Utes Early Entries

Well, I know its tough to hold onto the top players on great teams, but the losses of Paul Kruger and Sean Smith are particularly difficult to stomach. They both are leaving early for the NFL Draft after Utah's fantastic season. It is painful because Utah's defense was expected to be even better than it was this year, but now the Utes have to replace both corners, which is such a vital position in Utah's pressure defense and replace its top pass rusher. While Utah will put good players on the field, they will not come close to the quality that Smith and Kruger brought. Utah has a bunch of corners that look like they will be good and they are bringing in some D-linemen that should be able to help right away, but it will take a while to get over the losses.

It wouldn't be so bad if Utah wasn't also retooling its offense next year with the losses it sustained. Utah will certainly not be as good next year, but hopefully a few players can blossom into big time play makers. We'll just have to wait and see. I think Utah will still have a strong defense, especially in the run game. Offense will struggle at times, but if Louks or Cain can develop into a decent short passer (Utah showed the deep ball is not necessary in this offense) then they will be pretty good. My guess as of right now is that Utah wins all of its home games, since the home schedule is very weak and then wins 3 of 6 on the road for a 9-3 season. Losses at Oregon, BYU and TCU, with victories at CSU, SJSU, & UNLV. That is a respectable record, and a decent follow up to the great season. If they get to 10-2 Whittingham should be the coach of the year.