BYU vs Utah Q&A: Can BYU end the streak?

We chatted a little bit with our friends over at Block U to prep you before another edition of the Holy War.

1. There has been a lot of hype regarding Utah's new offensive scheme. What do you expect from the offense on Saturday?

I expect to see them really try to open up the field and get into space. Utah has a lot of speed on offense, and they are lethal in the open field. I expect Utah to try and attack the BYU secondary with Darren Carrington, and to see if they can’t get Tyler Huntley comfortable early with some easy passes. We should also see Utah attack BYU on the ground in the run/pass option game with Huntley and Moss. It will be a very diverse offense.

2. Tyler Huntley had some nice plays in his first career start. Are there concerns for how he'll handle his first career start on the road?

Oh, you bet. That’s the case with any young QB. Fortunately, he has a lot of playmakers around him he can lean on, and he’s very elusive, so if things start to breakdown, he can beat you with his legs.

3. What are Utah's best units on each side of the ball?

On offense, probably right now the wide receivers. Darren Carrington has added a dimension that Utah hasn’t had in years, maybe decades. He’s an elite wide out, and he makes things a lot easier for the other receivers on offense.

On defense, the defensive line. It’s so deep and so talented, being led by Kylie Fitts and Lowell Lotulelei. That d-line will wreak havoc on BYU’s offensive line, and make things very difficult.

4. What are Utah's biggest areas of concern on each side of the ball?

On offense, I’d say the o-line. Replacing 4 starters is a difficult thing, and it takes some time for them to gel. They are very talented, but I’m guessing it’ll take a few games for them to get playing well as a unit.

On defense, I’d say the secondary, for the same reasons as the o-line. There’s talent and speed for days on the backend, but they just don’t have the live game reps — outside of Chase Hansen. Watch out for freshman Jaylon Johnson, however, he’s the real deal.

5. How do you see this game playing out?

If I could remove the rivalry game aspect to this game, I could see this as a 45-17 type of game. But this is a rivalry game, and BYU has some pride to play for, so I’m thinking it’s closer than it should be. I think ultimately, Utah’s talent and speed wins out, and guys like Carrington have big games and the Utes win a closer than it should be game, 34-24.