Oregon’s game against Utah this Saturday has gotten a lot of attention due to the return of former Oregon wide receiver Darren Carrington II, who was dismissed in the offseason for his off-the-field troubles; however, this game has great significance on the field as well. Both teams will enter Saturday looking to end a losing streak and take one step closer to playing in a bowl game at the end of the season.
The Utah Utes started the season with a perfect 4-0 record; however, now only Arizona (5-2) has a winning record. Three of Utah’s wins were against teams — North Dakota, BYU and San Jose State — that now have a combined record of 4-20.
Since then, the Utes have lost three straight games. They lost to Stanford and USC by a combined four points with their backup quarterback after starter Tyler Huntley left the Arizona game with a shoulder injury.
Huntley made his return to the starting lineup last Saturday, which resulted in a 20-point home loss against the Arizona State Sun Devils; it was his worst statistical game of the season. He completed 19-of-35 passes for 155 yards, zero touchdowns and four interceptions. In Huntley’s two-game absence, the Utes looked to Troy Williams, who threw for over 200 yards and a touchdown in each game. It’s possible that both could make an appearance in the game on Saturday.
“They’re similar and different,” head coach Willie Taggart said. “They’re both athletic and can run, and both throw the football. They can run their offense with either one of those guys in there.”
If Utah can get a halftime lead on the Ducks on Saturday, it will put them in good shape to win. Oregon hasn’t had a second half touchdown in four of the eight games this season. During each of their last three games, the Ducks have been held scoreless for three quarters, resulting in a current losing streak.
“We’ve got to play a complete ball game. We can’t make mistakes like we do,” Taggart said. “We don’t have the depth. We don’t have as much talent as we need to be able to make the mistakes that we’re doing. We can’t do that. With limited playmakers, you have to limit mistakes.”
Utah is known for their strong defensive play under head coach Kyle Whittingham, and this year’s unit ranks 32nd in the nation heading into Saturday. The Utes are holding teams to 131.9 rushing yards per game. Through seven games, the Utah defense has 10 interceptions, including one that has been returned for a touchdown, so it’s another big test for Oregon true freshman quarterback Braxton Burmeister.
“They’re very stout and very good on defense,” Taggart said. “They play well together, and they’re well-coached.”
The Utes opened the week as a field goal favorite in Las Vegas and as of Wednesday, the line has only moved to 3.5 points. This is a game where neither side has a clear advantage, as both teams seem stuck in the mud at this point in the season. Both could use a victory on Saturday to build momentum as the calendar turns to the final month of the regular season.
Follow Zak Laster on Twitter @zlast3445
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