| | By Ed Graney
Special to ESPN.com
Utah Utes
1999 record: 9-3, 5-2.
Coach: Ron McBride, 11th season, 71-46.
Starters returning: 14 (7 offense, 7 defense)
Outlook:
Last season, it was Boise State. The season before that, it was Boise State. The season before that, it was Utah State. It's always there,
that one non-conference upset loss that keeps Utah from departing the ranks of the very good for a land of greatness. This could be the year. The Utes are
solid in most phases and superb in a few.
Explosive best describes senior wide receiver and kick returner Steve Smith, who averaged 20 yards per catch last year and returned three punts for scores. Throwing him the ball is a combination of seniors in T.D. Croshaw and Darnell Arceneaux, the latter a marvelous athlete who has battled injuries on the field and controversy off it. The Utes need to balance their attack, which means sophomore running back D'Shaun Crockett must fill the large void left by all-conference pick Mike Anderson.
But defense could ultimately decide this team's postseason fate. Utah's blitz is more calculating than consistent, preferring not to leave cornerbacks without help. That said, senior Andre Dyson is one of the league's best coverman. Few teams (save perhaps Colorado State) are more physical in their approach. Utah brings the
hammer each play.
Keep an eye on:
Senior defensive end Andy Bowers. The Utes were spoiled in recent years by the play of Jon Frank, who had 13 sacks and 20 tackles for loss last season. Three defensive line starters return, but it's Bowers (6-6, 275) whose numbers must now improve if Utah's front seven is going to dominate as many think it can.
It's a good season if:
Utah wins the conference and plays in the Liberty Bowl. Nothing less should be expected in Salt Lake City, where fans have been treated to six consecutive winnings seasons and six bowl games under McBride. The tone will be set immediately with the season opener against Arizona, followed by a trip to Cal. Win both, and Utah could be looking at a 10-win season.
Ed Graney covers college football for the San Diego Union Tribune | |
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