“The offense freaking kicked our butts today.” –Jared Norris, Utes Linebacker
The offense dominated practice today. You read that correctly.
It’s typical at this point in camp for the offense to start catching up with the defense, but after a longer-than-anticipated period of defensive dominance, the offense raised some eyebrows with touchdown after touchdown in red zone drills.
All three quarterbacks read through the defense well and zipped the ball into the strike zone of receivers finally breaking free of defenders. Kenric Young, Siaosi Wilson, Harry Handley, and Siale Fakailoatonga all had nice receptions for touchdowns. Fakailoatonga’s was particularly impressive, snatching a Travis Wilson strike to the outside and pulling it inside the pylon.
This was also a result of nice offensive line play, both in pass blocking and the interior dominating in run blocking. Sam Tevi struggled with Jason Fanaika on two plays, but otherwise had a nice showing.
It was an interesting flip in attitude on the field with the offense excited and motivated, while the defense was quiet, focused, and trying to solve problems.
Once again, don’t panic. The defense isn’t bad. It’s natural for the offense to start catching up at this point. Kyle Whittingham said the offense also had a nice day at yesterday’s scrimmage, which was closed to the media.
Freshman slot receiver Britain Covey got dinged up a little bit yesterday, and is expected to be back within the next few days. WRs Tim Patrick and Raelon Singleton are still not practicing with the team.
Cory Butler-Byrd has been permanently moved to defensive back. Wide receiver Siaosi Wilson was experimenting with the defensive black jersey today. Whittingham said his body type resembles former Utes cornerbacks Sean Smith, Eric Rowe, and Keith McGill, all of whom are in the NFL. Nothing is permanent at this point for Wilson.
