Time to discuss RB1:

Now everyone stay focused on your day jobs now, ya here! LOL. I'm very curious at how good the RB's will be given the drama that seemed to be all last year. AND the WR's, Do we really get more production out of them. Oh and Kuithe..OH and...... I could go on and on. VERY exciting week!

Here’s Matt’s article scouting the Gators:

https://utah.rivals.com/news/scouting-the-florida-gators

If you’re starved for an insane amount of numbers, Dustin hits your appetite here, as usual:

https://utah.rivals.com/news/inside-the-numbers-utah-heading-into-2023-opener

Five days until kickoff. Let’s talk about a guy who has an NFL future, Zemaiah Vaughn:

https://utah.rivals.com/news/utenation-countdown-to-kickoff-no-5-zemaiah-vaughn

The dependable cornerback will also be key in the growth of the young corners behind him:

Is the former USC receiver poised for a breakout year?

Here’s the game one depth chart. This is pretty fluid still and Utah is not a team about to tip their hands at all.

I ll start:

Defense: Levani Damuni
Offense: Chris Curry

A look across the conference here:

6 days left! Let’s talk about an intriguing backer that Colton Swan will be tempted to get on the field regardless of depth:

https://utah.rivals.com/news/utenation-countdown-to-kickoff-no-6-justin-medlock-1

Let's discuss a monster of a defensive end:

Let's talk about one of the best to ever line up behind center at Utah:

They'll be key to our running game and keeping whoever the QB is as clean as possible.

I'm out of town for the Weber State game. Two tickets on the 50-yard- line no charge if you need seats. Real Ute fans only

With just over a week left, it’s time to talk about captain Cole Bishop. Another strong year and he’s likely a early entry into the 2024 NFL Draft:

https://utah.rivals.com/news/utenation-countdown-to-kickoff-no-8-cole-bishop-1

In the past , the OL had a strong tendency to start slow and peak during the season.

Last year, the OL did get out of the gate faster than they had in the past. This year, if they are slow starting getting out of the gate, quarterback situation is up in the air Utah could start 0-2.

A lot would have to go wrong for that to happen but it’s not out of the question.

looking like a magician against #2 ranked Bishop Gorman. CC up 28-21 at half. Wilson with some serious big time throws so far. Game is being streamed on KSL.

A double dose of articles today at no. 8 and this one discusses Brandon Rose:

Whittingham is a lot more pleased than he was last week. They still need to get guys healthy though. Give it a read:

https://utah.rivals.com/news/whittingham-talks-scrimmage-and-end-of-utah-camp

I’m starting feel strongly that if Nate Johnson either holds steady or progresses in the next week, it’s his job. If he regresses slightly, that’ll give Whittingham pause.

This situation happened between Rising and Brewer. Cam was on his way to winning the job and regressed the last week of that camp.

This isn’t just my gut, it’s also from some conversations I’ve had.

Obviously, the overwhelming preference is Cam being able to go, BUT buckle up on the battle between Johnson and Barnes.

Here’s Matt’s article on defenses thoughts ending fall camp and heading into Florida:

https://utah.rivals.com/news/utes-defense-feeling-more-prepared-for-rematch-against-gators

Will Utah try to painfully win like they used to. It could be hard to watch like this......


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Ground and pound is much harder to win with in today's landscape. It's hard to run the ball and play Defense when the rules favor scoring and throwing the football.

If Utah is able to run well with Ja'Quinden Jackson behind the strength of Utah's O Line then teams will load the box and make Barnes or Johnson beat them.

To avoid being one dimensional, Utah will need the QB to keep the ball and run effectively enough times to where it keeps the Defense honest.

If Rising either misses a few games or is not 100% then it creates more caution since Brandon Rose is now hurt and "out indefinitely." Utah can't afford Barnes to get hurt. That might be why we are hearing Nate Johnson's name popping up now. I bet Utah is looking at him giving the rock to Ja'Quinden or keeping it himself. Although I suspect it's more of a package in circumstances.

Let's discuss the young QB from Mississippi: