9/24/15 Emerald Media - Gameday

T H U R S D AY, S E P T E M B E R 2 4 , 2 0 1 5

D A I LY E M E R A L D . C O M

# FA M I LY O N T H E F I E L D

BROTHERS ON THE WING

⚑ GAMEDAY

H O W O R E G O N A N D U TA H M AT C H U P A N D S TA C K U P



PA C - 1 2 P R E D I C T I O N S

TAJ AND TY GRIFFIN ARE HAVING A FAMILY REUNION IN AUTZEN STADIUM.

The brothers from Georgia are taking to the field together in Eugene after playing separately for two years,



DON PELLUM’S M OVE UP TOP

New nonstop EUG to San Jose Connecting the Silicon Shire to the Silicon Valley facebook.com/ emeraldphotobooth @Emeraldphotobooth @emeraldphotobooth

We bring the camera, lights, props and staff.

You bring your fabulous self.

We make events better.

PA G E 2

E M E R A L D G A M E D AY

T H U R S D AY, S E P T E M B E R 2 4 , 2 0 1 5

⚑ GAMEDAY

HOW OREGON AND UTAH STACK UP: UTES POSE UNDENIABLE THREAT THIS WEEK ➡ JUSTIN

Tony Brooks-James running in the Georgia State game at Autzen Stadium on Sept. 19.

WISE, @JUSTINFWISE

If you need a refresher on the potential threat that No. 18 Utah poses this week when it faces No. 13 Oregon, look no further than the teams’ last matchup in November 2014. While the final score doesn’t portray a close game, the Utes overpowered Oregon in the game’s initial stages. So much so that Utah was about to take a 14-0 lead in the second quarter.

However, as Utah wide receiver Kaelin Clay ran toward the end zone for what was to be a 79-yard touchdown pass-and-catch, the momentum quickly shifted.

Clay, as he began his celebration, dropped the ball at the one-yard line. After a brief scramble for the ball, Oregon linebacker Joe Walker scooped it up and ran 99 yards in the other direction. The play resulted in a 7-7 tie and sparked a 51-27 win for the Ducks.

But how the first phases of the game went last year shows what Utah is capable of. The Utes have a dark horse Heisman candidate in running back Devontae Booker, and their defense has only allowed 18.3 points per game this season.

The clash between Oregon’s ground game and Utah’s front seven on defense should be entertaining as well. The Utes have only allowed 105.7 rushing yards per game this season, and may be the most physical Pac-12 team Oregon faces.

Here’s how they stack up:

OREGON OFFENSE VS. UTAH DEFENSE Oregon offensive coordinator Scott Frost told reporters Monday that Vernon Adams Jr.’s broken index finger has “no risk anymore of furthering the injury.” That’s good news, as Adams showed plenty of potential in his first two starts in a Ducks uniform. The graduate transfer has averaged 277.5 passing yards per game while also displaying an ability to run, accounting for 100 rushing yards in two games. But turnovers became a problem for Adams when Oregon faced Michigan State. In the first three games of this season Utah has shown a knack for capitalizing on those type of mistakes. The Utes have forced eight turnovers.

In addition, the Ducks’ rushing attack was back in form against Georgia State last Saturday. In the first half alone Royce Freeman ran for 101 yards and one touchdown. But the Utes’ physicality in the trenches is something to take note of. The unit has been dominant in games against non-conference opponents.

Oregon has rushed the ball with ease against Georgia State and Eastern Washington. But its ground attack did not have as much success against Michigan State. If that problem persists against a rugged Utah team, it could be an interesting game.

The Emerald is published by Emerald Media Group, Inc., the independent nonprofit media company at the University of Oregon.

Formerly the Oregon Daily Emerald, the news organization was founded in 1900.

NEWSROOM

OREGON DEFENSE VS. UTAH OFFENSE Utah’s Booker is averaging 115 rushing yards per game and 4.1 yards per carry. But the Utes’ aerial attack is a different story. Travis Wilson started at quarterback to begin the season, but sat out last week with a sprained left shoulder. His replacement was Kendal Thompson, and the two have combined to average 167 passing yards per game this season. It makes for an intriguing matchup, considering that the Ducks’ secondary has been their weakest point of the defense.

Opposing offenses have averaged 316 yards through the air this season against the Ducks. While the unit felt like it was progressing after an impressive fight against No. 2 Michigan State two weeks ago, concerns continued to mount last week against Georgia State. However, the Ducks, like Utah, have created eight turnovers this season.

BUSINESS

EDITOR IN CHIEF DA H L I A BA Z Z A Z X 3 2 5

SENIOR SPORTS EDITOR JUSTIN WISE

PUBLISHER, PRESIDENT & CEO C H A R L I E W E AV E R X 3 1 7

PRINT MANAGING EDITOR COOPER GREEN

A S S O C I AT E S P O R T S E D I T O R S KENNY JACOBY H AY D E N K I M

V P O P E R AT I O N S K AT H Y C A R B O N E X 3 0 2

D I G I TA L M A N A G I N G E D I T O R JACK HEFFERNAN HIRING AND TRAINING DIRECTORS K AY L E E T O R N AY SCOTT GREENSTONE AUDIENCE ENGAGEMENT DIRECTOR KIRA HOFFELMEYER DESIGNERS RAQUEL ORTEGA GINA MILLS JARRED GRAHAM

P H OTOG R A P H B Y CO L E E L SAS S E R , @ CO L E E L SASS E RV I S UA L S

OPINION EDITOR TA N N E R O W E N S NEWS EDITOR JENNIFER FLECK A&C EDITORS EMERSON MALONE COPY CHIEF ME L I S SA R H OA D S

VP OF SALES AND MARKETING R O B R E I L LY X 3 0 3

ON THE COVER

The cover images were photographed

by Adam Eberhardt.

