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BYU Football: Scouting the Schedule – Utah

By Shaun Gordon

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - NOVEMBER 11: Utah Utes band hats and musical instruments in the access tunnel prior to the game between the Utes and the Washington State Cougars at Rice-Eccles Stadium on November 11, 2017 in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - NOVEMBER 11: Utah Utes band hats and musical instruments in the access tunnel prior to the game between the Utes and the Washington State Cougars at Rice-Eccles Stadium on November 11, 2017 in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr/Getty Images) /
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DALLAS, TX – DECEMBER 26: Tyler Huntley #1 of the Utah Utes runs for a touchdown while Harrison Handley #88 of the Utah Utes makes a block on Hakeem Bailey #24 of the West Virginia Mountaineers during Zaxby’s Heart of Dallas Bowl on December 26, 2017 at Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
DALLAS, TX – DECEMBER 26: Tyler Huntley #1 of the Utah Utes runs for a touchdown while Harrison Handley #88 of the Utah Utes makes a block on Hakeem Bailey #24 of the West Virginia Mountaineers during Zaxby’s Heart of Dallas Bowl on December 26, 2017 at Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

The Offense

Quarterback

There was little question coming into the season that Tyler Huntley would be the starting signal caller in 2018. The dual-threat junior isn’t the sharpest passer, but he’s accurate enough to be dangerous, throwing for 2,411 yards and 15 touchdowns last season.

In Utah’s opening game win over Weber State this week, Huntley went 24/39 for 253 yards and four touchdowns, while also throwing an interception and being held to just one yard rushing.

Huntley’s primary backup will be redshirt freshman Jason Shelley, but true freshman Jack Tuttle may see some playing time. The coaches won’t burn his redshirt unless absolutely necessary, though.

Running Back

Another position with little battle at the top, Zack Moss (Jr.) will get the bulk of the carries this season. Last year he rushed for 1,173 yards and 10 touchdowns, and he torched Weber State this week with 150 yards and a score.

Armand Shyne (Jr.) will also get opportunities this year. In 2016, Shyne rushed for 373 yards and four touchdowns, but didn’t play in 2017.

Wide Receiver

Boy, are the Utes glad that they have Britain Covey (So.) back from a mission. The loss of Carrington hurt, but Covey should make up for a quite a bit of production lost with Carrington’s graduation.

Other wideouts are going to have to step up, though, such as Siaosi Mariner (Jr.), Demari Simpkins (Jr.) and Samson Nacua (So.).

Utah will use a two-headed approach at tight end. Both Jake Jackson (Jr.) and Cole Fotheringham (Fr.) will see a bulk of the minutes. Another freshman, Brant Kuithe will also get some time, and he caught a 29-yard touchdown against Weber State.

Offensive Line

The Utes lost four offensive line starters after 2016, but they only lost one last season. Jackson Barton (Sr.) and Darrin Paulo (Jr.) are back at the tackles, Jordan Agasiva (Sr.) is back at right guard, and Lo Falemaka (Sr.) is back at center.

One slight surprise came in the form of Nick Ford. The redshirt freshman earned the starting nod at left guard in the Week 1 depth chart.

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