Jim Vanderhoof

I have the same feeling Holladay. I think last year left a sour taste in everyone’s mouth. The older leaders Barton Snowden Dumani Johnson on defense. An experienced offensive line can lead as a unit. Add lots of skilled athletes on offense. I have sensed a positive vibe going after spring ball. The team seems more together and highly motivated. T…[Read more]

It will be interesting how they do this year with a target on their backs. They have gotten all the publicity this off season. Big12 podcasters are making them out to be the new Big 12 darlings. We occupied that spot last year and were not the darlings but the cocky hated pac 12 wannabes. Teams were highly motivated to beat us. We were despised…[Read more]

It comes down to who has the deeper pockets. Is Utahs pockets maxed out or are there certain donors you can go to for a big name player? BYU is highly motivated to surpass the Utes and gain national attention. Right now I’d say they have the deeper pockets.

We have no honor code and a normal college experience. Big advantage for non LDS p…[Read more]

I would make Jay Hill a priority for DC. I think he comes back home for equal or more money. BYU will not be outbid!! He is worshipped in Provo. Their donors won’t let that happen. He would have taken the Utah State job if it wasn’t for transfer portal and NIL. Tough to win at USU without a large NIL budget. He will get some lucrative offers nex…[Read more]

Utahs success teamed with BYUs lack of national notoriety has been eating at their fans for many years. Getting in the Big12 put them back on equal footing with us. Suddenly $$ starts playing a major factor in team success. The theme has changed from “we won’t allow pay for play” to “we won’t be outbid”.

Suddenly getting non-LDS and top LDS rec…[Read more]

Do you say O-fense or offense?

Well said ALUF.

I agree Beach. It’s hard to cheer when you have nothing to cheer about. The return of Rising and a favorable schedule. Plus a possible final year for Whitt. It set up a possible CFP run. Most fans (me) drank the koolaide and just the opposite happened. Back to back years of boring no offense football that was not fun to watch. The Arizona game w…[Read more]

I’ve watched Utah football many years Ute Thunder and the only two teams that hurt us last year CU passing and ASU running
( both pac 12). I didn’t see any other offenses that looked that great to me. Pac12 had way better QBs and spread the field with playmakers.

I think we match up better in the Big12. The Qb rooms look stronger this year so…[Read more]

Much different recruiting base. The PAC 12 had California Arizona Utah Oregon and Washington and now Texas as their hotspots. Lots of inner city and large numbers to pick from. More speed and athleticism in skill positions. The Big12 has a Texas-Midwest recruiting. More physical and hard working easy to coach recruits. Similar to what Utah has…[Read more]

I call BS. If a player is not in the portal and has agreed to the value assigned by the university he should be under contract. NIL should deal with advertising and using the players name and likeness to sell jerseys and promote business and products. NIL is just a way around play for pay. If you think your value is higher enter the portal and…[Read more]

Total BS. If agents can contact other agents and offer more $$ isn’t that tampering? What’s the difference? These players can get offers without being in the portal. Why enter the portal? Shop around and find the best offer then enter the portal.

The system isn’t working. It is only benefiting the players and agents at the cost of the unive…[Read more]

A less complicated offense and a new face running it should get us to 8-4 9-3. Last year left a bad taste in the mouths of coaches and returning players. Please don’t over use Dampier and Parker we need them down the stretch. Spread offense means spread the ball around to others.

Well said Miami. We have always been the U. Miami is the 70’s -80’s version. I guess Im old school but I like the drum and feather and our affiliation with the Ute tribe. I think it’s awesome that they are able to perform their dances and culture at a game each year. Respect and understanding is a better solution than crying racism for both parti…[Read more]

Nice breakdown ALUF. I was ready to mortgage my house last year to attend the CFP games. Reality was a wake up call. I think we have reversed roles with BYU. They used the disrespect and lack of success in 2023 as motivation. Now we have the same motivation they had last year. BYU has the target on their backs now. Whittingham loves the underdog…[Read more]

Exactly my point Hoban. Some see it as weird and abnormal. Others see it as normal based on your religion. Neither right or wrong.

My wife was also told the same by 3 or 4 different students at BYU. Her BYU experience chased her away from the church. Religion should never be discussed on a sports fan board. An outsider looking in (me) or an insider looking out (Holladay Ute) opinions differ in your personal perspectives and beliefs. We are all Ute fans and let’s keep r…[Read more]

Thanks for posting interview.He sounds like Sitake jr. He made the right choice for him. $$ and religion imagine that. He gave us 3 years and is a well spoken athlete. I wish him the best.

An experienced O line can pick up blitzes and give the QB some big play opportunities. Throw a running QB in the mix and this offense may not have to throw much. I’m excited about the offense this year. Just need to stay healthy.

Even 40 years ago I would see McMahon with a beer and wonder how he got away with it. LE could have got in big trouble had he got caught not reporting him to the HC. My wife attended BYU in that same time frame and she went to lots of parties with alcohol and drugs. Lots of football players. That was going on and she got turned in to the HC for a…[Read more]