18th on ESPN list.
Returning starters: eight offense, seven defense, zero special teams
Key losses: OT Jackson Barton, G Jordan Agasiva, LB Chase Hansen, LB Cody Barton, FS Corrion Ballard, SS Marquise Blair, K Matt Gay, P Mitch Wishnowsky
Outlook: After winning its first Pac-12 South title, there is a case for Utah to be ranked even higher going into 2019, as some view the Utes as the Pac-12 favorites.
Assuming Zack Moss is healthy, he has a chance to be the best running back in the Pac-12. His 121.3 yards-per-game average ranked second in the conference last season but an injury cost him four games. It will be interesting to see how Moss — and the entire offense, really — looks under the guidance of new offensive coordinator Andy Ludwig, whom Utes fans will remember from his prior stint as the team’s OC (2005-08). Ludwig has been at Vanderbilt the past four years, following time at Cal, San Diego State and Wisconsin since leaving Salt Lake City.
The Utes didn’t end up with a particularly impressive recruiting class — ESPN ranked it 61st nationally — but it’s not a group the Utes need to get much out of right away because it has a very experienced core returning. Utah is particularly deep on the defensive line but needs to replace three starters on the offensive line.
Another thing going in Utah’s favor: its schedule. The Utes have a manageable nonconference slate (at BYU, Northern Illinois, Idaho State) and miss both Oregon and Stanford during Pac-12 play. — K.B.
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