**Editor’s Note: Each week during football season, we feature an essay from the opponent’s student newspaper on why Oregon will lose. This week’s edition is from Kimberly Brenneisen, an assistant sports editor at The Daily Utah Chronicle.**
The Utes are poised to have their best season since joining the Pac-12 and it all hinges on winning that first conference game in Autzen Stadium.
Last year against the Ducks, things did not go exactly as planned for the Utes after the 14-point swing in Oregon’s favor. They will surely not make any silly mistakes this time around and will be more focused than ever, especially after their play late in the game against Fresno State.
While Utah did get the 45-24 win against the Bulldogs, head coach Kyle Whittingham was not happy with how his defense played against a back up quarterback. He never wants to see the intensity deflate, which it did — allowing three late touchdowns.
There were some high points though, one being special teams as Utah had back-to-back returns for touchdowns. They’re finally getting back to what they were last year, despite a few mistakes that can be fixed.
The defense has only two sacks on the season, but it is more than making up for it by forcing interceptions and causing fumbles. Whittingham knows that besides the actual score of the game, the turnover margin is the most important statistic to win, so he’ll be counting on his defense to come up big.
On offense, freshman Britain Covey has the most receiving yards for the team and, even though he is short, is tough. Then there’s Kenneth Scott, the veteran wide receiver who has not seen too much action, but his team knows he will be there when it matters most.
Whether Travis Wilson or Kendal Thompson plays behind center, the Utes can be just as effective throwing or running the ball. Wilson started off the year well and his only interception came in the last seconds of the first half against Michigan when the Utes were attempting a Hail Mary. It’s also important to note that this was really the only long shot he’s attempted this season, and both Whittingham and Wilson are eager to get that deep threat going. Wilson’s doing a great job protecting the ball, as is Devontae Booker.
Booker, a Heisman hopeful, finally had the game he has been aiming for since the start of the season by registering more than 200 total yards against Fresno State. The offensive line has been working on giving him more room and is steadily improving in each game, but it still has a ways to go. Aside from that, the front seven is doing a nice job of protecting the quarterback.
It won’t be an easy battle going into Eugene. In a college town like that, it’s hard for any team to pull out a win. However, the Utes have one thing going for them, and it’s the fact that most people do not expect them to win. All eyes will be concentrated on Oregon, and Utah will gladly sit in the backseat, much like it did against Michigan. The Utes are ready to pull an upset and beat the Ducks in a close game.