>Pre-Season Preview: Utah Utes

Well I think Utah’s biggest strength will be their consistency on offense this go around. In 2009, the Utes had to start the season with a new quarterback and generally, when you’re going in with an untested guy under center, there are some concerns. That was Terrance Cain and he did a fairly decent job throughout most of the season, however, lost his starting job to Jordan Wynn eight games into the season. Cain was fairly productive as a quarterback in his first eight starts and had an exceptional record (7-1). Unfortunately, the offense wasn’t living up to its level of expectations and often stagnated during games. In that eighth game against the Wyoming Cowboys on Halloween, the coaching staff made the switch at the half and Wynn has played ever since. Wynn’s biggest win, of course, came in the Poinsettia Bowl against Cal. He was named the offensive MVP and, unless injury becomes an issue, should be Utah’s starting quarterback when the 2010 season rolls around later this summer. Of course, even if he doesn’t start, they’ll have a quarterback in Cain who started in eight games- so the experience factor heavily benefits the offense.

The weakness might be the defense due to talent turnover. With that said, Utah’s head coach is Kyle Whittingham and the defense has been his baby since 1994 here at Utah. The growing pains the Utes’ defense generally sees is minimal and I’ve got to think, even with some big-time losses, that will be the case again this season. What could help ease the transition is the fact that Kalani Sitake, Utah’s defensive coordinator, is no longer a rookie assistant. 2009 was his first season as a coordinator and there were obvious growing pains. That won’t be the case in 2010.

Looking at the schedule who will be the first major test and why?

The first test is the first game against Pitt. I don’t think I really need to explain why that game will be tough for Utah, since the Panthers probably will enter ranked even higher than the Utes. This is a statement game. If Utah can win, they’ll be in good position to make some noise the remainder of the season. Any time you open up the year against a ranked team in your house and have a realistic shot of winning (if not being favored), it automatically becomes a huge game. The fans have it circled. The players have it circled. And it certainly will drive up the anticipation the closer we get to the start of the season.

What team on the schedule do you fear the most?

Probably TCU. The Frogs manhandled Utah last year and just a change of venue (the game was played in Fort Worth then) isn’t going to fix the blatant talent discrepancies between each team. If the Frogs are every bit as good as they were last year and Utah is only marginally better, they potentially could still be facing a blowout loss- even at home.

Who is the best player on your team that nobody talks about?

Griffin McNabb. He’s a freshman, but had a great spring game and is in position to make a lot of noise as a wide receiver in a young offense. Since he’s a freshman, though, not much has been mentioned of him lately. He did have a great spring game and Ute fans are hoping that carries over into the season.