Utah injury update for Arkansas game
· Yahoo Sports
The Utah Utes and Arkansas Razorbacks are about to test each other in Salt Lake City. The Deseret News has an injury update for the Utes with comments from Utah coach Morgan Scalley:
"Utah’s offense line should be near full strength this Saturday vs. Arkansas. Coach Morgan Scalley said Tuesday that offensive linemen Keith Olson and Isaiah Garcia 'should be ready to go' this week. Olson was projected to be in Utah’s starting lineup and Garcia was projected to be in the offensive line rotation, but both players missed the opener against Idaho.
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"The Utes started Zereoue Williams, Solatoa Moea’i, Alex Harrison, Roger Alderman and Cedric Jefferson on its new-look offensive line last Thursday. Olson should slot in at right guard in place of Alderman in the starting lineup. Utah rotated on offensive line a lot more than usual due to the injuries and the blowout score giving players opportunities. The Utes will have a starting lineup dialed in against Arkansas and won’t rotate nearly as much.
“'We had a good rotation there at the guard spot. I though guys got quality reps, and so we’ll settle in on a starting five this week that hopefully can last us throughout the game,' Scalley said.
"In other injury news, running back Daniel Bray suffered a concussion after only three snaps against Idaho. The sophomore speedster is expected to play a big role behind RB1 Wayshawn Parker this year.
“'He’s going through the protocol right now. It looks like we’re on track to have him back, but with concussions, you never know day to day how they handle everything. So we’re making sure that he’s safe and ready to go,' Scalley said."
Arkansas knows that Utah has high-quality skill-position players. The Hogs have to disrupt plays before they have a chance to begin. The defensive front, more than the linebackers and secondary, has the most important assignment in this game and will play the most pivotal role for Arkansas. If the Hogs can establish a brick wall at the line of scrimmage on running plays and can cave in the pocket on passing plays, Utah won't be able to get into open space and won't be able to put its skill players in position to do damage. Everything in this game revolves around that question. If Arkansas can smother Utah's offense at the initial point of attack, everything is possible for the Razorback defense. The game will be close, and the offense won't be overburdened.
If, on the other hand, Utah's offensive line is able to gain early control of the line of scrimmage, Arkansas will be on its heels and will likely fall behind 7-0 or 10-0, which will put pressure on the offense and possibly lead to a nasty snowball effect. It's up to the UA front to make the Utah offensive line play poorly. That's the key which will unlock every door for the Razorbacks near the Great Salt Lake.