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Show Redskins given victory hope By Greg r owler Staff Writsr This weekend, for the first time in the 1968 season, Utah's football eleven will take to the gridiron without the tag of underdog hanging around its neck. After two weeks of facing J r ..' ' 1 I'' .. - f . 1 i '";! f - ' : . . 1 L.1 ;:JL.L'J Greg Soulds will pull down more passes against WSV. 1 , : J r V 1 .. ocv Hi 1-1 . - ? i I c . . 1 . . , , . V- , v ' r--,:r. . . - ; I - . -'. 1 ' . , - " t wide responsibilities this year the position is among the strongest on the team. Quality Receiver Sophomore tight end Dale Nosworthy has all the makings of a quality receiver, he needs only to gain experience before the Eosition becomes really strong, alfback-flanker Bill Fowler is a steady performer and provides Groth a dependable target. Senior halfback Greg Soulds leads Utah's corps of pigskin chasers. Soulds has grabbed a total of six aerials for 38 yards in the two games already played. Thomas has the season record for the longest scoring play with last week's 43 yard touchdown catch. Redskin Coach Bill Meek has the reputation for putting the ball in the air, and this Saturday in Pullman appears to be the time to let fly. Doing Their Share The passing in any football game works both ways, and the Cougars will be doing their share of aerial antics. The WSU quarterback, Jerry Henderson, is a passing signal caller and has some fine receivers for his tosses. The Cougars run from a shot gun formation designed to give Henderson time to get his passes in the air. This relatively scarce formation was used successfully in the Cougars opening game against Idaho. The Vandals were slow reacting to the strange formation and dropped the contest 14-7. Against UCLA, however, the shot gun backfired as the Bruins turned three interceptions into a 31-21 victory. The Cougars will provide a real test for the Redskin defensive secondary. But if they can contain the shot gun and stop the Cougar aerial barrage there will be a crew of happy Utes returning to Salt Lake Saturday night. national powers who were rated three touchdown favorites, the Redskins will meet Washington State University in Pullman, Wash., an even bet to post their first victory. Game time is 2:30 p.m. Saturday. Like Utah, WSU is in the middle of a rebuilding program. New Head Coach Jim Sweeney brought considerable ability as well as a new enthusiasm to the Cougars when he moved over from a successful career at Montana State. At Washington State Sweeney had 31 returning lettermen to mold into a football team. Offense Strength Unlike Utah, most of WSU's returning strength and experience is in the offensive unit. The entire backfield and four linemen from the '67 squad returned to anchor this season's offensive attack. But the defensive team remains a question mark of inexperience and provides the Redskins with an opportunity for victory. Utah's running machine may be able to move against the Cougars defense, but it will be through the air that the game will be decided one way or another. Washington State's defensive secondary remains the same group that allowed the opposition to score 21 touchdowns through the air and to maintain a high .554 completion percentage during last year's 2-8 season. Developing Aerial Attack For the first time in many seasons a Utah football team has shown signs of developing an effective aerial attack. During last week's 14 point burst in the fourth quarter against Oregon State, Ute quarterback Ray Groth moved the Utes well through the air. Groth has a cool head, an improving throwing arm and the ability to run the football when necessary. All these skills are requirements for a good passing quarterback. In addition, Groth has a fine platoon of pass receivers to throw to. Split end Jack Andrews leads the Redskins in receiving last year and with Speedy Thomas sharing the Juarterback Ray Groth fires forward pass in recent practice session. |