Thursday, Oct. 15, 2009 | 9:05 p.m.
In preparing for Utah after the last two weeks, I think we're just getting back to playing football, and the guys have a chip on their shoulders. The best way to get things going is to be physical.
Our practices have reflected that. We practice inside run drills, pass rush, just really get the team going with tackling drills to start up the day. The coaches are kinda changing the tempo of practice.
I like it. That's the life of a linebacker or d-lineman. I think those guys have a big part in controlling the tempo of the game, so it's good to see.
This year started with big expectations.
They're still there, but I think this team is to where I don't think those things are the biggest things in mind anymore.
Yes, we want to go to a bowl game and want to do good for this program, but I think it's coming down to self-respect, being fed up. This year was the year we've been waiting for, and we don't want to see it go the wrong way. We're at that point where we'll just have to handle business and let all the talking be done on the field.
Taking a closer look at Utah, they run the spread offense really well with Terrance Cain, their quarterback. And he runs well. I know they throw a lot of three-step drops, slants, run the speed option. Their offensive line is very good. And I think they just work well as a team. They really don't have any holes, and not one guy out there just stands out as being a weak part of the offense.
Being that our head coach and a lot of this staff came here from Utah and have a close relationship, I think the Utah connection has helped make us what we are. And I think there's a rivalry there.
I'm looking forward to it, and hope to see you all there.
