Rant Sports 100 in 100 College Football Preview: No. 26 Utah Utes
The college football season is now less than a month a way. Today we preview a program that is still a newcomer to the BCS conference powers. Although the school has spent only one year in the Pac-12, it has been on the national radar for several, building a reputation on winning football games. Next on the Rant Sports 100 in 100 college football preview is the No. 26 team on the countdown, the Utah Utes.
Impact Players
Offense
At quarterback the clear cut starter coming into 2012 will be junior Jordan Wynn. Injuries have cut down Wynn’s playing time over the past couple years. In the four games Wynn saw action in last year, before being derailed by a shoulder injury, he was effective with a 123.2 passer rating. If Wynn is to lose time or play poorly, head coach Kyle Whittingham has a capable backup in Travis Wilson. After Wynn was lost for 2011, Wilson finished the Utes season with a 6-3 record including a bowl win over Georgia Tech.
At the running back position senior John White is the go-to back after 316 attempts in 2011 posting a 4.8 average yards per carry in the process. The depth will take a hit with the departure of Sophomore Harvey Langi as he will serve an LDS mission for two years. Junior college transfer Kelvin York and freshman Jarrell Oliver will be asked to take a larger role than anticipated.
The receiving corps returns a starting seniors DeVonte Christopher, Luke Matthews, and Reggie Dunn. Christopher is the returning leader in receiving yards (663) and touchdowns (5). There is talent at the tight end position with sophomore Jake Murphy and senior Kendrick Moeai. Senior David Rolf is also expected to play a role in the passing game.
On the offensive line the strength is i the middle with the return of seniors Tevita Stevens at center, and Sam Brenner at guard.
Impact Players
Defense
In the trenches the Utes will be a formidable task for any Pac-12 offensive line. Senior Star Lotulelei is a beast who could have departed early for the NFL draft. The good news for Ute fans everywhere is that the 6’4″ 325 lb tackle decided to stay in Salt Lake City. There is hardware to back up the accolades, Lotulelei won the Morris Trophy for the best Pac-12 defensive lineman in 2011. Dave Kruger is back at defensive tackle with his brother junior Joe Kruger as a defensive end. The duo combined for 57 tackles with 6.5 for a loss in 2011.
Much production will be lost from last year as former Utah linebackers Chaz Walker and Matt Martinez are now departed. Both led the team in takckles last season. Junior Trevor Reilly will have to pick up the slack as he returns to the first unit. Reilly has the chops to get the ball-carrier in a hurry recording nine tackles for a loss including five sacks.
Utah’s secondary is solid with three familiar faces in the starting lineup. Senior Ryan Lacy at cornerback, junior Brian Blechen at strong safety, and sophomore Eric Rowe at free safety. The unit is solid all around and has the ability to play man-man with fellow corner and senior Mo Lee helping Lacy. In 2011 the Utes were the fourth best pass D in the Pac-12.
Schedule
Utah begins the year with a home cupcake opposite Northern Colorado on August 30, and follows that up with in-state rival Utah State September 7. The Holy War is week three when BYU visits Salt Lake. The Pac-12 schedule is manageable as USC is a home game along with Cal, Washington State, and Arizona. The in-conference road contests are winnable Arizona State, Oregon State, Washington, and Colorado.
With experience returning in key positions, combined with what should be a stingy defense, the Utes have a chance to challenge in the Pac-12 South. USC is the clear favorite, but a big time upset against the Trojans on October 4 could signal the unofficial arrival of Utah as a Pac-12 heavyweight.
