What does next year hold for Utah?

[DrumNFeather]

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.

Bama got some fantastic spots all game long. It was really incredible.

[DrumNFeather]

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.

Johnson also took a cheapshot on his fumble, but I'm sure the Utes got away with some stuff as well, including Sly's MMA leg takedown of Coffee to prevent a 1st down. He was holding on for dear life!

[OrangeUte]

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 you will always be fine with 8-4 or 7-5? I con't think so... If, as you say, you expect competition for the conference title next year and every year, you will be expecting the Utes to be top notch since they will have to beat TCU, BYU, Air Force, Colorado State (reemerging nicely), and to not stumble against the lower teams.

The MWC of today is not the WAC that BYU dominated a few decades ago.

[OrangeUte]

Johnson also took a cheapshot on his fumble, but I'm sure the Utes got away with some stuff as well, including Sly's MMA leg takedown of Coffee to prevent a 1st down. He was holding on for dear life!

Sly's takedown was a highlight for sure! I dont' know if he was talking trash at the coin toss or not, but he proved to be a real gamer last night.

[HuskyFreeNorthwest]

Take it from me.

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

Only if they are silly enough geese to call next season the Quest for Perfection, then give up in their last two games, and talk about football being priority #5. All while BYU goes to the Orange Bowl and dominates a top 5 team.

[UtahDan]

Then you will always be fine with 8-4 or 7-5? I con't think so... If, as you say, you expect competition for the conference title next year and every year, you will be expecting the Utes to be top notch since they will have to beat TCU, BYU, Air Force, Colorado State (reemerging nicely), and to not stumble against the lower teams.

The MWC of today is not the WAC that BYU dominated a few decades ago.

I think you will find that modest expectations are the key to enjoyment as a fan. That is all I am saying. Look no further than our BYU brethren for exhibit A of a group whose misaligned expectations prevent them from enjoying success.

[RockyBalboa]

Utah will still have a good team. Their defense will be great again and able to keep them in a lot of games.

I've always been on board with the thought that I don't care how talented the players are your skill positions, if you don't have a QB that can play at a high level then your offense will struggle.

I think Utah's offense will struggle for awhile while trying to break in a new starting QB.

My guess it'll be kinda similar to their 2005 season. 8-4 or 9-3 would seem about right.

Brian Johnson was the key to their success this past season.

[UtahDan]

Utah will still have a good team. Their defense will be great again and able to keep them in a lot of games.

I've always been on board with the thought that I don't care how talented the players are your skill positions, if you don't have a QB that can play at a high level then your offense will struggle.

I think Utah's offense will struggle for awhile while trying to break in a new starting QB.

My guess it'll be kinda similar to their 2005 season. 8-4 or 9-3 would seem about right.

Brian Johnson was the key to their success this past season.

I think this is a correct assessment, unless there is better than expected QB play. On the bright side, if KW was paying attention in 2003, UM wrote the text on how to break in a new guy by not asking him to do too much and win at the same time.

[DrumNFeather]

Utah will still have a good team. Their defense will be great again and able to keep them in a lot of games.

I've always been on board with the thought that I don't care how talented the players are your skill positions, if you don't have a QB that can play at a high level then your offense will struggle.

I think Utah's offense will struggle for awhile while trying to break in a new starting QB.

My guess it'll be kinda similar to their 2005 season. 8-4 or 9-3 would seem about right.

Brian Johnson was the key to their success this past season.

It's interesting how this season has changed the perspective on Brian Johnson. He has gone from inconsistent turnover machine to invaluable part of the offense.

[OrangeUte]

It's interesting how this season has changed the perspective on Brian Johnson. He has gone from inconsistent turnover machine to invaluable part of the offense.

that's a good point. the offense was inconsistent during course of the season, but mental toughness is johnson's forte... i think he's invaluable because he never quits, he never stops thinking during the game, and he always believes that the Utes are going to, and can, win, despite the competition.

[OrangeUte]

I think you will find that modest expectations are the key to enjoyment as a fan. That is all I am saying. Look no further than our BYU brethren for exhibit A of a group whose misaligned expectations prevent them from enjoying success.

I understand. I enjoy Ute football because I love the school, love the atmosphere on gamedays, and love having a fun time! There is nothing better that RES on gameday for me!

[SeattleUte]

Take it from me.

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

Signed, he who says I just enjoy the ride.

[il Padrino Ute]

Signed, he who says I just enjoy the ride.

LOL!

Score one for SU.