Utah 45
New Mexico 14
RICE-ECCLES STADIUM - Coincidence, I think not?
Was it just a matter of it being now 9 weeks into the season that the Ute offense finally looked like an offense with a purpose tonight?
I don't think so. The Utes disposed of the 0 - 9 New Mexico Lobos 45 - 14 with the best offensive out put of the season totaling 557 yards.
So does Jordan Wynn get the credit for the renewed vigor that was felt tonight as the Utes visited the end zone again and again.
Partially. Give the freshman QB some credit in his first start. Wynn tallied 297-yards and 2 TD's in the victory. Just 3-yards short of a 300-yard game which would have been a major accomplishment for a freshman in his first start.
However, give the majority of the credit to new offensive play caller Aaron Roderick. The Utes spread offense actually looked and acted like a spread offense.
Many times tonight the Utes lined up with 5 wide receivers and an empty back field. The play calling also was much more imaginative tonight as in games past. Sure, Wynn deserves some of the credit for being able to throw the deep ball and open up the field tonight, but all night long he was put in a position to succeed.
Together, Wynn and Roderick, gave the Ute offense something that they had been lacking all season long. An identity.
Sure, no one want to bury Terrance Cain or Dave Schramm, but there were certain undertones in the post game that could not be missed.
"With Jordan, he's so savvy," Coach Whittingham said after the game, "We can throw anything at him and he's going to be able to understand it and get it done."
Jereme Brooks who had a touchdown receiving and one on the ground on a reverse talked about the play calling after the game saying, "The reverse!, It was the perfect time and the perfect call."
Some question why the QB or the play calling change wasn't made earlier in the season, and it is a legit question. I don't know the answer to it, but I do think that the changes were made at a very good time. The switch last week gave the team a focus this week that caused them not to overlook New Mexico.
As for the Utah defense tonight. The were what they have been the last 5 weeks or so. Dominated.
After giving up an early touchdown in the 1st quarter, the defense held the Lobos scoreless until a last second touchdown with under 20 seconds left.
Now the attention is focused on TCU. After the game each player and Coach Whittingham mentioned how big the game is and the importance of playing well next week in Fort Worth.
