2008 record: 13-0, 8-0 (1st in Mountain West)
2008 bowl: Beat Alabama 31-17 in Sugar
2008 final AP/coaches' ranking: 2/4
Coach: Kyle Whittingham (37-14, 5th year)
Offensive coordinator: Dave Schramm (1st year)
Defensive coordinator: Kalani Sitake (1st year)
Returning offensive starters: 5
Returning defensive starters: 7
Location: Salt Lake City
Stadium: Rice-Eccles Stadium (FieldTurf; 45,017)
Last league title: 2008
2009 schedule: [view]
2009 roster: [view]
2008 statistics: [view]

Offensive: Utah probably will rely upon bowling-ball running back Matt Asiata and a veteran offensive line, until the new quarterback finds his rhythm. After the loss of Brian Johnson, the Mountain West Conference’s offensive player of the year, the Utes probably will turn to junior Corbin Louks, primarily a running threat. The receiving corps was decimated by graduation, although junior Jereme Brooks (30 catches) already has proven to be a reliable target.

Defensive: Utah will be hard-pressed to duplicate last season’s performance (11th nationally in total defense), but it can count on another solid effort. Senior Koa Misi and sophomore Derrick Shelby might be the Mountain West’s best pair of defensive ends. Senior linebacker Stevenson Sylvester, who had three sacks against Alabama at the Sugar Bowl, is an offense-wrecker. The secondary looks secure with senior safeties Joe Dale and Robert Johnson returning, plus speedy senior R.J. Sanford and sophomore Brandon Burton taking over at cornerback.

Specialists: Utah suffered a severe loss with the NFL departure of All-American place-kicker/punter Louie Sakoda. Ben Vroman, who handled kickoffs, should emerge, while freshman Sean Sellwood is expected to punt.

Coaching: Kyle Whittingham has quite a challenge in following up last season’s 13-0 team that won the Sugar Bowl. He also has two new coordinators (Dave Schramm on offense, Kalani Sitake on defense). But the pressure won’t be much different than Whittingham’s first season as Utah head coach (the Utes, coming off the 12-0 season under Urban Meyer, went 7-5 in 2005). Whittingham learned from that experience and believes Utah is better equipped for consistency.

Heisman Hopefuls: Don’t expect Utah to be a factor in the Heisman Trophy race this season.

Game of the year Sept. 19 at Oregon Last season’s BCS run could become a distant memory if the Utes aren’t up to the task at Oregon. Autzen Stadium always provides a frenzied atmosphere and this will be an early indication whether Utah’s retooled lineup is ready for the big-time games.

Overview: On paper, Utah must replace plenty of key personnel, perhaps too many to anticipate a championship season. But the Utes have recruited well in recent years, and big things are expected from the flock of newcomers. Don’t look for another unbeaten season. The Utes, though, will have much to say about who wins the Mountain West Conference championship.

Next up: No. 22 Notre Dame

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