⚡ CFB Dashboard

The Southeastern Conference is known for producing some of the best defensive linemen in college football. The Arkansas Razorbacks may not be the most talented SEC team on paper, but they have talent in the trenches that will test the Utes' new-look offensive line. Utah had the tall task of replacing all five starters along the O-Block. New offensive line coach Jordan Gross has some veterans returning, but none have started multiple games in a single season. It's been a grind to find the right combination all offseason, and even going into game one, Morgan Scalley said the Utes would be rotating offensive linemen on the interior. Left tackle Zereoue Williams, center Alex Harrison, and right tackle Cedric Jefferson were always on the field, but the guards rotated. Solatoa Moea'i started at left guard, with Roger Alderman getting the start at right guard. On the third offensive drive, after the two Idaho turnovers, true freshman Kelvin Obot came in at left guard with Moea'i shifting over to right guard. The following series, Obot remained at left guard with Alderman back in at right guard. Overall, the offensive line played well, but concerns remain as the competition steps up this week. The group did not open massive holes on a regular basis vs Idaho. The O-Block generated push and still made things work, but they did not dominate. On the Utes second drive, they even got stuffed on a short-yardage play as the Vandals reestablished the line of scrimmage two yards back from the snap. Each player is still settling in as a starter, and it looked like their first game as a unit. Based on the film, I do not believe Keith Olson and Isaiah Garcia were available to play. With how lopsided the game got, if they were healthy, they would have seen game action. I would not be surprised if both got the start on the right side of the offensive line once they return from injury. Alderman and Jefferson were solid, but neither looked like they had their spot locked up. Jefferson did, however, do a good job creating some outside rushing lanes for Wayshawn Parker and will continue to improve as the season wears on. Scalley said Utah wants to have a set starting five for the Arkansas game. If Utah sets a starting five with just the six players who rotated in, I would expect Obot to be the odd man out. It looked like his first career game, and he's not quite at the same level as the rest of the starters. He's a solid depth piece this year, but I don't think he's ready to start against power four talent each week. Obot got pushed back on some runs and, even on his first play, was tossed aside by an Idaho linebacker. All of fall camp, we heard that the O-Block was excited to show the world what they can do. The group mentioned that some outlets ranked them low nationally and that the Utes have spent the offseason grinding in the dark. This Saturday will be a good test to see just how elite they can be at the power four level.