Runnin' Utes have progressed

It was nice to see Utah get a win in their final home game of the season after having such a rough year. The Utes knocked off a Stanford team that has won 19 games this year.

I remember when I was watching Utah get pounded by Boise State at the start of the season, analyst Joe Cravens remarked that when he used to coach against Larry Krystkowiak in the Big Sky that Krystkowiak's teams always seemed to be getting better. Cravens also said that there was no doubt in his mind that Krystkowiak was the right guy for the job at Utah.

I remember having my doubts at the time because the Runnin' Utes looked really bad that night in Boise. However, I will say that despite the lack of talent on this year's team, Utah has gotten better throughout the season. Also, they have been playing hard the last several games despite the numerous losses.

It seems that the future is probably bright for the Utes under Larry Krystkowiak. I'm excited for next season and for the end of this season. Utah is at Oregon State tomorrow night at 8 p.m. MT.

Runnin' Utes update

The Utah Runnin' Utes got swept by the Oregon schools this weekend. The Runnin' Utes hung with Oregon and actually had led by 8 and still had the lead with 6 minutes to go, but it appeared the Utes just ran out of steam. The Ducks looked much deeper and were able to keep pressure applied to Utah, who was going with a short rotation.

Today against Oregon State, the Beavers jumped out to a double digit lead in the first half. It looked like the Utes weren't playing with enough defensive intensity and were certainly hurt by starters Kareem Storey and Dijon Farr being in foul trouble and having to sit out much of the half. The Utes were able to play with the Beavers in the second half, but just got into too big of a hole.

I think Utah could still win a couple more games this year, but they will have to play hard for 40 minutes and stay out of foul trouble. I've heard coach Larry Krystkowiak has a solid recruiting class coming in and that couple with a few key cogs returning should help the Utes be deeper and more competitive next year. Unfortunately, it's been a painful rebuilding season for Utah. The Runnin' Utes visit Arizona State next Thursday night and Arizona next Saturday.

Utah football takes on Arizona today

Utah (4-4, 1-4 Pac-12) football visits Arizona (2-6, 1-5 Pac-12) today at 5 p.m. MDT (Utah time). The game can be seen in Utah on KJZZ. The Utes looked better last week at home against Oregon State (2-6, 2-3 Pac-12), winning 27-8. The key to me was that Utah limited the mistakes on offense, particularly in the turnover department. This and some nice drives in the 2nd quarter allowed Utah to open up a big lead and cruise to victory.

However, I would like to see the offense move the ball more consistently; the second half against the Beavers was certainly nothing to write home about. But, the biggest key will again be to limit turnovers. The defense has played pretty well all year and I expect that to continue today. Arizona is a team Utah probably has more talent than and probably should beat, but that certainly is no guarantee, especially on the road. The offense, and particularly quarterback Jon Hays playing smart and limiting mistakes, will be the key to the game. Follow me on Twitter for in-game updates. Go Utes!