GET IN TOUCH EMERALD MEDIA GROUP 1 2 2 2 E . 1 3 T H AV E . , # 3 0 0 EUGENE, OR 97403 541.346.5511 VO L . 1 1 7 , I S S U E N O. 1 5

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES NICOLE ADKISSON N I C K C ATA N I A BEN GILBERTS TYLER HORST E ST UA R DO P E R E Z TAY L O R B R A D B U R Y TE D DY L AC K S A L LY C A S E B E E R CAITLIN MONAHAN

T H U R S D AY, S E P T E M B E R 2 4 , 2 0 1 5

E M E R A L D G A M E D AY

PA G E 3

⚑ GAMEDAY

MATCHUPS & PLAYERS TO WATCH ➡WILL DENNER, @WILL_DENNER

Players to watch: Oregon:

Vernon Adams Jr. Adams sat out last week’s win over Georgia State, nursing an injury to his index finger. Jeff Lockie got his first career start at quarterback.

Offensive coordinator Scott Frost said on Monday that there is no risk of further injuring Adams’ finger. Though the Ducks have yet to name a starter, Adams appears to have a good chance to redeem himself on Saturday after throwing two picks in the Michigan State loss.

Tyree Robinson Robinson capitalized on erratic passing from Georgia State quarterback Nick Arbuckle, intercepting two passes, including one returned for a touchdown. The safety has struggled with tackling, like much of the defense, but Robinson showed a knack for finding the football against Georgia State.

Utah:

Gionni Paul The senior linebacker has shown up across the stat sheet through three games for the Utes. In addition to 27 tackles — second best on the team — Paul has one interception and one recovered fumble.

Above right: Vernon Adams Jr. in the Michigan State game.

Right: Tyree Robinson against Georgia State.

PA G E 4

E M E R A L D G A M E D AY

T H U R S D AY, S E P T E M B E R 2 4 , 2 0 1 5

The No. 18 Utah Utes are now one of only four Pac-12 teams that remain undefeated.

After beating Fresno State 45-24 last Saturday, the Utes improved to 3-0 heading into their Pac-12 opener against No. 13 Oregon.

Coming off a relatively comfortable 61-28 win over Georgia State, the Ducks will be tested against Utah, a team that threatened to spoil Oregon’s national championship run last season.

Although the Ducks eventually won 51-27 at Utah’s Rice-Eccles Stadium last November, they started slow on both sides of the ball. Had it not been for Kaelin Clay’s goal-line gaffe and Joe Walker’s subsequent return for a touchdown in the second quarter, things might have been drastically different. Instead, that play turned a 14-0 Utes lead into a 7-7 tie, giving the Ducks new life.

Oregon faces a Utah offense reliant on its rushing attack, led by running back Devontae Booker. Defensively, the Utes allow 18.3 points per game, fourth best in the conference. Meanwhile, the Ducks’ defense ranks dead last in that category, allowing 33.7 points per game.

Here are the matchups to watch in Saturday’s contest:

Devontae Booker vs. Oregon frontseven Missed tackles have been a problem throughout the Ducks’ defense this season, most notably in their loss at Michigan State. The Ducks face another run-heavy team with Utah. With an unsettled situation at quarterback between Travis Wilson and Kendal Thompson, the Utes lean heavily on Booker. Last week against Fresno State, Booker totaled 212 all-purpose yards and two rushing touchdowns. He also rushed a season-high 31 times. If containment and tackling troubles persist for Oregon, Booker could run wild.

Oregon offensive line vs. Utah defensive line The Ducks have struggled in the trenches in nearly every loss over the past few seasons. The same was true against Michigan State, where Vernon Adams Jr. danced around the pocket all night trying to avoid the pass rush. Part of Adams’ struggles were due to him holding the ball too long, but his offensive line wasn’t much help. Utah defensive coordinator John Pease constantly rotates his defensive lineman in and out during games. The Utes are deep at this position, while the Ducks’ offensive line continues to gel with three new starters.

P H OTOG R A P H S B Y A DA M E B E R H A R DT

DucksHousing.com

A simple way for UO students

TO SEARCH FOR

HOUSING T H U R S D AY, S E P T E M B E R 2 4 , 2 0 1 5

E M E R A L D G A M E D AY

PA G E 5

⚑ GAMEDAY North Division

No. 13 Oregon (2-1):

The secondary needs work and tackling needs improvement. But the Ducks have shown that their ‘bend-but-don’t-break’ style of defense works. Vernon Adams Jr. should return this week from a broken index finger and Oregon’s offense remains scary. The expected return of wide receiver Darren Carrington from suspension gives the Ducks the edge in the North.

No. 22 Stanford (2-1):

Portland Airport Transportation

since 1973

541-33 GO HUT hutshuttle.com EVERY 2 HOURS EVERY DAY

541-334-6488

Transportation between Eugene Phoenix Inn & Portland Airport

FREE WIFI!

Quarterback Jared Goff and Cal’s offense are prolific (51 points per game), but the Golden Bears defense keeps them from being true contenders. Also, Cal plays Oregon, Utah, UCLA and

Breaking in a new coach and new offensive system has been tough for the Beavers thus far, but quarterback Seth Collins is a dual-threat guy who’s only going to get better.

PREVIEW

Freshman quarterback Josh Rosen has managed the offense well in three games.

