Key factor: Stuffing Utah’s running game

[eastbaycat99]

Coming into the bowl, Utah had rushed for 187 yards per game, but they netted only 91 Monday (18 of which were the last 2 plays of the game after the kneel downs).

Even more impressive was the absolute lack of production by their running backs: in their first 13 games, the Utes got 155 ypg from their running backs at a 5.4 per carry average. Up to the last 2 meaningless runs, the Ute tailbacks ran 17 times for 37 yards, a 2.2 average.

If there was one area of dominance by either team Monday, it was the way the Cats’ D-line completely destroyed the Utes’ O-line on running plays. They could not Move the Cats an inch.

 

[rmndcat]

At the game it seemed like most of those ground yards were on quarterback sneaks/scrambles.

 

[EvanstonCat]

Coming into the bowl, Utah had rushed for 187 yards per game, but they netted only 91 Monday (18 of which were the last 2 plays of the game after the kneel downs).

Even more impressive was the absolute lack of production by their running backs: in their first 13 games, the Utes got 155 ypg from their running backs at a 5.4 per carry average. Up to the last 2 meaningless runs, the Ute tailbacks ran 17 times for 37 yards, a 2.2 average.

If there was one area of dominance by either team Monday, it was the way the Cats’ D-line completely destroyed the Utes’ O-line on running plays. They could not Move the Cats an inch.

To be fair, they were a better running team with their 1st team starter, who was out the last 4 (5) games.

And if Jonathan Taylor can't run on this D, why in the world would anyone think Utah with or without their starter could?

 

[NJCat]

And if Jonathan Taylor can't run on this D, why in the world would anyone think Utah with or without their starter could?

Because Purdue rushed for 202?

Or Michigan rushed for 180?

Or Nebraska rushed for 231?

Or Illinois and Wisconsin both rushed for more than 150?

NU wasn't lock-down against the run this season.

 

[Hungry Jack]

“NW Dline is downright horrible. Being small isn’t bad, but when you couple it with slow and weak it’s a formula that results in getting your s**t pushed in, which is exactly what our Oline is going to do.”

 

[zbag51]

“NW Dline is downright horrible. Being small isn’t bad, but when you couple it with slow and weak it’s a formula that results in getting your s**t pushed in, which is exactly what our Oline is going to do.”

At least that guy’s “worst case scenario” didn’t come true!!!

 

[DaCat]

“NW Dline is downright horrible. Being small isn’t bad, but when you couple it with slow and weak it’s a formula that results in getting your s**t pushed in, which is exactly what our Oline is going to do.”

The funny thing about this turd's comments is that he has no idea whether our DLine is weak or not.

The last two D Linemen that NU put into the NFL were two of the strongest, based on NFL Combine bench press reps.

Tyler Lancaster = 36
Dean Lowry = 30

Our strength and conditioning program has been very effective in helping to develop defensive linemen. Jordan Thompson, who sat out the bowl game due to surgery, will be the next NFL lineman from NU.

 

[Wrestlerneverdiesasacatfan]

Coming into the bowl, Utah had rushed for 187 yards per game, but they netted only 91 Monday (18 of which were the last 2 plays of the game after the kneel downs).

Even more impressive was the absolute lack of production by their running backs: in their first 13 games, the Utes got 155 ypg from their running backs at a 5.4 per carry average. Up to the last 2 meaningless runs, the Ute tailbacks ran 17 times for 37 yards, a 2.2 average.

If there was one area of dominance by either team Monday, it was the way the Cats’ D-line completely destroyed the Utes’ O-line on running plays. They could not Move the Cats an inch.

Excellent point. Bowser took control in second half of the game.

 

[eastbaycat99]

“NW Dline is downright horrible. Being small isn’t bad, but when you couple it with slow and weak it’s a formula that results in getting your s**t pushed in, which is exactly what our Oline is going to do.”

Jack, this is part of why I posted this is that anyone who watched the Cats this year and thought the DLine could be pushed around is not very astute. A few teams did run well against the Cats: Purdue had success in the first half with Moore, and UNL did a great job in their blocking scheme. The Ute89 clown said he had watched the Michigan, Iowa and OSU games and thought based on that Utah ould have a field day. I guess it only shows that Internet forums have a lot of people who have no idea what they are talking about (Big surprise!)

 

[Hungry Jack]

Jack, this is part of why I posted this is that anyone who watched the Cats this year and thought the DLine could be pushed around is not very astute. A few teams did run well against the Cats: Purdue had success in the first half with Moore, and UNL did a great job in their blocking scheme. The Ute89 clown said he had watched the Michigan, Iowa and OSU games and thought based on that Utah ould have a field day. I guess it only shows that Internet forums have a lot of people who have no idea what they are talking about (Big surprise!)

That guy hasn’t showed his puckered face on that forum since the game. Imagine that.

Forrest always said “Stupid is as stupid does.”

 

[phatcat]

Coming into the bowl, Utah had rushed for 187 yards per game, but they netted only 91 Monday (18 of which were the last 2 plays of the game after the kneel downs).

Even more impressive was the absolute lack of production by their running backs: in their first 13 games, the Utes got 155 ypg from their running backs at a 5.4 per carry average. Up to the last 2 meaningless runs, the Ute tailbacks ran 17 times for 37 yards, a 2.2 average.

If there was one area of dominance by either team Monday, it was the way the Cats’ D-line completely destroyed the Utes’ O-line on running plays. They could not Move the Cats an inch.

I was thanking them out loud every time they gave a running back the ball. We had early trouble with Shelley's mobility, but it was obvious they weren't going to line up and run on us.

I don't blame them, it is clearly a big part of their game, and on our side, we kept pounding the rock until it cracked a bit and, finally, Bowser had some room to bust heads.

You know, after some early season pants-pooping in the second halves of games, we did ok as a 2nd half team. I think a lot is strength and conditioning. We just didn't seem tired at the end