Jimmy the Greek Says

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#1

[h=2]JIMMY THE GREEK SAYS[/h] Today, 12:18 AM

 

 

 

Utah -13 over Fresno St (bought half):

Coming off an impressive 2013 campaign that saw the Bulldogs go 11-2, disappointment quickly set in during the Las Vegas Bowl losing by 25 points to USC. Fresno (0-1) and USC (1-0) met in a rematch last week to open the season, but the outcome was even more decisive with the Trojans trouncing the Bulldogs 52-13. Utah (1-0) didn't qualify for a bowl game last season going just 5-7 but took care of business last week with a 56-14 win over Idaho St. Travis Wilson (13/18 265 1 TD) set the tone early needing to play just the first half. Devontae Booker (10-78 7.8 2 TD) led a balanced rushing attack that generated 5 TDs and 238 yards on the ground. The Bulldogs face the Utes Saturday from Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City.

 

While the running game last week against the Bengals was superior, the special teams equally as such generating a punt and kickoff return each for scores, and the passing game relatively efficient, the defense yielded 373 total yards including 180 on the ground. This could be a concern against Fresno, who figures to be more focused than their underachieving loss at USC. However, Fresno's secondary could be in for another long afternoon as Wilson will see more action. The Bulldogs gave up 424 passing yards against USC last week so with Utah already a well-oiled machine on the ground, the Utes could pick their poison executing a nice mix. That could mean more touches for Kendall Thompson who gained 96 total yards in week 1.

 

Fresno's QB situation is looking more and more dire heading into week 2. If Utah can duplicate their defensive effort like last week against ISU, the final outcome could warrant more of the same domination. Brian Burrell (11/19 80 1 INT) got the start while Duke transfer Brandon Connette (7/18 68 3 INT) finished up even more ineffective. About the only bright spot for Fresno was Marteze Walker (15-104 6.9 2 TD) who gained a large chunk of the Bulldogs' 177 rushing yardage. Cody Kessler (27/39 402 4 TD) picked apart the defense that gave up 687 total yards. The 2 QB system will play right into the Utah defensive hands, especially since Devante Adams, who routinely torched opposing secondaries especially in the open field on yards after catch.

 

Nate Orchard and Jason Whiitingham should be able to string a series of key defensive plays they at times failed to execute in their opener. Orchard recorded 3 sacks and 3 tackles last week and will be in even much better shape balance wise once they are able to gel up front stacking up the line and to contain the corner receiver routes. The Bulldogs return 8 starters on defense but need to be more efficient especially in the secondary where they seemed a couple of steps slow in week 1. Kessler was relatively untouched, so expect more penetration on the outside by LB Edjiro Ederaine who recorded 13 sacks in 2013.

 

On both sides of the ball depth wise Utah has a clear advantage so long as they play a clean game and take care of business methodically. After Derek Carr the comparison of talent swings the pendulum significantly in the Utes' favor. They also have a lot more weapons in the running and passing game. Wilson should be able to generate success just as easily as Kessler did in week 1 while the running game will also take advantage. We look to avenge the backdoor loss last week backing Marshall b expecting a rather convincing win for the Utes on Saturday. Best of luck however you play!

 

YTD 0-1 .000

 

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