Running back Paul Perkins deserves more Heisman hype after gashing No. 22 BYU for 219 yards on 26 carries in last week’s 24-23 comeback win. The return of All-Pac-12 defensive back Ishmael Adams should help offset the season-ending injuries to linebacker Myles Jack and cornerback Fabian Moreau.

No. 16 Arizona (3-0):

Last year’s South division champs aren’t getting the respect they deserve.

However, a win Saturday against UCLA with the nation watching will change that. Anu Solomon and Nick Wilson lead the offense, while the potential return of All-American linebacker Scooby Wright III makes Arizona dangerous.

No. 18 Utah (3-0):

E M E R A L D G A M E D AY

T H U R S D AY, S E P T E M B E R 2 4 , 2 0 1 5

Oregon State (2-1):

➡ R YA N K O S T E C K A THE PAC-12 SEASON GETS UNDERWAY THIS WEEK FOR THE MAJORITY OF ITS TEAMS. HERE’S A BREAKDOWN OF EACH TEAM:

Physical is the best way to describe the Utes.

It’s the reason they’re undefeated thus far. Running back Devontae Booker overshadows the team’s

PA G E 6

Washington State (2-1):

The Cougars will always have a chance in every game with their air-raid offense, something quarterback Luke Falk runs better each week.

However, a suspect defense and an even worse ground game keeps Washington State in the cellar.

No. 9 UCLA (3-0):

RESERVATIONS REQUIRED

Washington (2-1):

Freshman quarterback Jake Browning is looking more confident each week but free safety Budda Baker leads an unproven defense.

The defense has lost seven significant players from last year (three first-round picks in the NFL Draft) and it likely doesn’t have the depth to challenge Oregon and Stanford in the North.

The win over USC last week was huge. Quarterback Kevin Hogan looked like the conference’s best last week.

He still needs playmakers around him to find more consistency on offense. The defense is stout and always gives the Cardinal a chance.

Cal (3-0):

Nick 38966 9.3.15

Stanford on the road late in the year.

problems at quarterback, while the defense is big and fast.

No. 19 USC (2-1):

USC is the most talented team on paper and freshman Juju Smith-Schuster is the best wide receiver in the conference. Quarterback Cody Kessler is a veteran player, and combined with defensive playmakers Adoree Jackson and Su’a Cravens, the Trojans will be in title discussions come November.

Arizona State (2-1):

The biggest disappointment thus far has been the Sun Devils. Arizona State was supposed to be a contender in the conference but it followed up a seasonopening loss to No. 14 Texas A&M with two subpar wins over inferior opponents.

Colorado (2-1): Colorado is led by a surprisingly good running game with four players amassing more than 130 yards rushing thus far. Wide receiver Nelson Spruce is a tough matchup on offense but defensively the Buffaloes struggle.

South Division

PHOTOGRAPH BY KYLE SANDLER, @KYLESANDLER

⚑ GAMEDAY NEVER A O C VER

Q&A: PAC-12 ANALYST YOGI ROTH NOT WORRIED ABOUT OREGON

DANCER AUDITIONS Call 541-517-7196

Nude Hours

12pm - 2:15am Daily

➡ H AY D E N

K I M , @ H AY D AY K I M

Since its 31-28 loss to No. 2 Michigan State two weeks ago, No. 13 Oregon has continued to drop in the polls. The Ducks, who recently dropped to their lowest ranking since 2011 in the AP Poll, have a chance to move back up with a matchup against No. 18 Utah on Saturday.

Before the season, the Emerald spoke with Pac-12 analyst Yogi Roth about Oregon and the Pac12.

Roth, who is still confident that the conference champion will reserve a spot in year two of the College Football Playoff, hasn’t changed his perception of the Ducks or the conference.

Here are his thoughts about Oregon and the Pac-12 heading into conference play: Emerald: What was your takeaway from Oregon’s loss at Michigan State?

Yogi Roth: One is that [quarterback] Vernon Adams Jr. is the dude. He’s got legitimate star quality. It’s unfortunate that he had a banged up finger and some of his accuracy was off.

But, big picture wise, I thought he gained a lot of respect from his teammates. I saw a guy who is a gamer. He can play on the big stages. I don’t think this loss is going to hurt them too much just because what the playoff committee has done in the past is they base it off the reality versus the perception. The reality is that he hadn’t been in that offense for over a month yet and he went in and played the way he did. Reality is that they went up against a really good

team in a hostile environment for all intents and purposes, had a chance to win the game.

E: Has your perception of the Oregon defense changed after [MSU]?

YR: If you really look anywhere across the country, a lot of teams in college aren’t tackling a lot in training camp.

For obvious reasons: to stay healthy, trying to not have violent collisions in a game, etc.

So, a lot of teams miss tackles because they don’t practice a lot. That’s what I thought we saw week one. I’ve always been impressed with their ability. On paper, they got the oldest front seven in the Pac-12 and their [secondary] is really gifted. I’m not worried about [defense].

It’s too early in the season to be worried. Let’s talk after the Utah game. Then, I’ll let you know if I’m worried if they can play physical football or not.

E: What does the Pac-12 need to do to ensure its champion gets into the playoff?

YR: I think the conference is respected enough by the committee. The road they go through is harder than anybody else: non-conference games and the championship game. The conference is really deep. You talk to anybody from Tuscaloosa (Alabama) to Northern California, they’re going to say the same thing. So, I do believe the Pac-12 champion, a one-loss champion, will get into the playoff. It’s going to get interesting if there is a twoloss team. It will be fun to see what happens.

