Coach Morgan Scalley sees culture showing up in Utes’ early success

SALT LAKE CITY (KSL.com) — After a 2-0 start, Utah football head coach Morgan Scalley is encouraged by his team’s execution and unselfish approach. Even as he cautions against drawing early conclusions about its potential, the team is trending positively.

During an appearance with Scott Gerard and Tim Lacomb on 97.5 The KSL Sports Zone, Scalley discussed a number of topics. He highlighted the progress along the line of scrimmage, the relationship between quarterbacks Devon Dampier and Byrd Ficklin.

“What I am pleased with is how clean we’re playing, how efficient we are, the culture showing up on the field,” Scalley said. “To me, that’s the biggest thing.”

Still, Scalley said a clearer understanding of Utah and its opponents will require a larger sample.

“I’ve always said I don’t think you know who you are until midway through the season,” he said.

Unselfish play gives Utah reasons for optimism

One of the more refreshing dynamics of this team has been the unselfish nature permeating throughout. Scalley’s assessment of Utah’s culture starts with players embracing the responsibilities that help their teammates succeed.

“It doesn’t matter who scores. It matters that we score,” he said. “And, you know, if we’re winning, everyone’s going to get theirs.”

Through two games, that mindset has been evident in nearly every phase of the game. Seemingly everyone has contributed to the success of the team so far.

Scalley singled out receivers Creed Whittemore and Larry Simmons as examples of receivers buying into their blocking responsibilities. He then highlighted the effort of tight end Hunter Andrews, who put an Arkansas defensive end on his back.

He also pointed to Jireh Moe’s production against Arkansas as another example of the spotlight moving around. Safety Nate Ritchie earned praise for playing his best football after dealing with back issues following his mission.

For Scalley, the contributions reflect a team becoming more invested in collective success.

He also reinforced the need for established players to help reinforce that mentality. The staff also looks for those qualities during recruiting, evaluating how prospects respond to hard coaching, embrace different roles and interact with others.

Current players have a voice in that evaluation, too. Their feedback after spending time with recruits helps the staff determine who fits.

Dampier and Ficklin compete together

The relationship between Dampier and Ficklin has become a leading example of players working together for the betterment of the team and themselves.

Scalley credited Dampier with helping bring Ficklin along and said both quarterbacks have kept their egos from disrupting a partnership that has become an important part of Utah’s offense.

“They understand that both of them are vital to our success and both of them are fulfilling roles for us that are winning us games,” Scalley said. “And it all goes back to willingness to learn and listen and compete together.”

Their cooperation has led to a unique expansion of Utah’s offensive attack. Playing them together also gives defenses more to consider. Opponents can become aggressive in an effort to hit the quarterbacks, Scalley said, but the anticipation of a trick play can also make defenders more cautious.

The partnership has not diminished either player’s competitive streak.

“I think both of them think that they’re the guy,” Scalley said. “So that’s a good thing.”

Utah’s offensive and defensive lines show progress

Both lines entered the season with questions to answer, and their early work has encouraged Utah’s coach. He has been pleased with the technique and push from both fronts.

Against Arkansas, he credited the defensive line with disrupting the quarterback through hits and hurries, forcing throws before the passer wanted to release the ball and creating opportunities for the secondary.

Utah finished that game with 13 pass breakups, he noted. The pressure and coverage were helping each other, even when the disruption did not produce a sack.

Offensively, he praised the line’s combination blocks and protection of Dampier, while acknowledging that the quarterback’s interception against Arkansas came on a play when he was hit by a defensive lineman.

The group’s discipline has stood out, too.

“Through two games, we’ve not had one false start on the offensive line, which is huge,” Scalley said.

The clean play gives Utah’s rebuilt offensive line something to build on, although he acknowledged that each week will present different challenges.

Utes at full strength heading into Utah State matchup
Though Utah has been pretty healthy, Scalley offered another encouraging update when asked about his team’s health ahead of the matchup with Utah State.

“Yeah, I think we’re to the point now where we’re at full strength,” he said.

He praised the Aggies’ defensive pursuit, tackling and technique up front. He also cautioned against drawing sweeping conclusions from their loss to Idaho State, pointing to turnovers and momentum as factors that can change a game.

And also expressed confidence in the program Bronco Mendenhall is building, pointing to the Utah State coach’s ability to establish a culture at each of his stops.

For Utah, the focus remains on carrying its early execution and effort into another week. Scalley likes the direction, but he wants to see the Utes sustain it as the season develops.