Notre Dame was able to get the better of Stanford last week and I noticed some similarities between what the Utes are trying to accomplish on offense and what Notre Dame was able to do against Stanford. Notre Dame was not afraid to run the ball two and three times in a row at some points against this Stanford defense. Utah should mimic that game plan. Utah has got themselves into trouble this season trying to be too diverse in their play calling on offense. Just find what works and run it until the opponent figures out how to stop it. Here are some examples of how Notre Dame kept it simple against the Cardinal.
Here’s Notre Dame running power out of a spread formation 3 plays in a row. Predictable? Who cares. It worked because the OL was road grading Stanford. Utah cannot go away from their power run game if they want to beat Stanford. Just give it to Zack Moss all game. @GuntherandBen pic.twitter.com/ErWcwX0loC
— KYLE F GUNTHER (@GuntherESPN700) October 5, 2018
Notre Dame went power run multiple times in a row vs Stanford. Then a QB scramble. Then a bubble screen. It’s not sexy but it works. That’s what Utah is trying to make their offense look like. Utah can mimic that production vs Stanford tomorrow. @GuntherESPN700 pic.twitter.com/1DVCCgAZpy
— KYLE F GUNTHER (@GuntherESPN700) October 5, 2018
Notre Dame was also about to generate a pass rush without having to dial up blitzes. That will be huge for Utah if they can get Bradlee Anae going early in the game to keep Stanford from throwing it up to their very tall receiving corps.
Notre Dame was able to create pressure against Stanford here with just a 4 man rush. Stanford’s left tackle is a freshman all American and future first round pick but you can still get around him at times. Bradlee Anae needs to play fast tomorrow. @GuntherandBen pic.twitter.com/OpNmF3MVN8
— KYLE F GUNTHER (@GuntherESPN700) October 5, 2018
