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Around SBN: College Football Preseason Top 25 Rankings

#18 Utah Vs. Oregon Preview

 


Utah Utes
@ Oregon Ducks

Saturday, Sep 19, 2009, 12:30 PM PDT
Autzen Stadium

TV: ESPN

Radio: KALL 700 Sports

 

Complete Coverage >



The longest winning streak in the nation appeared to be in jeopardy last week against San Jose State, but ended up pulling out a win extending the win streak to 16 games.  Utah's winning streak being extended depends on much needed improvements on both sides of the ball.  The Utes (2-0) had 3 turnovers and 11 penalties last week in 24-14. Fifth-year Utah coach Kyle Whittingham commented about his team's struggles last week.

 

"We've got our fair share of deficiencies to work on in practice," Whittingham said. "You name it; we've got to work on it for next week. ... We're miles away from having all the answers."

A  Utah win does not only depend on Utah's improvements but Oregon's as well.  The Ducks (1-1) came into the season at No. 16 but fell out of the rankings after a 19-8 loss at then-No. 14 Boise State in which they were held to their lowest yardage total in nearly 15 years.

To make matters worse, running back LeGarrette Blount punched Boise State defense end Byron Hout in the aftermath of the game on national television. First-year Oregon coach Chip Kelly acted swiftly, suspending Blount for the season the next morning.

Star-divide

Oregon bounced back however from a dismal performance against Boise State with a 38-36 home win against Purdue, totaling up 356 yards on offense and stopping the Boilermakers' two-point conversion with 1:01 left.

Kelly was also encouraged by the performance.

"We have moved on from last week. I am very impressed with the effort and hard work all of these players have put forth," he said. "The offense was better this week. We ran the ball, and got a couple of first downs. It's all about the rhythm, and once we get going the only people who can stop us are ourselves."

Oregon, one of the most prolific offensive teams in the nation last year, hopes to build on its first win by extending its home success against non-conference opponents. The Ducks have won 28 of 30 non-conference games at Autzen Stadium since the start of the 1995 season, going 5-0 against ranked teams.

Utah's 16-game win streak is tied for the second-longest in school history and dates back to a victory over Navy in the 2007 Poinsettia Bowl. The school record is 18 consecutive games from Nov. 1, 2003 through Sept. 10, 2005.

Also, the cornerback position was very questioinable last week and were beat by San Jose State's receivers, and Oregon has better receivers and athletes.  Utah will still run their man coverage, but Oregon will have chances to exploit those corners.


For the Utes, RB Matt Asiata is questionable with a shoulder injury.  Also OL Caleb Schlauderaff is probable for Saturday's game.   Both are needed for Utah to have a strong showing.

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Predictions?

I like Utah in a very close one, home field could swing it to Oregon though.

Whats everyone else think?

by bhsmarine on Sep 17, 2009 6:47 PM PDT reply actions  

Same

Oregon is a 4.5 favorite, but this game will be close. If Matt Asiata plays and is at full strength then Utah should win. Also, Cain MUST pull the ball on the read option and take off instead of handing off each time.

Oregon will be able to take advantage of the Utes CB but that just means Utah will need to attack a weak offensive line.

by Jeremy Mauss on Sep 17, 2009 7:05 PM PDT reply actions  

agreed

I really hope Asiata can suit up, Oregon isn’t know for their defense and i think Asiata could have a big day if he plays

by utahmanami on Sep 18, 2009 10:20 AM PDT up reply actions  

in my opinion it's going to be the pride of utah's winning streak to.......

continue vs oregon’s home field advantage. i say it could go either way with a fg deciding the game. i believe utah’s motivation will be more than the home crowd can give oregon. if utah scores first i like our chances. ramble on!

by wolfmanshowlforever on Sep 17, 2009 9:08 PM PDT reply actions  


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