Editor’s note: Deseret News sports writers Dirk Facer and Mike Sorensen have covered Utah football extensively for the past decade and beyond. So, too, has now-retired columnist Brad Rock. The trio weighed in on the following topics:
Best team of the decade — 2019: Utah rose to a school-record No. 5 in the College Football Playoff rankings after reeling off eight consecutive Pac-12 victories to repeat as South Division champions. Although the season ended with lopsided losses to Oregon and Texas, the Utes did end up with 11 wins — the third-most in team history.
Worst team of the decade — 2013: A 5-7 overall record included a 2-7 mark in Pac-12 play. Utah lost five straight games at one point — giving up 167 points over setbacks to Arizona, USC, Arizona State, Oregon and Washington State. The Utes surrendered a combined 85 points in the two other conference losses (Oregon State, UCLA).
Biggest win of the decade — Utah 62, Oregon 20 (2015): The Utes left no doubt in this one. They sent the usual loud crowd at Autzen Stadium in Eugene home early. Sorensen noted that it was “so dominating” and “certainly Utah’s most entertaining game of the decade.” Rock said that showed that Utah “could not only beat but crush the best of the Pac-12.” He added that the fake punt return was “only the most bodacious play in school history.”
Most disappointing loss of the decade — Oregon 37, Utah 15 (2019): Considering what was on the line — a possible College Football Playoff berth or at least the Rose Bowl as Pac-12 champions — it’s hard to argue against this one. A 17-14 loss at home to Colorado in 2011 was also painful, costing the Utes a trip to the Pac-12 title game. Sorensen also noted the devastating 47-7 defeat to TCU in 2010. The Utes were 8-0 before getting blasted at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Rock mentioned the 10-3 loss to Washington in the 2018 Pac-12 title game, calling it a “decade-worthy gut punch.” The fourth-down no-call on pass interference, he continued, said it all.
Most impactful assistant coach of the decade — Morgan Scalley: The former Utah All-America safety has been on the coaching staff throughout the decade, becoming the defensive coordinator in 2016. “You’d never know Gary Andersen and Kalani Sitake had left the building,” Rock said. Sorensen offered two explanations for his choice. Utah’s strong defense the past few years, for one, and the fact that both Sorensen and Scalley are Highland High alums as two.
Most important development or trend of the decade — Back-to-back South Division titles: Division crowns put the Utes within one win of Pac-12 championships in 2018 and 2019. Utah has evolved into a consistent contender — winning 15 of its past 19 conference games dating back to the end of the 2017 season.