Interesting SBNation Article:

Viewing 1 reply thread

- 06/01/2017 at 9:46 AM #33833
  2
  
  KiYi-Ute
  Ute Fan
  
  @kiyi-ute
  
  http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2017/6/1/15706610/utah-utes-football-2017-preview-schedule-roster
  
  Basically talking about how the Utes have over-achieved the past three seasons based on pre-season projections. The author credits that overachieving to Whittingham — and I don’t disagree.
  
  The article also states that we are primed to regress this season, based on the fact that teams typically do not overachieve for more than a season or two. I agree that I am holding my breath about this season, not so much because of the defensive backfield, but because of the O-Line, a new oh-ffensive system and the toughest schedule we’ve ever had.
  
  Here’s to hoping for four years of overachieving.
- 06/01/2017 at 10:37 AM #33836
  1
  
  Utah
  Ute Fan
  
  @utah
  
  It’s a good one. 6-7 wins is a good season for Utah this fall. We play 4 NFL QB’s and Stanford, Oregon and Colorado on top of that. No California or OSU either (although I think OSU will be a lot better than expected this year. 6 wins wouldn’t shock me at all. Gary is a great coach).
  
  7 wins is 3-0 OOC, 2-0 vs Arizona schools and 2-5 vs Washington, USC, Stanford, Oregon, Colorado, Washington State and UCLA.
  
  Thats a tough call, especially with no real breaks in the schedule.
  
  This year’s goals should be: make a bowl game, prepare the players to make a run at the south in 2018, when Falk, Rosen, Darnold and Browning all graduate.
  - 06/01/2017 at 3:45 PM #33837
    2
    
    gUrthBrooks
    Ute Fan
    
    @hammer
    
    Totally Disagree. This is the most talented Utah Football team across the board, on paper…ever. Sure there are some good QB’s, but Utah has three 3 year starting D-Lineman in Lotulelei, Mokofisi and Fitts. OK, maybe just 2 year for Fitts. Utah has 3 returning LB’s in Laufatasaga, Tauteoli and Barton. Then Utah Recruited five 4* DB’s for each safety, corner and nickel position, three of the five being JC transfers. Plus you still have Chase Hansen and the switch of 6’4″ Tyrone Smith to Corner. The D-Line is MEGA DEEP. Those QB’s better perform, but what has Rosen done ever in a big game? NADA! The question is whether the super speed Marquis Blair takes over at Strong Safety and pushes Hansen to LB or if Blair takes over the OLB job from Barton. The defense is legit.
    
    Then, Utah adds the O.C. who tutored and made Jake Browning. Taylor will get Bateman up to speed. Probably see Bateman take over after week two and win the starting job outright…he’s that much better.
    
    It’s going to be a fund year boys.
    
    Remember this…WHENEVER someone project Kyle Whittingham to be down…take the money to the bank that it’s going to be a banner game or banner year.
    - 06/01/2017 at 3:50 PM #33838
      2 1
      
      ladyinred
      Ute Fan
      
      @ladyinred
      
      I’ll also take some of whatever he’s having please. ^^
      - 06/01/2017 at 4:28 PM #33841
        1
        
        gUrthBrooks
        Ute Fan
        
        @hammer
        
        Which part do you disagree with?
        
        06/01/2017 at 4:49 PM #33842
        1
        
        ladyinred
        Ute Fan
        
        @ladyinred
        
        None of it, except the part where you referred to us all as boys. =)
        
        But seriously, I really want to believe all that you said. It’s just that my spirit was crushed so hard last season, so I am cautiously optimistic.
    - 06/01/2017 at 4:22 PM #33840
      1
      
      Tony (admin)
      Admin/Founder
      
      @admin
      
      Sing to me. The hangup for me isn’t talent, but the conference schedule which is the toughest one we’ve ever had, and most of the tough teams we play on the road.
      - 06/01/2017 at 4:52 PM #33843
        1
        
        ladyinred
        Ute Fan
        
        @ladyinred
        
        See but the schedule thing goes both ways. If we lose a lot of games, the schedule was hard. If we win a lot of games, that was impressive with such a difficult schedule. Better than winning a lot of games with a weak schedule, ala UW last year.
    - 06/01/2017 at 7:24 PM #33846
      3 1
      
      noneyadb
      Ute Fan
      
      @noneyadb
      
      Great list, but all of it is lacking experience at this level. Most JC guys have a difficult time transitioning. Lewis and Blair look great vs jc competition, so did Luafatasanga, how long did it take for him to finally look like a 4* LB’r?half the season… I like the optimism, but Utah is competing for a bowl game this year. Inexperienced OL, WR, and secondary is a lot.
      
      Now if Utah can pick up Jaylon’s brother, that would be a huge benefit.
      - 06/01/2017 at 9:55 PM #33847
        
        Utah
        Ute Fan
        
        @utah
        
        Jaylon’s brother is headed to Fresno State, I do believe.
        
        06/02/2017 at 1:04 PM #33851
        
        utefansince79
        Ute Fan
        
        @utefansince79
        
        This season really needs to be considered a rebuilding year given all the talent that has left (much of it for the NFL).
        
        Have a lot of good players coming back, but may take a while for them to come together.