Instant Takeaways From Utah’s Domination Of Oregon State
Oct 1, 2022, 4:35 PM
#12 Utah took care of business against a tough OSU team Saturday afternoon. (Photo Cred Michelle Bodkin)
(Photo Cred Michelle Bodkin)
SALT LAKE CITY- This was an odd game for #12 Utah. They handled Oregon State pretty well 42-16, but the stats don’t necessarily show that. Some of it is due to miscues from the Utes and subsequent toughness from the Beavers, some of it is also due to Utah coming up with big plays when they mattered most.
#LightTheU @Utah_Football takes care of business at home against Oregon State. Next stop, Los Angeles. #GoUtes pic.twitter.com/L0uWNLOs0x
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) October 1, 2022
Either way a “win is a win” as they say. Here is what particularly stood out from the Utes’ latest Pac-12 victory.
Clark Phillips III, A Utah Star
Clark Phillips III had an incredible game. He was responsible for three total interceptions which hasn’t happened for the Utes since Robert Johnson against Colorado State in 2009. One of those interceptions was also a pick six, while the other led to a short field for the offense to start the game.
Needless to say Phillips III was an absolute game-changer for Utah when they really needed it, and was probably the biggest factor in their win.
Bend, But Don’t Break Utah Defense
Along the same lines, Utah’s defense was stout when it needed to be. No, it was not their most brilliant game stopping the run. Oregon State finished the day with 171 rushing yards, but man, were they good in the red zone.
Some of that was due to the aforementioned Phillips III. Safety RJ Hubert was another reason- he added a fourth timely interception returned for 70-yards to the stat line. He also led the team in tackles with 12 total.
NO FLY ZONE ❌
3rd INT for @ClarkPhillips21 🤷♂️ pic.twitter.com/TeV4qtuhQi
— Utah Football (@Utah_Football) October 1, 2022
Others who stepped up when needed were linebackers Karene Reid with nine total tackles, and Mohamoud Diabate with six total tackles.
It was certainly frustrating watching Oregon State accumulate 417 total yards of offense this afternoon. However, when you only go 3 of 5 in the red zone with most of your scores are field goals, the yardage gained matters a little less.
Cam Rising, Model Of Effeciency
Once again the offense took some time to really find their groove, but once they did, Cam Rising was crazy efficient. Through the air he went 19 of 25 for 199 yards and three touchdowns. On the ground he led all rushers with seven carries for 73-yards and a touchdown.
Rising’s rushing touchdown was particularly impressive due to his stiff-arm and taking an Oregon State defender with him to the end zone.
Devaughn Vele And The Receivers
It was said all week that it would take an army to replace the production of tight end Brant Kuithe who was lost for the year last week against Arizona State. Receiver Devaughn Vele really stepped up to the challenge. He led all the receivers with seven receptions for 94 yards and a touchdown. Vele’s touchdown showed great effort as he used his height to reach over the end zone despite OSU’s best attempt to keep him out.
💪 @jdixon__25 muscles through for the TD pic.twitter.com/2IQbCNpMBU
— Utah Football (@Utah_Football) October 1, 2022
In all, Utah used nine different receivers to take down the Beavers. Jaylen Dixon also posted an impressive day despite only having one reception which happened to be a touchdown. Dixon also added another touchdown as a rusher. This was his biggest game since 2019 and a career-day touchdown-wise.
