Utah Faces Test of Resilience against West Virginia Following Texas Tech Setback
Recent performances have left questions surrounding the Utah Utes football program, marked by inconsistency rather than dominance. A key area of concern remains quarterback play, consistently identified as the most crucial element of success at all levels of the game. The offensive line also showed vulnerabilities against Texas Tech, highlighting a need for consistent playmakers across the offense.
Head Coach Kyle Whittingham acknowledges responsibility for these shortcomings,stating,”It’s his team,his program.” However, questioning his coaching ability is deemed unproductive. The author emphasizes Whittingham’s continued competence, noting he “is as smart as he ever was and he’s as good a coach now as he’s ever been.”
The Utes’ struggles were apparent in their game against Texas Tech on September 20, 2025. While acknowledging the need for improvement, the article points to the Red Raiders’ superior speed and strength as a contributing factor. The offense must establish a more effective running game, with the offensive line creating necessary space. Quarterback Brandon Dampier needs to demonstrate poise and accuracy, avoiding relying solely on scrambling under pressure, as he is now competing against a higher caliber of defense. Receivers and running backs must also contribute by getting open and making plays.
Looking ahead, the challenge for Whittingham lies in galvanizing the offense. The author notes his past success in motivating players and coaches, asking, “will he do it again?” While not predicting a guaranteed turnaround, the piece expresses confidence in Whittingham’s ability to improve the team, stating he “hasn’t shrunk into a shell of his former self.”
The article concludes with a cautiously optimistic outlook. Barring critically important injuries – specifically questioning Dampier’s health – a repeat of last season’s struggles appears unlikely. The Utes were defeated by a demonstrably superior team in Texas Tech, but the author believes that if Utah remains healthy and executes effectively, they are poised to win a significant number of their remaining games.
