After being stuck in "we need a running QB to have a successful offense" mode since the departure of Alex Smith, the University of Utah finally turned to a more traditional passing QB last night. The result: after scoring just 3 points in the first half with their running QB, they went to the backup and went for 19 in the second half. What Ute coaches haven't realized (or hadn't until last night) was that Alex Smith's ability to run wasn't what made him a successful college QB, it only enhanced it. He could throw AND he could run. Clearly, Cain can run but his lack of consistency throwing has stalled drives consistently. That is why they can't march down the field with him. Enter Jordan Wynn, who isn't much of a runner (though he isn't exactly a statue back there either), and they were able to sustain some long drives. And this was his first collegiate game! Imagine if he had been playing all season.
Utah has way too much talent on O, even with Asiata out, to only be averaging 27 points per game against the schedule they have played (they have only played 2 teams in the top 50 in scoring defense). Maybe they have finally found the key. Question is: will they be smart enough to stick with this Wynn-ing strategy? If they want to beat TCU, they better stick with Jordan: Cain is clearly not able...
NOTE: Brian Johnson was an amazing 4th quarter QB that led Utah to a 13-0 Sugar Bowl winning team last year. However, it was his fault they needed so many come-from-behind wins because of his play in quarters 1 through 3. I wonder how last year's team would have been with a passing QB: they might have done enough during the regular season to get in the national championship discussion. As it was, 5 wins by 7 points or less, didn't impress voters enough to come close to overtaking Florida in ANY poll, even with the 2 TD win over Alabama in the Sugar Bowl.
No comments:
Post a Comment