BYU football: Scouting the Utah Utes
By Adam Gibby
Utah Defense
Playing Style: 3-4 base, lots of blitzes and mixed looks
Returning Starters: 7
Key players returning: DL Kylie Fitts, DL Lowell Lotulelei, S Chase Hansen, LB Sunia Tauteoli
Key losses: DB Domo Hatfield, DB Brian Allen, DB Marcus Williams
What to expect in 2017: The Utah defensive line will once again be very dominant. With no key losses on the line, expect teams to struggle running the ball against Utah. Outside of the line there are a lot of questions. The linebackers have struggled, however since they lost no starters from last year they should improve. The secondary could have a lot of struggles, especially early in the season. With no returning cornerbacks and with the loss of star safety Marcus Williams, the pass defense may have some major issues. Expect the linebackers to drop back in coverage to help out the inexperienced secondary or to blitz quarterbacks to force quick throws.
How BYU can be successful: Pass the ball outside. With a lot of inexperience in the secondary, BYU football could have a lot of success throwing towards the sideline. Running the ball may be successful on occasion as the linebackers may be forced to drop back in pass coverage. Utilizing the tight ends will expose the secondary even more.
Projection: With a lack of great running backs, BYU will throw the ball more than we have seen in any game in years. The running game will do better than against LSU, especially when the linebackers for the Utes start to drop back for pass protection. The key to the pass game will be whether Tanner Mangum can be accurate when Utah blitzes him. If he can, BYU football should have a great offensive game.