What does next year hold for Utah?

[HuskyFreeNorthwest]

I know they lose Johnson, what else?

They only OOC game that will be in question is their trip up here to Eugene, other than that they should roll through USU, SJSU and Louisville.

What kind of record are you Ute fans thinking about for next year? From a casual glance it looks like the worst that Utah would be is 9-3.

[UtahDan]

No one knows. Until the first snap we won't know what we have at quarterback. The defense will be filthy though with basically every one back. If this year shows anything it is that you can't always see these things coming.

[Jennerstein]

I think you underestimate the presence Johnson brought as a senior QB. He successfully corrected a lot of his error prone ways from the previous years. Couple that with his improved accuracy and good decision making in 2008 and the Utah offense was very good.

Defensively, I think that the loss of Andersen will have minimal impact. KWhitt is still head coach and can help oversee the incoming coordinator.

Offense is where it gets a bit interesting. I don't follow U recruiting, so take all this with a grain of salt.

QB wise, my Ute friends out here were exciting about some incoming top ranked JC QB. However, there has been no precedence for a JC QB to come in and have success in the Utes offense. The U has been most successful when their QB has been in the system for a year or two. I don't think Louks is the answer. The only other person on their roster who fits is a top Nevada recruit by the name of Devonte Christopher. He must be redshirting this year, since I don't remember seeing him in any games. Still, I'd be concerned if I was a Ute fan with the lack of experience.

WR wise, they lose Casteel and Brown. I think we'll see Jeremy Brooks and David Reed make the bulk of the plays next year. They performed well against Alabama. Both are fast. The question is whether the QB will have the timing down to get them the ball.

RB wise, I don't know who they have if Asiata gets hurt. Shaukerin?

Oh, and did I mention they're also breaking a brand new offensive coordinator.

I think we'll see a lot more pressure put on the defensive side to try and keep the U in games. If the U has a transition season like Beck -> Hall, I'll be very impressed. I don't see that happening with the lack of QB experience and the new coordinator.

I see 8-4 as being a good year. Losses to Oregon (who returns the entire offense), BYU, TCU, and one other school (I favor UNLV, heh).

I hope Ute fans temper their expectations next year. KWhitt is a great coach, but to expect a similar season is just unrealistic. This year was the perfect storm for them.

[DrumNFeather]

I know they lose Johnson, what else?

They only OOC game that will be in question is their trip up here to Eugene, other than that they should roll through USU, SJSU and Louisville.

What kind of record are you Ute fans thinking about for next year? From a casual glance it looks like the worst that Utah would be is 9-3.

The offense will be interesting because it was fairly widely known that Ludwig was not a spread guy...he adapted because that is what Whit wanted to run (and ironically so will Bill Snyder ay KSU). I think that Whit will bring in a OC that is more inclined to run the spread, he might even promote Roderick. If this happens, I think we'll see Utah run a more traditional spread next year with Louks or Cain. Louks might not have the best arm (although that hasn't exactly proven true one way or the other), but he's got the wheels to be a serious threat to run the ball.

They will need to replace two starters on the O-line, and will have David Reed, Aiona Key, Jereme Brooks, Eli Wesson coming back at receiver. Additionally, they've got guys like Ryan Lacy and Luke Matthews sitting on the bench that are athlete type guys that are effective in this offense.

If he ever shows up, Dudley LaPorte could provide some much needed help for a new QB stepping into this system.

At RB, Asiata will be the man, but Eddie Wide will definitely see some time as will Shakerin and some other players.

As has been noted, the D will be nasty.

I agree with most that it is important to temper expectations for fans, but this season will bring a new confidence to this team and this program that may have a carry over effect.

[OrangeUte]

I think you underestimate the presence Johnson brought as a senior QB. He successfully corrected a lot of his error prone ways from the previous years. Couple that with his improved accuracy and good decision making in 2008 and the Utah offense was very good.

Defensively, I think that the loss of Andersen will have minimal impact. KWhitt is still head coach and can help oversee the incoming coordinator.

Offense is where it gets a bit interesting. I don't follow U recruiting, so take all this with a grain of salt.

QB wise, my Ute friends out here were exciting about some incoming top ranked JC QB. However, there has been no precedence for a JC QB to come in and have success in the Utes offense. The U has been most successful when their QB has been in the system for a year or two. I don't think Louks is the answer. The only other person on their roster who fits is a top Nevada recruit by the name of Devonte Christopher. He must be redshirting this year, since I don't remember seeing him in any games. Still, I'd be concerned if I was a Ute fan with the lack of experience.

