Former Ute, Dolphin Assures Fans Utah’s O Line Issues Will Work Out
Sep 27, 2019, 12:07 PM
Isaac Asiata #54 of the Utah Utes holds the trophy up to the crowd after a win against the Indiana Hoosiers during the Foster Farms Bowl game at Levi's Stadium on December 28, 2016 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
(Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Brand new co-host of Special Forces Gang and former Ute and NFL offensive lineman assured Ute fans that the issues at offensive line during the USC game will likely be worked out this weekend.
I think you guys are going to like Asiata as he takes over co-hosting duties from Andy Phillips.
Phillips realized there are not enough hours in the day for him to commit to an hour podcast once a week. In his defense, he does have four children all under the age of four.
Asiata, who played for the University of Utah and Miami Dolphins as a guard on the offensive line, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience. He will hopefully teach me more about the beautiful game of football.
Excited To Be Joining @TomCantHackett For The Remainder Of The Season! Let’s Get It!!! https://t.co/5pGzqdxDVT
— Isaac Asiata (@AsiataFive4) September 26, 2019
Offensive Line Struggles
During the first episode, we talked ad nauseam about the struggles on the offensive line and where it all went wrong against USC.
“I think there was just a lot of breakdown in communication,” Asiata said. “That cohesion, it takes a second…it is hard to do that when you rotate guys, but I understand why Harding is rotating guys.”
The offensive line had multiple penalties against USC, a number of holding calls, ones that were drive killers and stalled the momentum of the offense.
Tough loss for the #Utes.https://t.co/d6Qn962FoL
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) September 21, 2019
USC however, has very talented players on their defensive line while Utah has a young, inexperienced group that is still trying to gel with one and other.
The former lineman has the trust of his former coach, however, Jim Harding is a very influential figure in the Utah football locker room. He demands respect of his players, and his players generally respond.
Asiata sat in on a meeting with Harding and his offensive line prior to practice.
“Harding was harsh on his players, as you would expect coming off the disappointing performance against USC, but I believe this group will bounce back and not have another performance like that again,” Asiata assured Ute fans.
Live with @TomCantHackett From @natewadesubaru! Come on down! pic.twitter.com/G9rB9ixU3G
— Isaac Asiata (@AsiataFive4) September 26, 2019
Wazzu @ Utah
Utah and Washington State is scheduled to kick off at 8 p.m. Saturday night.
Both teams are coming off their first loss of the season and will be hoping to get back on the winners list. While Utah lost to a talented USC team, Wazzu gave up a 32 point lead late in the third quarter to eventually warrant the Bruins their first victory of the season.
Wazzu quarterback, Anthony Gordon, threw for nine touchdowns in the loss, breaking Garnder Minshew’s school record of eight touchdowns in a game.
Check out those stripes on the pants 🔥
Peep the combo in the story👇 #GoUtes https://t.co/AjmPZwvGGA
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) September 24, 2019
Information on how to watch, stream, listen or attend the game can be found here.
Listen to the entire episode of Special Forces Gang Below.
You can subscribe to Special Forces Gang anywhere you find podcasts or on sports.ksl.com.
