The Utes open as a 20 point favorite.......

Ouch! I’d like to think our D can keep it within 2 scores.

We should’ve beaten them last year if we had an offense with even a pulse...

(09-01-2019 02:37 PM)Big Redd Wrote:  Ouch! I’d like to think our D can keep it within 2 scores.

The only way the D keeps it within 2 scores is to keep them under 20. Our offensive line is going to get manhandled by a real top 20 team defense. The offensive line was terrible against Illinois State. We averaged 2.8 yards per rush and Bowers had no time. We will do well to score in double digits next week.

Free $$$$$$.

I will break the 24-hour rule by a bit.

ESPN write-up of the Utah 30-12 win over BYU: https://www.espn.com/college-football/re...=401114223

Moss was very impressive; 187 yards, 6.2 yards/carry. Their QB only had 3 incompletions, but only 106 yards passing. 21 of their 30 points came off 2 pick 6s and a 22-yard TD after a fumble recovery.

How does NIU keep this game competitive and have a chance in the 4th quarter?

Control Moss; I think our front 7 can do this at least better than BYU did. If the Utah O is going to beat us, make their QB (who is more of a game manager) do it.

Limit turnovers, especially giving Utah short fields and sure no pick 6s!

I think Bowers made good decisions. I only saw 1 pass (the one into the end zone before we got the FG) that I thought was overly risky; my angle was not the best, but I thought he tried to force that pass into heavy traffic. The 1 pick was on a line deflect.

My concern is our O-line. Bowers was heavily pressured against Illinois State; Utah’s D line is far superior, and I recall them ranked as the # 2 D line in the country in 1 publication. The O line will have to protect Bowers much better, and he will need to make good decisions; I would much rather see him take a sack v. trying to force an ill-advised pass.

My early take - if we do these things, not only is that a great bet, but I see the game staying competitive and we have a shot in the final quarter.

(09-01-2019 04:04 PM)NILAW Wrote:  I will break the 24-hour rule by a bit.

ESPN write-up of the Utah 30-12 win over BYU: https://www.espn.com/college-football/re...=401114223

Moss was very impressive; 187 yards, 6.2 yards/carry. Their QB only had 3 incompletions, but only 106 yards passing. 21 of their 30 points came off 2 pick 6s and a 22-yard TD after a fumble recovery.

How does NIU keep this game competitive and have a chance in the 4th quarter?

Control Moss; I think our front 7 can do this at least better than BYU did. If the Utah O is going to beat us, make their QB (who is more of a game manager) do it.

Limit turnovers, especially giving Utah short fields and sure no pick 6s!

I think Bowers made good decisions. I only saw 1 pass (the one into the end zone before we got the FG) that I thought was overly risky; my angle was not the best, but I thought he tried to force that pass into heavy traffic. The 1 pick was on a line deflect.

My concern is our O-line. Bowers was heavily pressured against Illinois State; Utah’s D line is far superior, and I recall them ranked as the # 2 D line in the country in 1 publication. The O line will have to protect Bowers much better, and he will need to make good decisions; I would much rather see him take a sack v. trying to force an ill-advised pass.

My early take - if we do these things, not only is that a great bet, but I see the game staying competitive and we have a shot in the final quarter.

Have to have the kind of game we had against Ohio State a couple of years ago. The D has it's work cut out.
BTW, we were 28 point underdogs against OSU that year, 2016 I think.

There is a thread for the SEASON OPENER against Utah.

https://csnbbs.com/thread-871259.html

GO NIU!

Beat Utah.