Offense
Utah is absolutely loaded at the quarterback position with sophomore Jordan Wynn and senior Terrance Cain. Wynn is probably the more talented of the two due to his mobility and will likely get the start headed into the season. In just 4 starts in 2009, he sparked Utah to an average of 34 points a game. Cain is not too shabby either. In his 5 starts, Cain threw for 1,624 yards with over a 63 percent completion percentage.
The Utes also have the Mountain West Conference’s best running back combo in seniors Eddie Wide and Matt Asiata. Four starters return on the offensive line including All MWC guard Caleb Schlauderaff. This is a stacked offensive football team.
Defense
The big question mark for Utah in 2010 is its defense. The linebacker corps loses is its top two tacklers in Stevenson Sylvester and Mike Wright. The secondary also could be in trouble as 1st team MWS FS Robert Johnson and 3rd team MWC defensive back R.J. Stanford depart. Johnson was responsible for 6 of the Utah’s 10 Ints in 2009.
The key for this defensive to hold up will be the play of the defensive front who return 4 of 5 starters and add junior college star James Aiono (6’4 290) to play the nose. How well the Utes compensate for its 2009 losses will determine the success this season.
Overall
If you are looking for a darkhorse national title contender in 2010, I believe it is Utah. Despite playing in a non-BCS league the schedule is tough enough to get them to Glendale, AZ if they can run the table. Utah will host Big East favorite Pittsburgh to open their season on September 2 and will travel to South Bend to take on the Notre Dame in the middle of November. While Utah must play both TCU and BYU in conference both teams must travel to Salt Lake City. I am not predicting a national championship berth for Utah, however, but if they get hot don’t be surprised if 2010 is a special season in Utah. Perhaps even more special than the 2008 Sugar Bowl berth.
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