Kyle Whittingham has been one of the country’s most consistent coaches during his tenure at Utah. However, many are questioning when the division title is going to come.
In 14 seasons as the head man of the Utes, Whittingham has done a whole lot. In addition to a 111-56 record and 11-1 bowl record, he guided them in the transition from Mountain West to the Pac-12. He has built up his clout enough to where he is pretty safe, but fans do want more. In what should be a weak Pac-12 South this year, the Utes have maybe the best opportunity they have ever had to make some noise.
Prestige Ranking: 4*
As noted above, the Utes have never won the Pac-12. However, Whittingham’s career record and mind boggling record in bowl games help out here. It would likely take a Pac-12 title to move up in the rankings, but the Utes are firmly entrenched as one of the better programs in the nation.
Returning Starters: 14
Offense: 7
QB Tyler Huntley, RB Zack Moss, WR Siaosi Mariner, LT Jackson Barton, C Lo Falemaka, RG Jordan Agasiva, RT Darrin Paulo
Tyler Huntley took many by surprise last season when he was the choice at QB over 2016 starter Troy Williams. Only a sophomore in 2017, he impressed with 15 TD passes. In order to take the next step, he needs to cut down on his 10 interceptions from last year. He also missed nearly four conference games last season, so staying healthy is major as well. He is arguably the second best QB in the south, and continued development could make him one of the best in the conference.
Runningback Zack Moss is the key cog in the offense. With 214 carries a season ago, he is a workhorse back for the Utes. With an improved offensive line, he has potential to be one of the best in the Pac-12. He’s no Bryce Love, but he will likely be the most exciting player to watch for the Utes.
At receiver… There is not a whole lot coming back. Leading returning receiver Demari Simpkins had 354 yards and a touchdown last year. While definitely not a pass-first team by any means, someone will have to step up. Siaosi Mariner returns and will likely be the number one. If he can become a go-to option in the pass game, the offense has potential to be much better. Really, the Utes just need basically anyone to take command of the go to option in order to help Huntley out.
The offensive line, which struggled with youth and inexperience a season ago, should be much improved this season. Returning four of five starters should help keep Huntley healthy throughout the season. Keeping the lanes open for Zack Moss might help make all the difference in what could be a wide-open Pac-12 South.
Defense: 5
DE Bradlee Anae, LB Chase Hansen, CB Julian Blackmon, FS Corrion Ballard, SS Marquise Blair
Utah returns only one starter on the defensive line, but it last season’s leader in sacks Bradlee Anae. Totaling seven sacks, he should once again be an absolute force in the pass rush. Despite returning only one starter, a Utah D-line is like Iowa with linebackers: it is just hard to worry about replacing. Whittingham always seems to have a good line and it would be almost foolish to assume he won’t again this season.
Utah’s defense utilizes a two-linebacker set and they are returning neither of them. Luckily, senior Chase Hansen (who led the team in tackles) kicked down from safety to play the position. He was also recruited as a QB, so yeah, he is an athlete. The other man tabbed to play the position is Cody Barton. Barton has been a spot starter for the better part of two years, and should understand the nuances of the position and scheme.
The secondary is extremely deep. Corner Julian Blackmon returns after a season in which he led the team in interceptions with four. He will likely be number one cover guy, and could be in line for a huge season. Free Saferty Corion Ballard has experience at the position, and should be the leader in the back end. Strong Safety Marquise Blair somehow finished in the top five in tackles, despite playing in only nine games. His tackling ability should be appreciated in a group of ballhawking DB’s. There is plenty of depth as well, so injuries are not as big of concern if someone goes down.
Special Teams: 2
I think this is actually the most talented special teams group in the nation. Kicker Matt Gay made THIRTY field goals last season in route to the Lou Groza award. Punter Mitch Wishnowsky didn’t win the Ray Guys this year, but did win his sophomore year. Return of Mitch the Wish, you better watch out, I’m calling it.
Tyroil Smoochie-Wallace All Name Team Member: Lo Falemaka
Key Losses: Darren Carrington II
Carrington was an electric receiver in his lone season at Utah. His 908 yards and six touchdowns rank highly in the Utes history books. Given the lack of experience in the receiving corp, his absence may loom large, especially early in the year.
Five Year Recruiting Rank: 37
Whittingham has been a model of consistency at Utah, and his recruiting is no different. The state itself is likely a hard sell to most people, so to be top 40 is impressive in itself. Add that to the rigors of who is in your conference, and I think Utah is doing pretty well. They pulled of a coup when they got touted QB Jack Tuttle, who is the future beyond Huntley.
Alcohol Prediction for Fans: Champagne
My attempt to find alcohol for you, Utah, has led me to your state’s alcohol laws. While understandable, I am still shocked. So while this wholly illegal, take your full alcohol content champagne. Why? Because I think you are getting that division title this year folks.
Outlook:
I am admittedly very high on the Utes. I always try to choose a team in each conference to root for to give me a reason to watch, and for some reason, I was drawn to the Utes. Any other year, I might be kind of skeptical, but the division race is likely gonna get weird this year. USC and UCLA don’t have QBs as of this writing, Colorado is a dumpster fire, Arizona should have an improved-yet-still-bad defense, and no one knows what the hell Arizona State is doing. The Utes might never have this opportunity again, and I don’t want to look like an idiot, so come on Whittingham, take us to the promised land.