It was the year of the unexpected for Utah football.
As the Utes entered the season, they were staring down the barrel of what many pundits believed would be the toughest schedule in all of college football. Aside from the most die-hard of the Utah faithful, many questioned just how the team would get to the requisite six wins to return to bowl eligibility.
Somehow the Utes managed to get to eight.
They did it despite a rash of injuries that prematurely ended the seasons of five starters. They did it despite an offense that ranked dead last in the Pac-12 in total offense, and 11th in passing offense. They did it despite dropping three conference games at home, in what is arguably one of the toughest environments in the Pac-12.
Despite the adversity it faced, this Utah team scratched and clawed its way to one of the most memorable seasons in the history of the program. And with the season winding to its conclusion in the Las Vegas Bowl, there is reason for optimism in the program when taking a (very) early look at 2015. With an 8-4 finish and the first winning Pac-12 record in the program’s history, it appears at first glance that the Utah football program has built a foundation upon which it can build a successful 2015.
Of course, there are still a lot of unknowns as the Utes transition into the 2015 season. It’s entirely possible that some of Kyle Whittingham’s assistants choose to leave the program in search of other coaching opportunities. Several of Utah’s assistants will be in high demand as new opportunities arise. However, despite those opportunities, sources tell us that Athletic Director Chris Hill is in the process of putting together a package that makes sure Whittingham’s top lieutenants are taken care of.
There is sure to be movement at the quarterback position. It’s simply not logical to carry eight scholarship quarterbacks from year to year. There will be some who transfer out to seek new opportunities elsewhere.
There is also the possibility that a few of Utah’s best underclassmen try their hand at the NFL. Running back Devontae Booker and offensive tackle Jeremiah Poutasi are the most likely to test the waters, but early scouting reports indicate that both players might be better served to stay in school for one more year.
However, if Whittingham is able to convince his top juniors to stay in school and keep his top assistants in the fold, the Utes appear to have the foundation to build another special season in 2015.
The offense is expected to return 11 players that started at least one game, including the entire offensive line. The quarterback battle is expected to be intense with part-time starters Travis Wilson and Kendall Thompson both potentially returning and a number of talented challengers waiting to move up the depth chart. Ute fans should be especially interested to see what redshirt freshman Donovan Isom and returned missionary Chase Hansen bring to the table in spring camp.
At the skill positions, the Utes will lose receivers Dres Anderson and Kaelin Clay, but return Kenneth Scott, Tim Patrick and Kenric Young. If running back Devontae Booker returns, he will be considered a viable candidate for a number of All-American and postseason award honors.
On the defensive side of the football, the Utes look like they will be in prime position to reload. Yes, starters Nate Orchard and Brian Blechen are gone, but the Utes return a lot of talent in every position group.
Five of Utah’s top six defensive tackles, including freshman standout Lowell Lotulelei, are expected back. Defensive end Hunter Dimick, who finished the season with 10 sacks, will be joined by talented redshirts Kylie Fitts and Wallace Gonzalez.
Utah returns a bulk of its linebacker corps, led by Jared Norris and Gionni Paul. Part-time starter Jason Whittingham also will be back after missing significant time this season due to injury.
In the secondary, standout safety Tevin Carter is expected to be awarded another year of eligibility. He’ll be joined by Marcus Williams, who started five games as a true freshman, and Andre Godfrey, who started once. Starting cornerbacks Dominique Hatfield and Justin Thomas will both return as well.
The Utes will also return one of the best special teams batteries in all of college football in long snapper Chase Dominguez, punter Tom Hackett, and kicker Andy Phillips.
In addition to returning a lot of depth and talent, the schedule shapes up favorably with seven home games. Although the Utes face tough in-conference road trips to Oregon, USC and Washington, Utah’s lone out-of-conference road trip is to Fresno State.
The 2014 Utes were finally able to turn the corner and produce a winner in the Pac-12. If Utah can hold things together in the offseason, 2015 could be even better.