silverliningsurfer

After the last few years, I am going to be more cautiously optimistic rather than blindly confident.

That said, until proven otherwise, we should expect the defense to have a strong baseline. On the offensive side, everyone’s been really high on Dampier thus far. If he can show out against a conference that doesn’t prioritize defense, they…[Read more]

In its current form, it is not sustainable. There is a fine line to walk between standardizing/regulating NIL deals, and maintaining some semblance of “student-athlete” rather than players as employees of the university, or the teams basically becoming university-sponsored minor league teams.

If NIL is more regulated (e.g. players are…[Read more]

Allegedly boosters have agreed to 3x the current NIL allocation, whatever that was.

What will also be big for Utah in 2025 onward is revenue sharing. Our NIL budget may not match big schools but we are somewhere in the top 20 for revenue so that will hopefully help keep us somewhat competitive.

I understand jacking up the prices but I think it’s a joke that the last two years have gone from:
2023: USC, Oregon, Washington, etc.
2024: Kansas State, Iowa State, Cincinnati, etc
2025: same 2024 garbage but one less game

while increasing the cost each year.

I mean, Kevin O’Connell was an absolute scrub as a professional but he’s one of the best offensive coaches in the NFL right now. Historically speaking, it’s usually the guys who understand the game really well but just don’t have the physical talent to excel that become great coaches. Hell, Sean McVay is another example.

I think the team’s biggest problem over the last few years is Madsen is the only guy who can come off-ball and somewhat create his own shot. The team has been too dependent on his 3pt shooting.

If he’s hot, teams have to give him attention and other guys get easier looks. If he has an off night, no one else has been able to step up.

If they were to keep the huntsman it’d need a facelift. I figured they could have finagled some Olympic funds to update the arena (assuming it would be used for something in ’34) but I’m also not opposed to a new arena. My only question is where would they put it? They’re running out of old buildings on campus to tear down.

Could they buy out…[Read more]

I don’t think there’s any legitimacy to this rumor, especially because Shadeur could get drafted by a team that’s not the Raiders.

To me, coach prime isn’t long for Colorado, but I bet he will stay an extra 1-2 years just to be able to “prove” he didn’t go there “just” for his son. If he has smart advisors around him, he won’t jump to the NFL.…[Read more]

As much as I think that the game is so obviously pass-heavy and being able to effectively throw the ball is important, if they can have a strong OL along with a decent RB room and mobile QB, I think they will be able to run all over this conference. B12 does not play defense.

I’m withholding on Dampier as I don’t think he’ll run for 1k yards in…[Read more]

If I were Beck first thing I’d be doing is trying to convince him to stay. I know many are down on him but I think his ceiling is highest from what else is on the roster or who we could feasibly get in the portal.

Not sure what sources you have or what you can disclose but if Whitt is half the guy he seems to be from the outside, wouldn’t you think that he is aware that his offensive philosophy is outdated? I think the reason many were OK or hoping for him to step down is because he seems to have a blind spot or unwillingness to allow his team to play…[Read more]

I’ll withhold too much judgement as I can’t speak to what he’ll do with Utah’s players or what the scheme is. But, from an optics perspective, I’d say this is a pretty uninspiring, conservative decision. Of course the guy has just followed Bronco around and has ties to the state, I’m sure Whitt heavily valued whatever input Bronco would have…[Read more]

I think he has some kind of family ties to the area IIRC. Any WR worth their salt would reconsider after seeing what happened with Dorian this year. Hopefully they can shore up OC and QB and we can start building again. Having a great RB is a good start.

I saw a picture online that was Rice Eccles in 1994 and then again in 2024, and it was disappointing to see that not much looked different. There are more bleacher seats, and the press box, but look at how a school like BYU does their game operations compared to Utah. There should be more invested there, for sure. I don’t know if you blame that on…[Read more]

You’re not wrong, but when there is a lack of official news, fans are left to speculate. As an example, see how fans acted during the last 2 years of QB misinformation. Not justifying it, but when people are passionate, they are going to discuss the topic with or without official reporting.

I’m sure he’s getting a lot of trash in his replies on X but he needs to be aware that Utah is now on a higher tier of program. Not saying they’re a blue blood or anything but the program and the university have more eyes on them than ever and expectations are higher than they have been.

Fans are reactionary and emotional by definition. It’s not…[Read more]

As someone who also follows the NFL, there are a lot of parallels to how Bill Belichick’s tenure ended in New England. He was allowed to “mutually walk away” but the obvious subtext is he was fired.

Harlan is Whitt’s boss, at the end of the day. No one wants to see it get ugly, but to say his hands are tied isn’t quite correct imo as he could tru…[Read more]

To be honest this is all lining up as worst case scenario. I’m not adamant that Whitt needs to step down but if he’s staying he needs to cede offensive control to Scalley and his vision. Why mention Scalley has been involved in the decision process if it’s going to come down to Whitt’s preference anyway?

I’d rather have Whitt retire and take…[Read more]

I don’t think they have a choice at this point. Unfortunately, things really can’t get worse from here, other than the footnote of starting 4-0 and losing out. I’d play him if it helps secure him coming back.

Allegedly Isaac has some attitude problems. I’m not sure if he could get buy in from people for the last few games. I’d imagine he would…[Read more]

I have no idea what Indiana’s NIL budget looks like but I’d imagine their boosters are longing more for basketball resurgence instead of going in on football, especially considering they could dominate B10 basketball. Definitely agree that they are an example of hope that, if nothing else, schools like Utah can still catch lightning in a bottle…[Read more]