What Utah Learned From Watching BYU’s Win Over Arizona
Sep 6, 2021, 12:55 PM
Head coach Kyle Whittingham of the Utah Utes shows a look of concern against the Oregon Ducks during the first half of the Pac-12 Championship Game at Levi's Stadium on December 06, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
(Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – The Utah football team and their fans had an opportunity to watch BYU’s season opening win over Arizona on Saturday.
Utah played on Thursday, which gave them a chance to watch the BYU/Arizona game live as it was played at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.
Here is what Utah and their fans likely learned from BYU’s 24-16 win over Arizona.
Kyle Whittingham’s Thoughts After Watching The Game
During his weekly press conference, Kyle Whittingham was asked what he could take away from watching the BYU/Arizona game since the Utes play both teams this season.
“Well, we’re only concerned with with BYU now,” Whittingham said. “So that’s our primary focus. You do mentally, I guess, file away some things that you saw from Arizona in the game. But it’s all we have to go on for this year, obviously. But the similarity, you know, offensive style hasn’t changed much over the last two or three years. It seems to be just plug in the new guys and continue doing what they’re doing is what we’ve extrapolated.”
“The preparation will be the key. Not the emotional part.” – Whittingham on importance of getting the 10th straight win over BYU. #GoUtes
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) September 6, 2021
Tyler Allgeier Could Cause Problems
Allgeier had a breakout season in 2020 and he built on that by rushing for 94 yards and one touchdown against the Wildcats. This isn’t really something that Utah has learned since they have had a whole season to watch Allgeier rack up over 1,000 yards.
Utah should feel confident going into the matchup as they preach stopping the run and have the personnel to do so with Mika Tafua, Viane Moala, Hauati Pututau, Devin Kaufusi, Tennessee Pututau, Van Fillinger and Xavier Carlton, among others that are capable of keeping Allgeier from going off.
Utah’s Offense Has Areas Where They Can Exploit BYU’s Defense
Arizona was able to get the passing game going in the second half as Gunner Cruz finished with 336 yards passing. It’s obvious that Charlie Brewer is the better quarterback. He made some great throws in Utah’s win over Weber State. The weapons that Utah has in the passing game with Britain Covey, Brant Kuithe, Theo Howard, Solomon Enis, Dalton Kincaid, Devaughn Vele, Cole Fotheringham and others, the Utes should be able to get some yards in the throw game.
“They got 3 guys they use. Can’t tell you why they didn’t go to them more.” – Whittingham on BYU’s TE’s #GoUtes
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) September 6, 2021
Utah and BYU will kickoff on Saturday, September 11 at 8:15 p.m. MDT on ESPN.
Trevor Allen is a Utah Utes Insider for sports.ksl.com, Co-Host of Faith, Family and Football podcast with Clark Phillips III and host of the Crimson Corner podcast. Follow him on Twitter: @TrevorASports.
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