Lottery Champagne Room Outside Smoking Drinking Patio

1836 South ‘A’ St., Spfld • 541.762.1503 Only 5 minutes from campus! www.sweetillusions.biz

Still

Searching?

LET US ASSIST YOU.

NO APPLICATION FEE • ASK ABOUT MOVE-IN BONUS SOME INDIVIDUAL LEASES AVAILABLE STUDIO, 1-2-3-4 BEDROOM UNIT

1301 Ferry #2 • 541-485-7776 • vonkleinrentals.com

T H U R S D AY, S E P T E M B E R 2 4 , 2 0 1 5

E M E R A L D G A M E D AY

PA G E 7

đ&#x;“– COVER Taj Griffin scored his first touchdown as a Duck against Georgia State on Sept. 19.

TY & TAJ: BROTHER BACKS ➥ KENNY

J A C O B Y, @ K E N N Y J A C O B Y

Three years before they reunited on the Oregon football team, Ty Griffin quarterbacked one of the most prolific high school teams in Georgia, and handed the ball off to his little brother Taj, the starting running back.

Just like the Ducks, McEachern High School in Powder Springs, Georgia, ran the zone read, a spread-option offense in which the running back crosses paths with the quarterback after the snap. The quarterback then chooses either to hand the ball off to the running back or hang on to it, depending on his reading of the defense.

The brothers only ran into one problem: sharing. “We could never get Ty to hand Taj the ball,� their father Herb Griffin said. “He would leave Taj standing in the backfield jumping up and down, like, ‘Give me the ball!’�

Off the field, Taj, Ty and their eldest brother, Tre, a defensive end for Georgia Southern, argued over which TV channel to watch, who would shower first or eat the bigger piece of chicken.

Their fraternal competition was also pronounced on the virtual field; bragging rights were won and lost over games of Madden on Xbox. Taj played the most so, like any brother would, Ty composed a song about his brother’s passion for video games and submitted it for a school-wide project. His song, entitled “I Wonder Why Taj Loves Xbox,� won second place in the music category.

Sibling rivalry challenged Taj at times, but their mother Tamiko Griffin said it “elevated Taj as a person.� One year, when they were young, the brothers got new bikes, but Taj’s was a kiddie bike.

PA G E 8

E M E R A L D G A M E D AY

T H U R S D AY, S E P T E M B E R 2 4 , 2 0 1 5

“He didn’t want that,� Tamiko said, because it wasn’t equipped to keep up with the other boys’ bikes. Nevertheless, Taj pedaled in overdrive to maintain pace. “He’s had to go extra hard his whole life to keep up with his brothers,� Tamiko said.

Taj’s motivation paid off. He was immediately noticeable the day he started playing football.

While he was in high school, 247Sports rated him the No. 1 all-purpose back in the country. He ran the 40-yard dash in 4.31 seconds and recorded a 45-inch vertical leap.

For as long as Tamiko can remember, Taj showed great interest in the Ducks. So when Oregon head coach Mark Helfrich recruited him, Taj jumped on the opportunity. “Taj has shown a ton of flashes,� Helfrich said. “He’s got great natural physicality for a really fast guy. That’s not always the case.�

When Taj tore his ACL during his senior year of high school, Helfrich called him to assure he was still a high-priority recruit for Oregon and he would not lose his scholarship.

The injury happened during the season opener of Taj’s senior year. As part of the punt coverage team, Griffin tried planting his foot to make a tackle, but he heard his knee pop and immediately knew the severity of the injury. He had already rushed for three touchdowns in the first quarter alone. “I felt the pain and I’d never felt anything like it before,� Taj said. “It definitely changed things for me.�

Out for his high school’s 2014 season, Taj started rehabilitating his knee right away.

P H OTOG R A P H B Y CO L E E L SAS S E R , @ CO L E E L SASS E RV I S UA L S

He graduated high school early to facilitate his enrollment at Oregon in January, where he would once again team up with his brother. He started running routes and participating in 7-on-7 drills last spring. Originally worried that he would lose his speed, Taj said he’s recovered 100 percent.

The Oregon freshman doesn’t appear to have lost a step. Taj made his collegiate debut in Oregon’s season opener against Eastern Washington and broke off for a 61-yard gain on one of his three carries.

Before Taj received national recognition on the gridiron, Ty was redshirting as a quarterback during his freshman season at Georgia Tech in 2013. The Yellow Jackets ran the triple-option, an offense Ty was not fond of.

“I was open-minded about it at first, but when I tried it out I didn’t really like it,” Ty said. “I just felt it was in my best interest to try to get into something different.”

While being recruited, Taj told the coaching staff at Oregon to check out his brother’s film.

The coaches were impressed, but weren’t allowed to talk to him until he was released from his scholarship at Georgia Tech. Ty asked for his release – which Georgia Tech granted. Oregon quickly signed him.

Ty spent the 2014 season commanding the scout team at quarterback and grasping the offense. One of his most pivotal roles during the season came when he played as a surrogate for Florida State

quarterback Jameis Winston during pre-Rose Bowl practices for Oregon’s game against the Seminoles.

Ty, now a redshirt sophomore, made his debut for the Ducks this season at cornerback, a position he’d never played before.

In 2015, the competition to replace Marcus Mariota at quarterback thickened when Vernon Adams Jr. transferred to Oregon. Essentially two seasons removed from football, Ty made the switch to cornerback.

“It was initially my decision,” Ty said. “Vernon came in and everyone’s reps were getting cut down.

It’s my third year, so I was really just trying to get on the field and help out the team this year in that capacity.”

“I think it’s a great move for him,” Helfrich said.

