Utes unlikely to go undefeated

The good news for the University of Utah is it’s undefeated and ranked No. 17, finding ways to win. The bad news: Trouble is just around the corner.
Despite Utah’s 4-0 record, it’s easy to see the Utes are in dangerous territory. Two weeks ago they fumbled/bobbled three kicks against Utah State. Last weekend they turned the ball over three times in the first half and had seven penalties for the game.
Not a good way to stay undefeated.
How long can that go on? At least one more week. That’s because this Saturday the Utes play Weber State.
But unless Utah corrects its repeated miscues, it won’t remain undefeated until the Nov. 22 game against BYU. The sloppiness that has plagued the Utes so far will cost them wins down the road ‘ and probably not too far away. After Weber, Utah plays Oregon State at home and Wyoming on the road. Though the Cowboys aren’t very good this year, the game is in Laramie. Utah won 50-0 last year, which should play emotionally in Wyoming’s favor.
Meanwhile, BYU is looking better than the Utes. Aside from running up big numbers, its defense ‘ supposedly a question mark this season ‘ has consecutive shutouts. Much credit also should go to the offensive line, which hasn’t allowed a sack all year…
In case you’re looking for something to do in the next week or so, football should be a nice diversion.
This Saturday, Weber plays at Utah. It marks the return of former Ute coach Ron McBride to Rice-Eccles. The following Thursday, the Pac-10′s Oregon State plays at Utah in an intriguing game. Next night, it’s BYU at Utah State in the annual Friday night contest. And on Saturday, Oct. 4, perennial FCS power Montana is at Weber State. Mark your calendar and gas up your tank.