(08-26-2019 10:16 PM)acolbert Wrote:  Besides the two extra days of prep time, there are a few other concerns:

-If you read between the lines, Utah coach Kyle Whittingham was not too happy about traveling to DeKalb to play last year. What disturbed him even more was how bad his team played in that game. The Utes may use the NIU game to make a statement on their displeasure of last year.
-Having the BYU game out of the way is a huge plus for Utah. NIU will get definitely Utah's full attention. And, with Idaho St. being next opponent for Utah, there won't be any looking ahead. It would have worked out much better if BYU was right after NIU game than before.
-It has been unseasonably cool in northern Illinois lately and appears that forecast looks to continue through next week. Utah has been practicing in 90-degree weather every day. With a noon kickoff and the sun beating down directly on field, NIU will have a much greater adjustment to the weather.

I may have to disagree with you on that due to a couple of points.

First, the "letdown factor" after what could end up being a grueling rivalry game, may turn out in NIU's favor.

And second, you never know how many haymaker-nutsac-uppercuts BYU may throw in that game. I mean, if they land just a few of those, Utah may be without a few key starters.

(08-27-2019 09:20 AM)NorthCoast Wrote:  And second, you never know how many haymaker-nutsac-uppercuts BYU may throw in that game. I mean, if they land just a few of those, Utah may be without a few key starters.

Fantastic post. BYU does seem to be less nut-rageous with Sitake as their coach

(08-27-2019 05:11 PM)dsnell Wrote:  

(08-27-2019 09:20 AM)NorthCoast Wrote:  And second, you never know how many haymaker-nutsac-uppercuts BYU may throw in that game. I mean, if they land just a few of those, Utah may be without a few key starters.

Fantastic post. BYU does seem to be less nut-rageous with Sitake as their coach

Nut-rageous most don't remember the sack shot by a Cougar, typical Cougar behavior.

10 Days.

GO NIU!

Beat Utah.

Utes getting some national championship credence on ESPN this morning from some commentators.

BDB5YP: (walks into the overlook ISU room, walks back out)

9 Days.

GO NIU!

Beat Utah.

BYU giving Utah some problems right now. Tied 3-3

(08-29-2019 10:03 PM)JoeNovak Wrote:  BYU giving Utah some problems right now. Tied 3-3

On its first possession of the second half, Utah scores its first offensive TD of the game to take a 16-6 lead.

Only 45yds passing on the night so far for the Utes.

(08-29-2019 11:22 PM)NorthCoast Wrote:  

(08-29-2019 10:03 PM)JoeNovak Wrote:  BYU giving Utah some problems right now. Tied 3-3

On its first possession of the second half, Utah scores its first offensive TD of the game to take a 16-6 lead.

Only 45yds passing on the night so far for the Utes.

Moss is the real deal. Utah has that balance that national champs have. I have to agree with Corso in a Bama/Utes national championship game. The schedule is favorable for Utah also in a meh PAC 12

8 Days.

GO NIU!

Beat Utah.

Note for the game: After Utah missed a FG in the 3Q against BYU, they replaced the kicker. Apparently, he was in line to be the starter but got injured in camp but will now be the new starting kicker.

GO NIU!

Beat Utah.

(08-30-2019 08:31 AM)randyfensfanclub1 Wrote:  Utah looks big, bad and fast on defense. They look like a pro team.

Utah definitely had to knock some rust off of the Offense but the Defense looked really good.

The Utes will have an advantage in that they will come into the game against NIU having already played a game and it being NIU's SEASON OPENER, but I have confidence in the coaching staff and the players.

GO NIU!

Beat Utah.

(08-30-2019 09:01 AM)NorthCoast Wrote:  

(08-30-2019 08:31 AM)randyfensfanclub1 Wrote:  Utah looks big, bad and fast on defense. They look like a pro team.

Utah definitely had to knock some rust off of the Offense but the Defense looked really good.

The Utes will have an advantage in that they will come into the game against NIU having already played a game and it being NIU's SEASON OPENER, but I have confidence in the coaching staff and the players.

GO NIU!

Beat Utah.

And 2 extra days to prepare (in case they need it).

To talk about Utah getting to the Champion game this early is ridiculous. They are good have not been tested, Utah overtime during the season they usually step on them selves. This NIU team will be fun to watch, everything new. Butterflies be flying in MileHigh’s tummy.

7 Days.

GO NIU!

Beat Utah.

(08-29-2019 12:39 PM)BDB5yp Wrote:  BDB5YP: (walks into the overlook ISU room, walks back out)

BDB5YP: ( walks back in into the room) Let’s kick some Arse!

6 Days.

GO NIU!

Beat Utah.

(09-01-2019 04:13 PM)MiamiHuskie Wrote:  

(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.

This year NIU will have TWO THINGS it didn't have in 2016 against Ohio State.

TESTICLES.

GO NIU!

Beat Utah.

(09-01-2019 04:22 PM)NorthCoast Wrote:  

(09-01-2019 04:13 PM)MiamiHuskie Wrote:  

(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.

This year NIU will have TWO THINGS it didn't have in 2016 against Ohio State.

TESTICLES.

GO NIU!

Beat Utah.

NIU shut down their run game, including Elliot. The announcers were stunned, that OSU couldn't convert on third downs.
Hare did a good job that game. Stayed poised but the talent differential was just too great toward the end.