Utes - New Season, New Players, New Result?

Tonight the University of Utah opens a new season against Pac-10 opponent Arizona and there are many questions about this season'’s Utes. There are new players, new coaches, new uniforms, and if the NCAA has it'’s way, at some point a new nickname. As far as on the field results, the Utes are favored by a touchdown to win their 17^th straight football game and at least in game one, expected to fulfill the marketing slogan '“Keep it Rolling.'”

When Utah talks about a promise to Keep it Rolling, they are certainly aiming high. Not only did Utah win every game last year and finish ranked #4 in the country, but they demolished virtually every opponent and never were really tested. They had no close games and won by an average score of 45.3 to 19.5. The closest game for the 2004 Utes was a 14 point victory.

Last year, Utah'’s offense relied on one of the nationÂ’s most intelligent decision makers in quarterback Alex Smith. Sure the fire and motivation provided by Urban Meyer could be argued as the key component, but Smith gave Utah leadership and efficiency that was unmatched. Utah scored a staggering 93% of the time in the red zone (82% TDs). As Alex was selected number one in the NFL draft, itÂ’s obvious people noticed the key to the Utes. Meyer was thrown something like $14 Million dollars by the University of Florida, so obviously he has received accolades of his own.

This year'’s Ute offense will be different as the mesh the spread offense with some of the philosophy of new offensive coordinator Andy Ludwig from Oregon. Also, it'’s hard not to think the physical mentality that new coach Kyle Wittingham exudes won'’t also cause some change to the offense. Last year, Utah used a spread offense and a relentless attacking philosophy to bury their opponents. This season, while they'’ll continue to have a significant amount of the spread offense, we may see them also try to just physically overmatch many of their opponents. New starting QB, Brian Johnson is even more athletic than Alex Smith and while he may not be efficient, Utah'’s coaches are openly positive about the potential of Johnson and the Ute offense. Another reason for optimism is this year'’s featured running back Quinton Ganther. Ganther is a very strong runner who will try and pound Ute opponents all season. How strong is he? It has been reported that he can bench a team high weight, something like 435lbs. There is also the ability to play physical at the wide receiver position. Starting wide receiver John Madsen who at 6'’5"” and 230lbs will be able to punish the smaller corners and is definitely a potential NFL caliber player.

There are also a couple of new names at receiver for fans to follow. First, is a heralded JC transfer Brian Hernandez who has had a great camp in preparing to contribute. Also is one of the most, shall we say “confident” Utes in Brent Casteel. Castell is a redshirt freshmen who has game breaking ability. So far he has also shown some great quote-ability as he has stated he has goals to be freshman all American and a heisman candidate. Nothing like a little orexuberanceyouthful exeburance.

Why Ute Fans should panic....

Coaching Changes -– The Utes have a new head coach, a new offensive coordinator and a new defensive coordinator in addition to other changes of line and assistant coaches. There hasnÂ’t been a coach make more of a dramatic impact on a college program than Urban Meyer did at Utah the last two seasons. Now long time Ute assistant, Kyle Wittingham gets his chance to lead the Utes. He is in a tough situation, because along with the new QB, will take a lot of heat if the Utes struggle. If the continue last yearÂ’s success, credit will probably go to Meyer for establishing a great program.

Quarterback -– The Utes go from starting a NFL top pick in Alex Smith, to an 18 year old sophomore quarterback in Brian Johnson. Johnson has praise from coaches and teammates, but fans are pretty jumpy about this position. Johnson will have perhaps the most pressure of any Ute and definitely the biggest shoes to fill.

Wide Receivers -– The top two wide-outs from last year Paris Warren and Steve Savoy are gone. The Utes are quick to state that they have more depth at the position this season, and while that may be true, it would be surprising for the Utes to have as much production at receiver this year as they received from Warren and Savoy.

Running Backs- Leading rusher Marty Johnson and his 14 rushing TDs are gone. Quinton Ganther takes over, and while demonstrates promise, only rushed for one TD last season. Every is very high on Ganther and he should have a great yardage season, but you canÂ’t forget the scoring and tough inside running that Marty Johnson produced.

Other Key Players gone -– Defensive leaders Marques Ledbetter (injured), Morgan Scalley, Bo Nagahi, Corey Dodds, and Sione Pouha are all gone. Top offensive lineman and Sports Illustrated All-American Chris Kemoeatu is also gone and pursuing a pro career.

What kind of offense will Ute Fans see? In the press we hear things that lead us to believe the Utes will feature an offense similar to last year'’s offense, but mix in some new things. New Offensive Coordinator, Andy Ludwig, from Oregon has a good offensive reputation but hasn'’t ever been associated with the spread offense that Utah has run the last two seasons. Further, not only has Urban Meyer left, but the top two offensive gurus Mike Sanford and Dan Mullen are also gone. Is there reason to think Utah will deviate from last year'’s explosive spread? The Utes who were 3^rd in the country averaging 45.3 last season have been leaking many things that suggest a change. It has been said that the TE will return to UtahÂ’s offense. Running back Quinton Ganther, who looks like an impressive battering ram type of player, is said to be drawing rave reviews. He is a different style runner and a focus on Ganther could mean more smash mouth type of offense. I would expect games to be closer this season, as a former defensive coordinator in Wittingham, is liable to err on the side of conservatism.

Despite all the questions, Ute fans should be prepared for another great season.

Kyle Wittingham is a competitive and hard nosed guy, who is more interested in winning than re-inventing the wheel. It's for that reason that you think Utah will continue some of the things that made them great last season. Forget about undefeated talk, but the ability to be ranked and win the conference is completely reachable.

The Utes will win because the cliche, "“Players win games"” is still true and the Utes have the talent to win. Despite the many changes, the replacements at quarterback, running back, wide receiver and on the defensive line all show signs of being more than capable.

If QB Brian Johnson and RB Quinton Ganther live up to the hype, the offense will thrive again up on the hill. The defense has questions at linebacker but the secondary and defensive line will both be very strong.

Want to follow the Utes?

Want to laugh and hear great coverage about the University of Utah? 1280 the Zone has a show each week day from 10am-1pm local time, called "“The Red and Blue"”. It is hosted by former BYU and Utah players and features non stop rivalry banter by the hosts and the callers.

Utah games are carried by Hot Ticket 700. They also features some great afternoon coverage by Matt Thomas and Bill Riley.

The best Ute Fans site on the net? Clear the best is www.utefans.net . The message board, the pictures, and Ute content is unmatched.

Will Arizona let the Cat out of the Bag? Will they spoil Utah'’s season before it begins? Have they said enough to actually convince themselves they can win? Sure Arizona comes from the Pac-10 and they are feeling optimistic both about their second year under Mike Stoops and the fact that they played Utah pretty tough last year, but they shouldn'’t get over confident. For one, Utah will sell out the game and will be pretty tough at home. The Utes are 4-2 against the Pac-10 the last four years and are favored by a touchdown to keep the trend going. It is true that the Wildcats played Utah tough last season and that their own turnovers hurt them. It is also true that Utah just started the season and wasn'’t clicking either.

I expect Arizona to have trouble scoring more than 20 points against Utah, and I have a hard time not seeing Utah get at least 3 TDs against the ‘cats. I expect Utah to win a relatively close game, by last season’s standards anyway, and get their 17^th straight victory 27-17.