphasis we have,” said wide receiver Britain Covey. “We have a big emphasis on running the ball, a big emphasis on not turning over the ball, and an emphasis on scoring in the red zone.”

The big takeaway from Day 2 of Fall Camp for the #Utes is the offense playing well (and the defensive line, of course).https://t.co/pqqOJkY1wo

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) August 2, 2019

The difference could be a game or two in the win column.

“You go back through our games last year, or even the last three years and the reason we lose games are turnovers and not scoring in the red zone,” Covey added. “Basically, you change those things and you’re gonna change the outcome of those two or three games that [we] lose.”

Offensive Scheme

Under former offensive coordinator Troy Taylor, the Utes ran a spread offense. Andy Ludwig plans to continue that trend, but throw in some wrinkles as well, including a downhill running game.

“There is more of a downhill element than we’ve done in recent years,” said head coach Kyle Whittingham. “But the basic premise is spread personnel, 11 personnel, but we have a lot 12 personnel that we’ll utilize.”

“The best situation is when the ball is being distributed,” said Ludwig. “Until we identify that one this play and this situation this guy is getting the ball.”

Andy Ludwig addresses the media for the first time in fall camp.#Utes pic.twitter.com/DzVrxeySA3

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) August 1, 2019

Utilizing Tight Ends

The Utes boast a pair of sophomore studs at the tight end position in Cole Fotheringham and Brant Kuithe. The 1-2 tandem allows the Ute offense to be versatile in formations and schemes in Andy Ludwig’s offense.

“The tight ends will be featured in the offense,” said Whittingham. “(Fotheringham has) had a whole offseason of training. He looks like a whole different guy. I think he’ll be a big-time player.”

“We’ve got a lot of skill set to draw from,” said Ludwig. “I’m excited about the wide receiver and tight end group(s).”

Utah’s offense has consistently been a question mark, but with a new offensive coordinator and two seniors leading the charge, this may be the year they break through.