“He’s electric fast. That would be his fastest path to the field.”

Ty recorded his first tackle, pass break-up and deflection in Oregon’s win over Georgia State on Sept. 19. In the same game, Taj scored his first career touchdown on a pitch from Bralon Addison in the third quarter.

The Griffin family watched the Oregon game from Buffalo Wild Wings in Georgia, after they attended Tre’s game live at Georgia Southern.

When Taj scored, his grandfather ran around the restaurant grabbing people and telling them that his grandson scored his first collegiate touchdown.

“It was pretty embarrassing, but it was a proud moment for the family,” Tamiko said.

Ty Griffin made his first tackle as a Duck against the Georgia State offense on Sept. 19.

P H OTOG R A P H B Y A DA M E B E R H A R DT

T H U R S D AY, S E P T E M B E R 2 4 , 2 0 1 5

E M E R A L D G A M E D AY

PA G E 9

⚑ GAMEDAY AQUATICS • FITNESS • INTRAMURALS • PE CLASSES • YOUTH & FAMILY

UOREC.UOREGON.EDU EO/AA/ADA institution committed to cultural diversity.

like us

follow us

Emerald Media

@dailyemerald @odesports

facebook.com/ emeraldphotobooth @Emeraldphotobooth @emeraldphotobooth

facebook.com/dailyemerald

We bring the camera, lights, props and staff.

You bring your fabulous self.

We make events better.

MORNING JOB FOR STRONG BICYCLIST Deliver the Emerald 6-8am Monday thru Friday week one, then Monday and Thursday only the rest of the term. Delivery is done with our cargo bikes.

startatlane.com

Apply in person at Suite 300 or email kcarbone@dailyemerald.com PA G E 1 0

E M E R A L D G A M E D AY

T H U R S D AY, S E P T E M B E R 2 4 , 2 0 1 5

⚑ GAMEDAY

OREGON

OREGON

UCLA

CAL

UCLA

CAL

UA

U

RD FO ST

A

SC

N

V

V A CL U UCLA

V

SU

S.

CAL

S.

S.

U S. V L CA

U TA H

CAL

A

W

UA

RE O S. V H TA U OREGON

USC

S TA N F O R D

USC

S TA N F O R D

USC

S TA N F O R D

USC

CAL

UCLA

USC

OREGON

CAL

UA

USC

S TA N F O R D

OREGON

CAL

UA

ASU

S TA N F O R D

OREGON

CAL

UCLA

USC

S TA N F O R D

OSU

OUR GRIDIRON STAFF

A N D R E W B A N T LY

WILL DENNER

JUSTIN WISE

P H O T O G R A P H S F R O M T H E E M E R A L D A R C H I VE S

KENNY JACOBY

JOEY HOYT

WILL BEAT THE DUCKS **Editor’s Note: Each week during football season, we feature an essay from the opponent’s student newspaper on why Oregon will lose. This week’s edition is from Kimberly Brenneisen, an assistant sports editor at The Daily Utah Chronicle.**

S TA N F O R D

OREGON

CHRIS KEIZUR

WHY THE UTES

O

GO

N

SU

PAC-12 PICKS

R YA N K O S T E C K A

H AY D E N K I M

The Utes are poised to have their best season since joining the Pac-12 and it all hinges on winning that first conference game in Autzen Stadium.

Last year against the Ducks, things did not go exactly as planned for the Utes after the 14-point swing in Oregon’s favor.

They will surely not make any silly mistakes this time around and will be more focused than ever, especially after their play late in the game against Fresno State.

While Utah did get the 4524 win against the Bulldogs, head coach Kyle Whittingham was not happy with how his defense played against a back up quarterback. He never wants to see the intensity deflate, which it did — allowing three late touchdowns.

There were some high points though, one being special teams as Utah had back-to-back returns for touchdowns. They’re finally getting back to what they were last year, despite a few mistakes that can be fixed.

The defense has only two sacks on the season, but it is more than making up for it by forcing interceptions and causing fumbles. Whittingham knows that besides the actual score of the game, the turnover margin is the most important statistic to win, so he’ll be counting on his defense to come up big.

On offense, freshman Britain Covey has the most receiving yards for the team and, even though he is short, is tough.

Then there’s Kenneth Scott, the

veteran wide receiver who has not seen too much action, but his team knows he will be there when it matters most.

Whether Travis Wilson or Kendal Thompson plays behind center, the Utes can be just as effective throwing or running the ball. Wilson started off the year well and his only interception came in the last seconds of the first half against Michigan when the Utes were attempting a Hail Mary. It’s also important to note that this was really the only long shot he’s attempted this season, and both Whittingham and Wilson are eager to get that deep threat going. Wilson’s doing a great job protecting the ball, as is Devontae Booker.

Booker, a Heisman hopeful, finally had the game he has been aiming for since the start of the season by registering more than 200 total yards against Fresno State. The offensive line has been working on giving him more room and is steadily improving in each game, but it still has a ways to go. Aside from that, the front seven is doing a nice job of protecting the quarterback.

It won’t be an easy battle going into Eugene. In a college town like that, it’s hard for any team to pull out a win. However, the Utes have one thing going for them, and it’s the fact that most people do not expect them to win. All eyes will be concentrated on Oregon, and Utah will gladly sit in the backseat, much like it did against Michigan. The Utes are ready to pull an upset and beat the Ducks in a close game.

T H U R S D AY, S E P T E M B E R 2 4 , 2 0 1 5

E M E R A L D G A M E D AY

PA G E 1 1

⚑ GAMEDAY

FROM SIDELINE TO BOOTH:

DON PELLUM IS MOVING UP Don Pellum, defensive coordinator for the Oregon Ducks, will now be coaching from the booth to distance himself from distractions on the sidelines.

