Utah football coach Kyle Whittingham was sounding conflicted on the first day of fall camp three weeks ago. On one hand, it seemed only yesterday the Utes were kicking the grits out of Alabama. At the same time, it seemed like ages since they had put on pads.
Time to play, he said.
He got that right.
With the season launching this week for the state's Division I teams, it seems only fair to address the pressing questions you, Joe Fan, might have.
But rather than windy introductions, I will just proceed straight to my own windy answers.
Question: Who has the best chance to have a great 2009?
Answer: You mean besides Oprah? The answer is BYU. Sure, the injury-ravaged offensive line is a worry, and the team's best player, Austin Collie, is now in Indianapolis. But check out the schedule. The Cougars have Florida State, TCU and Utah at home. They have Oklahoma at a quasi-neutral site. They have a veteran quarterback and a nifty tight end.
True, they could always use more team speed. But this is BYU, where the DB's and receivers traditionally grow begonias underfoot. When it won the national championship in 1984, it wasn't exactly faster than a speeding bullet, either.
Will BYU have the best season in the state? I'd bet my Sons of the Utah Pioneers membership on it. But that doesn't mean I think the Cougars will be perfect. Which brings me to the next question in the mailbag...
Question: Should we worry about BYU's offensive line?
Answer: Only if you've studied the Oklahoma Land Rush of 1893.
Question: How will Utah finally determine its starting quarterback?
Answer: Rock-paper-scissors.
Question: Will BYU resurrect its slogan "Quest for Perfection"?
Answer: No, just tweak it. It's now "Quest for Retraction."
Question: There's a lot of buzz about the new Aggies. What do you think USU will do this year?
Answer: I'm tempted to say "Same thing it always does — punt." But I do think first-year coach Gary Andersen is nice fit up north.
Problem is, I don't see the situation improving anytime soon. With Utah, Texas A&M, BYU and Boise State already on the schedule, the odds of finishing above .500 are as slim as USU's bowl resume.
Question: This is unrelated to D-1 football in the state, but I have to ask: What's up with SUU? It plays at San Diego, as well as San Diego State.
Answer: Who wouldn't want two roadies down there? Sun, sand, surf. And the Gaslamp Quarter isn't half bad, either.
The real question is why SUU doesn't schedule 11 games in San Diego.
Question: Will Max Hall produce a Heisman?
Answer: Only if he gets hired at a trophy factory.
Question: Who is the state's best player this year?
Answer: I don't know, but I know the best name: Utah's Stevenson Sylvester, aka "Sly."
You wonder if he ever staggers around, looking in the stands going, "Yo, Adrian!"
Question: Why has BYU had so many injuries in camp?
Answer: I don't know, but for a team that likes to compare itself to undefeated Book of Mormon warriors, it sure has a lot of casualties.
Question: How do you think new USU coach Gary Andersen will do?
Answer: Fine. I know he looks a lot better in a golf shirt than most of his predecessors.
Question: Sports Illustrated has the Aggies going to the New Mexico Bowl. What do you think about that?
Answer: Too bad for the Aggies.
Question: What are Utah's chances of getting back to a BCS Bowl?
Answer: Same as Zane Beadles' chances of getting back to 200 pounds.
Question: Who has the worst schedule in the state?
Answer: Utah State. The Aggies don't even play at home until September 26. They play their opener at Utah, then have a 16-day layoff until playing at Texas A&M.
The ticket office is hoping fans don't forget the Aggies have a team.
It's hoping the Aggies themselves don't forget, either.
Question: How much will Utah miss All-America kicker "King Louie" Sakoda?
Answer: As much as I miss the Crab Louie at Alioto's — a lot.
Question: Will this be a blockbuster year in local football?
Answer: Blockbuster? No. But you'll definitely want to get the video.
e-mail: rock@desnews.com