For eight quarters a couple of weeks apart, the Utah Utes have absolutely owned the highly touted Oregon Duck football squad.
Last night’s 38-10 beat down in Las Vegas followed the Utes’ 38-7 beat down of Oregon in Salt Lake City just weeks ago. And last night’s victory sealed the deal for Kyle Whittingham and the Utes who finally are going to the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, but was the lopsided game a result of dominant Utah play or a wounded duck thrown by Oregon?
The ABC commentators, Kirk Herbsreit and Chris Fowler, were fair to point out that Oregon looked flat. They sure did. But let’s not discount the brilliance and the dominance of the Utes led by coaches Whittingham, Morgan Scalley, and even Andy Ludwig.
And this commentary made me remember the 2009 Sugar Bowl analysis where Utah dominated the Alabama Crimson Tide, but the commentators repeatedly emphasized that Alabama didn’t want to be there. WTF?
It’s asinine not to acknowledge the steadiness of Whittingham’s leadership year in and year out, and last night was another powerful example of that. And these two lopsided victories over Oregon was no doubt because of Utah’s brilliance in all three phases of the game as well as in the coaching ranks.
Sure, QB Cam Rising had a couple of interceptions, but his presence in the pocket, continually hitting his targets, as well as his massive rushing efforts was beautiful to watch. And the defensive effort all night was stellar, starting with game-MVP Devin Lloyd’s first quarter pick-six, which set the tone for the D. Running back Tavion Thomas, with his two rushing touchdowns, continues to make the case to be Utah’s best running back of all time. And don’t forget about fan-favorite, electrifying game-changer Britain Covey, who, in his little 5’8″ frame, continues to come up BIG, leading this Utah football team.
Capping off one of the more emotional and exciting seasons in Utah Football history, #Forever22 continued to be front and center and one can hardly doubt that Ty Jordan and Aaron Lowe had a good view from within Allegiant Stadium.
So, while Herbsreit and Fowler were fair to point out Oregon’s dud, Utah deserves all the credit in the world for finishing strong down the stretch following this challenging season and delivering not one, but two poundings of a talented Oregon team. And there’s no doubt that Utah will be pumped, prepped, and ready to go with or without national hype as they enter the program’s first Rose Bowl.