➡ CHRIS

KEIZUR, @CHRISKEIZUR

Oregon football fans may have noticed someone missing from the sidelines this season, a man who not only runs the Ducks’ defense, but also has been labeled one of the best-dressed coordinators in the nation.

Don Pellum, a veteran of the program and entering his second season as defensive coordinator, is coaching from the booth instead of the sidelines.

“I decided to go up there and operate from a different perspective,” Pellum said after the season opener against Eastern Washington.

The biggest benefit to moving up to the booth is it removes the distractions of the game that prevent level-headed decisions.

Football is an emotional sport, where impulsive reactions can spell disaster in a game that often comes down to inches.

According to Oregon linebackers coach Erik Chinander, being up in the booth removes the excess noise and, most importantly, allows for a more analytical approach.

“I like it because it slows the game down, like watching tape,” Chinander said. “[It]

PA G E 1 2

E M E R A L D G A M E D AY

T H U R S D AY, S E P T E M B E R 2 4 , 2 0 1 5

takes the emotion out of the game so you make decisions on what you planned and prepared for and not what you feel.”

Chinander made the opposite move this season. Previously he had been up in the booth for 12 years. But, with Pellum leaving the sideline, coaches like Chinander, John Neal (defensive backs) and Ron Aiken (defensive line) have stepped up to fill the void by communicating with players directly.

That is the biggest issue with being in the booth, because it can sometimes become a sterile environment. You are unable to communicate directly with the players.

“The nice thing is when you are down on the field, you can get closer to players,” Pellum said. “I can talk to you, see where you are.”

Players can feed off the energy from a coach like Pellum. He is detail oriented, demanding the best from his athletes with high standards and expectations.

Everybody knows their assignment and plays with the correct techniques.

“This year, it is kind of weird not having

him on the sidelines,” Oregon senior defensive lineman DeForest Buckner said.

“Especially when we get off the field after a drive and the whole defense gets together to talk about what’s wrong and what happened.”

Communication amongst the coaches is the way to keep things running smoothly.

Now, it is Pellum relaying down to the field what he wants to see happen. Before the change, it was the assistants making slight adjustments. This poses a bigger issue if things aren’t relayed correctly.

“I think there is always an adjustment period no matter how many times you practice,” Chinander said. “Doesn’t matter if I’m up there or he is. There is always going to be some communication issues.”

Three games into the season, nothing disastrous has occurred so far. As the year progresses, the kinks will continue to be worked out. As for the players missing their coach on the sidelines during the game, he’s only a phone call away.

“He said if we ever need to talk with him, just pick up the red phone,” Buckner said.

P H OTOG R A P H B Y CO L E E L SAS S E R , @ CO L E E L SASS E RV I S UA L S

TWO WEEKLY EDITIONS • BACK TO SCHOOL • SPECIAL SECTIONS & MAGAZINES • DAILYEMERALD.COM • STREET TEAMS • EVENT PLANNING • SOCIAL MEDIA • BRAND DEVELOPMENT • BRAND PROMOTION • COMPANY & MARKET RESEARCH • MEDIA RELATIONS • MULTIMEDIA • TWO WEEKLY EDITIONS • BACK TO SCHOOL • SPECIAL SECTIONS & MAGAZINES • DAILYEMERALD.COM • STREET TEAMS • EVENT PLANNING • SOCIAL MEDIA • BRAND DEVELOPMENT • BRAND PROMOTION • COMPANY & MARKET RESEARCH • MEDIA RELATIONS • MULTIMEDIA • TWO WEEKLY EDITIONS • BACK TO SCHOOL • SPECIAL SECTIONS & MAGAZINES • DAILYEMERALD. COM • STREET TEAMS • EVENT PLANNING • SOCIAL MEDIA • BRAND DEVELOPMENT • BRAND PROMOTION • COMPANY & MARKET RESEARCH • MEDIA RELATIONS • MULTIMEDIA • TWO WEEKLY EDITIONS • BACK TO SCHOOL • SPECIAL SECTIONS & MAGAZINES • DAILYEMERALD.COM • STREET TEAMS • EVENT PLANNING • SOCIAL MEDIA • BRAND DEVELOPMENT • BRAND PROMOTION • COMPANY & MARKET RESEARCH • MEDIA RELATIONS • MULTIMEDIA • TWO WEEKLY EDITIONS • BACK TO SCHOOL • SPECIAL SECTIONS & MAGAZINES • DAILYEMERALD.COM • STREET TEAMS • EVENT PLANNING • SOCIAL MEDIA • BRAND DEVELOPMENT • BRAND PROMOTION • COMPANY & MARKET RESEARCH • MEDIA RELATIONS • MULTIMEDIA • TWO WEEKLY EDITIONS • BACK TO SCHOOL • SPECIAL SECTIONS & MAGAZINES • DAILYEMERALD.COM • STREET TEAMS • EVENT PLANNING • SOCIAL MEDIA • BRAND DEVELOPMENT • BRAND PROMOTION • COMPANY & MARKET RESEARCH • METhe Emerald Media Group offers a wide-range of DIA RELATIONS • MULTIMEDIA • TWO WEEKLY EDITIONS • BACK TO SCHOOL • SPECIAL SECTIONS & MAGAservices to help you reach the UO audience.

