We are less than 24 hours away from the start of college football and one of the first games of the season features a pair of Utah teams that had vastly different seasons last year.  While the Utah State Aggies had their best season in a long time, the Utah Utes had a very disappointing campaign.

The Utes had high hopes going into the 2012 season but an overtime set back against the Aggies early in the Season changed all that.  Even though the game had a somewhat controversial ending it exposed plenty of weaknesses for the Utes that would show through as the year went on.

Injuries also played a huge role in the University of Utah’s down season as starting quarterback Jordan Wynn had his career ended early in the campaign.  Jon Hayes came in and did an admirable job as a stop-gap before the Utes turned the reigns over to freshman backup Travis Wilson.  Wilson has all the physical tools to be a good quarterback and last years unexpected field time should be a blessing for the 2013 Utes.

Utah made a few coaching changes in the off-season as they once again brought in a new offensive coordinator.  Brian Johnson is still on staff as a co-coordinator but we all know that Dennis Erickson is calling the shots.  Erickson brings a world of experience which includes plenty of time in the PAC 12.

The Utes are loaded with unproven talent on the offensive side of the ball.  Much is expected of a quartet of running backs in Erickson’s new system but none has taken more than 80 carries at the division one level.

The receivers and tight ends are also very talented but somewhat unproven.  Dres Anderson and Kenneth Scott need to have breakout years for the offense to be successful.  As for the tight ends, Jake Murphy and Westlee Tonga should see plenty of action in both the running and passing game.  Murphy had a very solid season last year and looks to improve on modest receiving numbers.

The lines will be the strength of the Utes this season even with the departure of some very talented players a year ago.  They will be the key to Utah’s season.  The O line needs to create holes for rushers and plenty of time for Wilson to go through his progressions when under center.  The D line really needs to get pressure early and often.  This might be way more important than in years past because the Utes aren’t very deep in the secondary.  Concussions plus other injuries and graduation have left Utah especially thin at the safety position.

As for the line backing core, they have some talent but have underachieving as a group in the last two seasons and that definitely needs to change for the Utes to find their way back to a bowl game.

The good:  The best case scenario for the Utes isn’t as high as most teams out there for one reason only; they play a brutal schedule.  For the first time as a member of the PAC 12 the Utes have both the Stanford Cardinal and the Oregon Ducks on the docket.  Both teams are loaded and are poised to make a push for a national championship.  No matter how good the Utes are, I see no way that they can play with either team.  With that in mind, if Utah can stay healthy every other game can be a win if the ball bounces their way.  Some of the other opponents are very tough but with a great offensive line Travis Wilson has the time to find all of his weapons.  Jake Murphy becomes the first Ute tight end since Dennis Smith to pass the 1,000 yards receiving mark.  Dres Anderson becomes the deep threat that Utah fans have been hoping for and catches 60 balls for 1,100 yards and 10 plus scores.  Kenneth Scott, Westlee Tonga and Bubba Poole are also solid contributors in the passing game as Travis Wilson throws for more than 3000 yards and 20 touchdowns.

Not to be out done, the rushing game finds pay dirt early and often as Kelvin York cracks the 1,000 mark.

The defensive line, led by Trevor Reilly is stingy all season long and helps limit big plays.  Eric Rowe shuts off one half of the field and makes it nearly impossible for the talented quarterbacks on Utah’s schedule to get anything going.  Reilly and Rowe make first team All-PAC 12 and help the Utes to a 10 win season and a return to post season play.

The bad:

The new offense doesn’t work from day one and Wilson is forced to run for his life on many occasions.  This forces him to have happy feet in the pocket and make constant mistakes.  Without time to throw the ball or the wherewithal to hit his check downs the Utes are forced to run the ball into eight and nine man boxes without much success.

The defensive line struggles to get pressure most of the season and it exposes the Utah secondary to big play after big play.  The linebackers never find their grove and the high-octane PAC 12 offenses have their way with the Utes all season long.

The Utes become demoralized by early season losses to the Aggies, Beavers and Cougars and never recover mentally on their way to a 2-10 season and a very hot seat for Kyle Whittingham and the rest of his staff.

Most Likely:

Even with the losses of some of the best players the Utes have ever seen, they will be better in 2013.  The only problem is that the record might not reflect the growth that Utah has made because of what most are saying is the toughest schedule in school history.

The new look offense will have success but not on a constant basis.  Wilson will show signs of greatness but not enough for the Utes to win every close game.  Jake Murphy will have an outstanding season, leading the Utes in receptions and yards.  Anderson and Scott will make strides but won’t quite meet their lofty potential.  The run game will be sporadic finding success one week and nothing a week later.

Trevor Reilly and Eric Rowe will be outstanding but won’t be enough for an undermanned Utah defense to stop all the great quarterbacks on the schedule.

The University of Utah will end with a record of 6-6 and limp their way back into a bowl game after a one year absence.