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Editor’s note: Sixteenth in a series previewing every team in the Big 12.
Last year’s 5-7 season, just the third losing campaign in the 20-year Kyle Whttingham era, was pretty easily explained.
The loss of starting quarterback Cam Rising for much of last year proved too much for the Utes to overcome.
Opponents, not fearing Utah’s passing attack, which generated just 199.4 yards per game, keyed in on the run, stacking the box early and often.
Running back Micah Bernard tried valiantly, rushing for over 1,000 yards, but too often the offense just could not put up enough points to win, despite a defense that played commendably given the circumstances.
Only two of Utah’s seven losses were by more than a score. With a better quarterback situation, the Utes would have assuredly made a bowl game, and could have even been in the mix for the Big 12 title.
With Rising officially retired from football, it’s a new era in Salt Lake City.
With that comes a new offensive coordinator (New Mexico’s Jason Beck), a new quarterback (New Mexico’s Devon Dampier), a new running back room, a new tight end room and a new wide receiver room.
The only constant on offense is the line, which returns all five starters from a season ago — Spencer Fano, Michael Mokofisi, Tanoa Togiai, Jaren Kump and Caleb Lomu. Led by tackles Fano and Lomu — potential first-round NFL draft choices — the offensive line should be one of the best in the Big 12, if not the nation.
Behind them will be Dampier, who is a high-ceiling quarterback. He totaled 3,933 yards and 31 touchdowns through the air and on the ground last season and Utah’s quarterback situation should be much improved from last year if he can stay healthy, which he did in 2024.
He’s not perfect — he had a 12/12 touchdown pass-to-interception ratio and a 58% completion rate — but…
Source link : https://www.deseret.com/sports/2025/08/03/utah-utes-football-2025-season-preview/
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Publish date : 2025-08-03 23:00:00
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