ZINES • DAILYEMERALD.COM • STREET TEAMS • EVENT PLANNING • SOCIAL MEDIA • BRAND DEVELOPMENT • BRAND PROMOTION • COMPANY & MARKET RESEARCH • MEDIA RELATIONS • MULTIMEDIA • TWO WEEKLY EDITIONS • BACK TO SCHOOL • SPECIAL SECTIONS & MAGAZINES • DAILYEMERALD.COM • STREET TEAMS • EVENT PLANNING • SOCIAL MEDIA • BRAND DEVELOPMENT • BRAND PROMOTION • COMPANY & MARKET RESEARCH • MEDIA RELATIONS • MULTIMEDIA • TWO WEEKLY EDITIONS • BACK TO SCHOOL • SPECIAL SECTIONS For more information contact& MAGAZINES • DAILYEMERALD.COM • STREET TEAMS • EVENT PLANNING • SOCIAL MEDIA • BRAND DEVELOPMENT • BRAND PROMOTION • COMPANY & MARKET RESEARCH • MEDIA RELATIONS • MULTIMEDIA • TWO VP of Sales and Marketing Rob Reilly ads@dailyemerald.com, 541.346.5511WEEKLY x303 EDITIONS • BACK TO SCHOOL • SPECIAL SECTIONS & MAGAZINES • DAILYEMERALD.COM • STREET TEAMS • EVENT PLANNING • SOCIAL MEDIA • BRAND DEVELOPMENT • BRAND PROMOTION • COMPANY & MARKET RESEARCH • MEDIA RELATIONS • MULTIMEDIA • TWO WEEKLY EDITIONS • BACK TO SCHOOL • SPECIAL SECTIONS & MAGAZINES • DAILYEMERALD.COM • STREET TEAMS • EVENT PLANNING • SOCIAL MEDIA • BRAND T H U R S D AY, S E P T E M B E R 2 4 , 2 0 1 5 E M E R A L D G A M E D AY PA G E 1 3 DEVELOPMENT • BRAND PROMOTION • COMPANY & MARKET RESEARCH • MEDIA RELATIONS • MULTIMEDIA •

Want to reach the UO Community?

WE CAN HELP.

⚑ GAMEDAY

UNIVERSITY OF UTAH OFFICIAL ROSTER

-- 1 1 2 2 3 4 4 5 5 6 6 6 7 7 8 9 9 9 10 11 11 12 12 13 13 14 15 15 16 17 17 18 19 19 20 21 21 22 23 24 25 26 26 27 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 36 37 38

PA G E 1 4

Hunter Smith OL Boobie Hobbs DB Kendal Thompson QB Philip Afia DB Kenneth Scott WR Jason Thompson DB Austin Lee DB Troy McCormick RB Brandon Cox QB Tavaris Williams DB Tyson Cisrow DB Kyle Fulks WR Charles Henderson WR Andre Godfrey DB Travis Wilson QB Bubba Poole WR Tevin Carter DB Donovan Isom QB Tim Patrick WR Delshawn McClellon WR Kylie Fitts DE Raelon Singleton WR Adam Schulz QB Justin Thomas DB Gionni Paul LB Monte Seabrook RB Brian Allen DB Chase Hansen QB Dominique Hatfield DB Cory Butler-Byrd DB Conner Charles DB Conner Manning QB Britain Covey WR Tyler Cooperwood WR Sunia Tauteoli LB Marcus Williams DB Ahmad Christian DB A.J. Semeatu RB Dre’Vian Young RB Devontae Booker RB Kenric Young WR Casey Hughes DB Jordan Fogal DB Jordan Howard RB Marcel Brooks-Brown RB Taylor Loomis DB Joe Williams RB Reginald Porter DB Cody Barton LB Evan Eggiman DB Sharrieff Shah Jr. LB Tom Hackett P Alex Whittingham LB Clarence Smith LB Dylan Calhoun DB AJ Townsend WR Christian Drews LB Sam Whittingham LB

E M E R A L D G A M E D AY

6-3 5-10 6-2 6-1 6-3 6-1 5-11 5-9 6-2 5-10 5-10 5-9 5-8 5-10 6-7 6-1 6-1 6-5 6-5 5-9 6-4 6-3 6-2 5-8 5-10 5-10 6-3 6-3 5-10 5-10 5-11 6-1 5-8 5-9 6-0 6-0 5-10 5-11 5-9 5-11 6-0 5-11 5-10 5-10 5-11 5-10 5-11 5-11 6-1 6-2 6-0 5-11 5-10 6-2 5-10 5-8 6-1 5-10

T H U R S D AY, S E P T E M B E R 2 4 , 2 0 1 5

264 175 195 190 208 215 203 175 200 180 194 170 195 190 233 197 215 245 208 175 268 205 210 178 225 184 200 216 175 175 169 203 166 159 228 190 188 190 178 212 189 185 170 216 205 185 200 184 228 206 217 195 216 237 175 166 233 202

FR SO SR FR SR JR FR SO SO SO FR SO SR SO SR SR SR FR SR JR JR FR SR JR SR SO JR FR JR JR FR SO FR JR SO SO SR FR SO SR SO FR SO JR FR FR JR JR FR SO JR SR SO SO FR FR SO FR

39 40 41 42 43 44 45 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 65 67 68 70 71 72 73 74 75 77 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 98 99 99 99

Andy Phillips Kendall Huey Jared Norris

Marcus Sanders-W.