WR wise, they lose Casteel and Brown. I think we'll see Jeremy Brooks and David Reed make the bulk of the plays next year. They performed well against Alabama. Both are fast. The question is whether the QB will have the timing down to get them the ball.

RB wise, I don't know who they have if Asiata gets hurt. Shaukerin?

Oh, and did I mention they're also breaking a brand new offensive coordinator.

I think we'll see a lot more pressure put on the defensive side to try and keep the U in games. If the U has a transition season like Beck -> Hall, I'll be very impressed. I don't see that happening with the lack of QB experience and the new coordinator.

I see 8-4 as being a good year. Losses to Oregon (who returns the entire offense), BYU, TCU, and one other school (I favor UNLV, heh).

I hope Ute fans temper their expectations next year. KWhitt is a great coach, but to expect a similar season is just unrealistic. This year was the perfect storm for them.

8-4, with our defense, is hopeful thinking. i believe we go 10-2 and play for the conference championship. (buttercup - i need a word so that i can come back and find this post when i am right at the end of a 10-2 season next year. i think we lose to oregon early in the season and then lose to byu or tcu... i'm concerned about the quarterback situation and breaking in a new OC, but teams are still going to have to get past that KWhit defense.

i don't see any significant let down next year b/c of the defense. the offense will find it's groove early in the season. asiata is a stud, there are several good receivers coming back (let's not forget aiona key), and solid experience on the O-line. I look for walter watts to be a major contributor next year, and can't wait. his dad is still my favorite ute of all time!

GO UTES!!!

[TripletDaddy]

8-4, with our defense, is hopeful thinking. i believe we go 10-2 and play for the conference championship. (buttercup - i need a word so that i can come back and find this post when i am right at the end of a 10-2 season next year. i think we lose to oregon early in the season and then lose to byu or tcu... i'm concerned about the quarterback situation and breaking in a new OC, but teams are still going to have to get past that KWhit defense.

i don't see any significant let down next year b/c of the defense. the offense will find it's groove early in the season. asiata is a stud, there are several good receivers coming back (let's not forget aiona key), and solid experience on the O-line. I look for walter watts to be a major contributor next year, and can't wait. his dad is still my favorite ute of all time!

GO UTES!!!

Take it from me.

10-2 sucks. You won't be happy with it.

[cougjunkie]

8-4, with our defense, is hopeful thinking. i believe we go 10-2 and play for the conference championship. (buttercup - i need a word so that i can come back and find this post when i am right at the end of a 10-2 season next year. i think we lose to oregon early in the season and then lose to byu or tcu... i'm concerned about the quarterback situation and breaking in a new OC, but teams are still going to have to get past that KWhit defense.

i don't see any significant let down next year b/c of the defense. the offense will find it's groove early in the season. asiata is a stud, there are several good receivers coming back (let's not forget aiona key), and solid experience on the O-line. I look for walter watts to be a major contributor next year, and can't wait. his dad is still my favorite ute of all time!

GO UTES!!!

If Sean Smith bolts you are breaking in two new starting corners next year, Robert Johnson looks like he tore up his knee pretty good, Kruger might bolt, you lose Newman at D-tackle as well.

Also you lose Hensel and Conley your two best O-lineman, a 5th year senior QB, your leading rusher from a year ago in Mack, your two most consistent receivers in Brown and Godfrey, not to mention the best player on your team in Sakoda.

If Utah goes 10-2 next year Kyle Whittingham deserves another raise.

[UtahDan]

Take it from me.

10-2 sucks. You won't be happy with it.

I don't think Ute fans have been guilty very often of having out of whack expectations, except for the bandwagoneers that joined after 2004 and hopped right back off. My expectations for next year are exactly what they always are. Compete, show improvement, contend for the conference title and win a bowl game. All else is wonderful yummy gravy.

[TripletDaddy]

I don't think Ute fans have been guilty very often of having out of whack expectations, except for the bandwagoneers that joined after 2004 and hopped right back off. My expectations for next year are exactly what they always are. Compete, show improvement, contend for the conference title and win a bowl game. All else is wonderful yummy gravy.

Then I think you will have an enjoyable season next year, my friend.

Mine are similar for BYU. With games against OU and FSU, I am certainly not expecting 10-2. At least BYU plays TCU and Utah at home this year.

