Three Storylines That Could Determine Winner Of Utah/SDSU Game

CARSON, Calif. – The University of Utah football team will look to bounce back from their loss to BYU when they face San Diego State in Carson, California.

Utah will try to get out of non-conference play with a winning record while also not allowing the rivalry loss impact this week’s game.

Here are three storylines that could determine the outcome of the game between the Utes and Aztecs.

Don’t Let The BYU Loss Impact Two Games

A lot can be said about moving past a game in which you lost. That’s easier said than done. While the players told the media this week at practice that they have moved on, it will remain to be seen if that is true.

It’s typical to lose a game but to your rival, which snapped a 9-game winning streak is a tough pill to swallow. If the leaders of Utah can get the players’ mindset right and keep the focus on a Pac-12 championship, they should be fine.

📍 pic.twitter.com/Nf5DZiWEjY

— Utah Football (@Utah_Football) September 18, 2021

Bring The Physicality To SDSU

After the loss to BYU, Kyle Whittingham said that the trench players were soft and missed assignments. BYU was able to get into Utah’s backfield on defense and run to the second and third level on offense.

San Diego State has a solid rushing attack, which they hang their hat on, while using a stable of running backs. Utah will need to be physical early and often in order to impose their will on this game.

Forward together. #UBoyz pic.twitter.com/QDiov9SxTY

— Utah Football (@Utah_Football) September 18, 2021

Gain A Rhythm On Offense

Besides Micah Bernard’s second half performance, Utah didn’t find much of a consistent rhythm offensively against BYU. That needs to change against San Diego State. Despite a physical defense that the Aztecs have, Utah should be able to control the line of scrimmage.

If they can get the run game going like last week, while mixing in the passing game, the Utes should be fine.

Trevor Allen is a Utah Utes Insider for KSLSports.com, Co-Host of Faith, Family and Football podcast with Clark Phillips III and host of the Crimson Corner podcast. Follow him on Twitter: @TrevorASports.