Uaea Masina Jake Jackson Andrew Fletcher Filipo Mokofisi Tyler Bell Caleb Repp Chris Van Orden Hunter Dimick Pita Taumoepenu Jason Fanaika Hayden Clegg Sam Tevi Jason Whittingham Isaac Asiata Hiva Lutui Chris Hart Justin Tatola Braden Pelly Pasoni Tasini Siaosi Aiono Jake Kane Aaron Amaama Griffin Kemp Leki Taumoepeau Nick Carman J.J. Dielman Jackson Barton Daniel Heller Andrew Albers Johnny Capra Salesi Uhatafe Nick Nowakowski Darrin Paulo Keven Dixon Siaosi Wilson Tyrone Smith Ken Hampel Jameson Field Evan Moeai Andrew Santiago Wallace Gonzalez Siale Fakailoatonga Harrison Handley Stevie Tu’ikolovatu Pena Fitisemanu Hayes Hicken Lowell Lotulelei Chase Dominguez Alani Havili-Katoa Jon Halliday Viliseni Fauonuku Lo Falemaka Sione Sina Vaha Vainuku

PK DE LB RB LB LB RB DT TE TE P DE DE DE DE OT LB OL OL DE LB LB DT OL PK OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OT OL OL OL OL OL WR WR TE WR TE WR TE TE TE DT DT PK DT LS DT PK DT TE DE DT

5-10 210 JR 6-4 232 SO 6-2 240 SR 5-11 222 JR 6-3 230 SO 6-3 225 FR 5-11 200 SR 6-3 285 SO 6-4 234 SO 6-4 202 FR 6-1 206 SR 6-3 270 JR 6-1 240 JR 6-3 270 SR 6-1 248 JR 6-5 300 JR 6-2 245 SR 6-4 315 JR 6-1 295 JR 6-2 238 FR 5-11 203 FR 6-1 200 FR 6-3 294 JR 6-2 310 SR 6-4 230 JR 6-1 332 FR 6-4 271 FR 6-0 308 FR 6-3 274 FR 6-5 300 JR 6-6 310 FR 6-2 286 FR 6-7 305 SR 6-6 288 FR 6-4 315 SO 6-1 295 JR 6-5 315 FR 6-4 272 FR 6-2 189 FR 6-4 188 FR 6-3 250 JR 5-11 185 SO 6-2 235 SR 6-0 194 JR 6-5 254 FR 6-4 254 JR 6-5 245 SO 6-1 320 JR 5-11 282 FR 5-11 184 FR 6-2 302 SO 6-5 232 JR 6-3 300 FR 6-0 193 SR 5-11 285 SR 6-4 305 SO 6-4 270 SR 6-3 280 FR

NOW ADDITIONAL PARKING BEHIND CAFE YUMM. NOTE: There is no longer parking across Broadway.

GLUTEN FREE PANCAKES!

6am-2pm MON-FRI 6am-3pm SAT & SUN PLUMBING ELECTRICAL HARDWARE TOOLS PAINT HOUSEWARES LAWN & GARDEN

OPEN SINCE 1965

2825 Willamette • Eugene, Oregon • 342-5191 Welcome Back Ducks!

come visit your campus outdoor store

Check out our great selection of back to school survival products.

541-343-7523 • 782 East Broadway, Eugene Corner of Alder & Franklin Blvd.

Walking distance from campus!

Find us in the heart of campus on 13th Ave.

CALLING ALL

EXTROVERTS! Emerald Media Group is hiring students to join our Street Team fall term. Get paid to have fun handing out papers to fellow students.

Apply in person at Suite 300 or email kcarbone@dailyemerald.com

Relax. We’ll Save You a Seat!™ Shuttle See schedule & reserve your space online now!

Service to and from Portland International Airport PDX From Albany Eugene Salem

33825

Mention this ad when making your reservations

www.city2cityshuttle.com (541) 758-8001 T H U R S D AY, S E P T E M B E R 2 4 , 2 0 1 5

E M E R A L D G A M E D AY

PA G E 1 5

75004

OUR FUNDS HAVE A RECORD LIKE A BROKEN RECORD.

TIAA-CREF: Lipper’s Best Overall Large Fund Company three years in a row. For the first time ever. How? Our disciplined investment strategy aims to produce competitive risk-adjusted returns that create long-term value for you. Just what you’d expect from a company that’s created to serve and built to perform.

1

Learn more about our unprecedented, award-winning performance at TIAA.org/Perform BUILT TO PERFORM. CREATED TO SERVE.

5021A0058 C24849B Fall B2C Print BROKEN RECORD_10x5_nwsprnt_2.indd Cyan Magenta Yellow Black

PA G E 1 6

E M E R A L D G A M E D AY

T H U R S D AY, S E P T E M B E R 2 4 , 2 0 1 5

1

The Lipper Awards are based on a review of 36 companies’ 2012 and 48 companies’ 2013 and 2014 risk-adjusted performance.

The Lipper Award is given to the group with the lowest average decile ranking of three years’ Consistent Return for eligible funds over the three-year period ended 11/30/12, 11/30/13, and 11/30/14 respectively. TIAA-CREF was ranked among 36 fund companies in 2012 and 48 fund companies in 2013 and 2014 with at least five equity, five bond, or three mixed-asset portfolios. Past performance does not guarantee future results. For current performance and rankings, please visit the Research and Performance section on tiaa-cref.org. TIAA-CREF Individual & Institutional Services, LLC, Teachers Personal Investors Services, Inc., and Nuveen Securities, LLC, members FINRA and SIPC, distribute securities products. ©2015 Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association of America– College Retirement Equities Fund (TIAA-CREF), 730 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10017. C24849B 1

Consider investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses carefully before investing. Go to tiaa-cref.org for product and fund prospectuses that contain this and other information. Read carefully before investing. TIAA-CREF funds are subject to market and other risk factors.