The key is how you define "show improvement." If Utah plays well, but loses 3 games, does that show improvement? Or if they play really erratically, but luck their way into a 12-0 start (sound familiar?), does that show improvement? I guess each fan answers for himself. After a successful season, it is hard to truly enjoy a step back, but it is certainly possible.

Enjoy the ride.

[DrumNFeather]

If Sean Smith bolts you are breaking in two new starting corners next year, Robert Johnson looks like he tore up his knee pretty good, Kruger might bolt, you lose Newman at D-tackle as well.

Also you lose Hensel and Conley your two best O-lineman, a 5th year senior QB, your leading rusher from a year ago in Mack, your two most consistent receivers in Brown and Godfrey, not to mention the best player on your team in Sakoda.

If Utah goes 10-2 next year Kyle Whittingham deserves another raise.

Smith's stock will probably not be higher than it is this year (much like Collie).

I think the O-line is solid across the board and while you never want to lose an entire side of a line, that will be a position of strength for the Utes again next year.

Do you still think Kruger sucks?

[cougjunkie]

Smith's stock will probably not be higher than it is this year (much like Collie).

I think the O-line is solid across the board and while you never want to lose an entire side of a line, that will be a position of strength for the Utes again next year.

Do you still think Kruger sucks?

Yes I still dont think Kruger is great, in fact he was playing against their 3rd string left tackle almost the whole game. He did have 2 plays I was impressed with.

1. He split a double team and got pressure.

2. He split another double team and drew a holding penalty.

Other than that Alabama didnt respect him either and had a tightend or running back on him most of the night. Alabama ran to his side on every play that is how much respect they had for him as well. Utah had 8 sacks in the game, Kruger had 0, He had 1 tackle for loss but that was all Greg Newman who blew up the running play and the RB tried to reverse field and ran right in to Kruger. 4 of Krugers 5 tackles came more than 4 yards downfield.

I was impressed with obviously Sylvester, but also Kepa Gaison and Kenape Eliapo were both wreaking havoc all night long.

[Guest]

2. He split another double team and drew a holding penalty.

Do you think there is a conscience effort in BCS games to 'let the game be decided on the field'? It seemed like the refs let them play last night, and didn't call a lot of holding, on both sides.

[Hot Lunch]

I know they lose Johnson, what else?

They only OOC game that will be in question is their trip up here to Eugene, other than that they should roll through USU, SJSU and Louisville.

What kind of record are you Ute fans thinking about for next year? From a casual glance it looks like the worst that Utah would be is 9-3.

Next year the Utes still look really good.

They basically return the entire defense minus Newman and McCain. And just an FYI McCain sucks. So that should be an improvement. So defensively if a couple of guys don't go pro look for them to be as good or probably better.

Offensively is where Utah will take the biggest hits. We all know that BJ is gone and it is up in the air who will be his replacement. Utah has already went out and signed a J.C. qb. They have Louks who is a great runner but who knows if he can throw the ball.

Mack is gone but Asiata is the better of the 2 and Utah also has Eddie Wide who is a quality back.

At wide out they lose Casteel, Brown and Godfrey. David Reed will be the go to guy next year IMO. He was money last night with 2 huge catches and has had some pretty big time catches this year. I think there will be a little bit of a drop here. Reed is really good Brooks is good but small. Key is a great athlete but hasn't really proved much playing wide out this year because of his late arrival.

The O line loses Hensel and Connely. Hensel was awesome against Hughes. I think this is a pretty big lose.

Special teams obviously Sakoda is gone which really, he can't be replaced.

I think next year the D for Utah will be dang good like it was this year. The O and special teams will feel the drop. With a D like the U has they will still be a very good team. Speed is king in the game of football.

[TripletDaddy]

Do you think there is a conscience effort in BCS games to 'let the game be decided on the field'? It seemed like the refs let them play last night, and didn't call a lot of holding, on both sides.

Last night there was a brief question as to whether Utah touched the ball on the kickoff. The replay showed that Utah did touch the ball (with his foot?) but that he was blocked into the ball. Good call.

What nobody talked about was how the Albama player had the Utah player by the facemask, pulling him down to the ground as his foot touched the ball. Bad call.

[cougjunkie]

Do you think there is a conscience effort in BCS games to 'let the game be decided on the field'? It seemed like the refs let them play last night, and didn't call a lot of holding, on both sides.

I talked to HL on the phone after the game, and I actually even pointed out to him that I thought Utah was screwed on several calls by the refs and still overcame them to win. It seemed like Bama was getting beat on every play and they would hold just enough to slow down the defender.