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BYU football: Scouting the Utah Utes

By Adam Gibby

SANTA CLARA, CA - DECEMBER 28: Quarterback Troy Williams #3 of the Utah Utes looks to pass the ball against the Indiana Hoosiers during the Foster Farms Bowl game at Levi's Stadium on December 28, 2016 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - DECEMBER 28: Quarterback Troy Williams #3 of the Utah Utes looks to pass the ball against the Indiana Hoosiers during the Foster Farms Bowl game at Levi's Stadium on December 28, 2016 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

Utah Offense

Playing Style: Spread Offense, run heavy (New OC wants up-tempo and balanced attack)

Returning Starters: At least six, however debatable because of the new playing style

Key retuning players: Troy Williams, Demari Simpkins, Raelon Singleton

Key losses: Basically the entire offensive line, RB Joe Williams

What to expect in 2017: There are a lot of questions for the Utah Utes offense. Last season, the Utes relied a lot on running back Joe Williams who nearly rushed for 1,500 yards in just nine games.  Quarterback Troy Williams was average with 2,757 yards passing with 15 touchdowns and eight interceptions. This season, with the new offensive coordinator Troy Taylor, expect a higher tempo and more passing attempts by Troy Williams. If Williams can be more accurate, then the Utes offense can be explosive. The key will be in the offensive line. With four starters from last year being gone, the offensive line has a lot of questions and inexperience coming into this season.

How BYU can be successful: Blitz and use the crowd. Coming into this game Utah will have only played an average FCS team North Dakota, whereas BYU football will have played No. 12 LSU and a decent FCS team in Portland State. The offensive line will not be experienced yet, whereas the Cougar defense will have just played one of the best offensive rushing teams in the country. If BYU blitzes, the offensive line will very likely have problems protecting Williams. Getting the crowd into the game will also affect the Utes the same way that BYU was affected last year in Salt Lake. The rushing attack against BYU will not be very successful with a lack of experience at the running back position and the offensive line.

Projection: Utah will not be able to run the ball well against the Cougars. BYU will sack Troy Williams multiple times but Williams will also complete some long passes from a lack of deep coverage by BYU. There will not be as many turnovers this year as last year, however there will be a lot of punts by the Utah offense.

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