Utah Q&A with Block U

USC is in a must win situation and is looking to redeem itself after their poor showing against Stanford. The Trojans march into Rice-Eccles to face the 3-0 Utah Utes. We had a chance to speak with Shane Roberts of Block U to prepare for the Friday night battle between the two Pac-12 South teams in Salt Lake City.

Utah coming into this weeks game with a 3-0 start to the season. Would you say a victory over USC be that early statement win that the Utes looking for?

I don't know if I'd call it a statement, but it's needed for the Utes to get what they want, which is to win the PAC-12 south. That'd be the case if it was UCLA, Arizona, ASU or CU. Every game is so important in this league, so it's important to get off to a good start.

Utah has had issues in the red zone on both sides of the ball. What are contributing to those woes?

In not worried about defense at all, since Utah's only allowed 36 points this season. On offense it is a concern, because of some bad turnovers and poor execution in the red zone. A lot of that would be due to a new QB with Troy Williams and a rebuilt running back group. Hopefully as the season progresses it gels better and we see better results.

Tell us about Quarterback Troy Williams and what he brings to the Utah offense.

A true dual threat, but he's a thrower first. He is very fundamentally sound and throws a nice ball. He's very good at extending plays and finding the guy that can move the chains. He also has that QB swag you like to see, he's the alpha of the offense and that attitude has been lacking for Utah.

What are some key players on Utah that we keep an eye out for?

Tim Patrick, Utah's wide receiver. He's Williams' favorite target and is big and can move. On defense, there's Lowell Lotulelei, who is a mountain of a man and younger bothered of Star. He will be a problem. Pretty much pick a name out of the d line and you'll have a playmaker. In the secondary, Marcus Williams. He may be the best safety in the league and is one hell of a center fielder. If the young QB makes he wrong read down field, Williams will make him pay.

Any keys to the game for Utah?

Protect the ball and win the line of scrimmage. That means Utah is running the ball well, and setting up play action, and is stopping the run while chasing Darnold around the field.

Key Match-ups and Prediction.

I like this match up a lot, and at home, I'm taking Utah 27-14.