Utah’s 2018 campaign ended on a bad note. If not for the season-ending injury to their starting quarterback, the Utah Utes might’ve been destined for a trip to the Rose Bowl for the first time in school history (even if it would’ve been only to get embarrassed by Ohio State). Instead, their consolation prize was a matchup in the legendary Holiday Bowl against Northwestern, which they lost. However, Utah appears to have come back stronger this year.
Prestige Ranking (if NCAA 20 Existed): 4*
The Utes have had at least 9 wins in four of their last five seasons, giving head coach Kyle Whittingham a very Bo Pelini-esque resumé. You can always count on his teams for a mid to late December bowl game. Utah is still a step away from being one of the top dogs in the Pac-12, but they’ve shown consistent success and maybe they take that next step this year.
Last Year’s Record: 9-5 (6-3 Pac-12)
Projected Returning Starters
Offense: 7
- QB: Tyler Huntley
- RB: Zack Moss
- WR: Britain Covey
- WR: Jaylen Dixon
- WR: Samson Nacua
- OL: Jordan Paulo
- OL: Orlando Umana
The good news for Utah is that a lot of their key skill players from last year are returning. Zack Moss was their workhorse last season at running back. He and his backup Armand Whyte combined for over 1600 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns a year ago. Couple that with Tyler Huntley’s quickness at the quarterback position, and the Utes should be an absolute force with their rushing attack. However, three of their best offensive lineman graduated this past offseason. Some inexperienced guys will need to step up to give Huntley time to make plays on the ground and through the air this season.
Defense: 7
- DE: Bradlee Anae
- DE: Maxs Tupai
- DT: John Pensini
- DT: Leki Fotu
- DB: Jaylon Johnson
- DB: Javelin Guidry
- DB: Julian Blackmon
Utah fans are hoping for the return of maybe one of the worst nicknames I’ve ever heard: “Sack Lake City.” Horrible nicknames aside, Utah’s defense actually does return some real playmakers that can help the Utes contend for a conference championship. Bradlee Anae led the Pac-12 in sacks last year with eight. On top of that, Jaylon Johnson was a stud last year at cornerback with four picks. All signs point to the Utes having a strong defensive unit, but I’m sorry Utah fans, you have to be able to come up with a better name than “Sack Lake City.” I’m pretty sure that’s what has been keeping you guys from being true title contenders. Maybe just abandon the whole nickname idea altogether.
Special Teams: 2
- LS: Keegan Markgraf
- KR/PR: Britain Covey
The Utes will have to replace two first team all-conference players from last year at the punter and kicker position. However, they do return Keegan Markgraf at the long snapper position, along with Britain Covey, who received first team all-conference honors as a returner a year ago.
Circle this Game: @ Washington – Saturday, November 2
The Utes faced off against Chris Peterson’s Huskies twice last year and lost both times. Washington has become the cream of the crop in the Pac-12 the last couple years and a road victory in Seattle would be huge. On top of that, it’s not out of the realm of possibilities that this game will a matchup between two top 10 or 15 teams.
Wins the Pac-12 if:
Tyler Huntley stays healthy and the offense full of returning players functions as planned. Huntley missed the last five games of 2018 with an injury, but was a really good quarterback before getting hurt. He put up 1700 passing yards, along with 300 rushing yards. Barring an incredible bounce-back year from USC or Arizona State, Utah should easily be able to win the Pac-12 South again. From there, all it takes is finally getting a win in the conference championship game that nobody attends.
2019 Outlook: 10-2
Maybe I’m crazy, but I’ll go ahead and say this is the year Utah makes the huge jump from a 9-win team to a 10-win one. Road games at Washington, Washington State, and USC will be their biggest tests. Also, don’t overlook starting the year on the road against BYU. A rivalry game in front of thousands of screaming Mormons creates a sneaky hard test to start the year. Utah defensive end Bradlee Anae said it best at Pac-12 media day, “There’s nothing worse than playing in front of 60,000 sober white people.”
