Any report on how Brooks Bahr’s on campus visit went and where we stand with him?

Anyone else going to be in Waco for the game? I've never been and am wondering about parking and whatnot. Hoping to see a few familiar faces!

Here's the link. Comments are a gold mine:

They just lost to Texas State (Sun Belt) 42-31...

Can’t stand Deion Sanders and his schtick.

With Cole and Halie in the booth, I’m in the stands with bad reception, so I’ll keep it short and sweet and chime in more soon.

That first offensive play set the tone. What a call and great execution. The defense which wasn’t at full strength at all, was phenomenal.

JJ was slowed an injury he got in camp. It’s nothing to stress over and Bernard stepped up big in his place

5 sack and 7 TFL for the D, clutch time and time again.

Also, the kicking and punting are in good hands. The missed 55 yarder was unfortunate, but everyone will breathe easier with Becker back there. The punts from Bouwmeester, WOW, he was crucial.

I’ll write more soon, but let’s hear from everyone.

Offensive game ball was an easy decision. Defense was tough because of so many great performances…

https://utah.rivals.com/news/game-balls-utah-vs-florida

That's gonna be a tough one! Let's Go!

Surprised by the d line. Basically played the second team. Fano seemed to MIA late in the game too on the oline.

Game Day!

Here’s Cole’s takeaways from the impressive opener tonight:

https://utah.rivals.com/news/takeaways-no-14-utah-s-depth-topples-florida

The 2023 season is finally here! Plenty of intrigue with this game. Do the Utes avenge last year's opener in Gainesville?

Introducing a fun concept with stats and the human element of the game… Joe and Matt do a great job on this first episode. We’re going to have to talk with Dustin as well.

Stats can be boring, but these two do a great job of keeping you engaged when talking about the “why” of the numbers.

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I am not at all! Can you tell? Big game today. Hoping we give the first punch today to kick off a fun night!

Some great insight here and a great job by Cole too, but Google Fiber was causing him some issues with his connection at times:

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Keys to victory for the Utes:
Disciplined defense with few mistakes.
Success in the run game and commanding the trenches.
Be prepared for adversity and win the mental battle.

More here:

Two days left until kickoff means we get to talk about #2 and Utah's do-it-all back, Micah Bernard:

The fifth-year senior reflects on the cornerback room:

“[Coach Scalley] wanted me to work on my foot speed, that was a big thing, and just getting stronger in the weight room. I feel like I did a good job of that over the summer. We did a lot of speed training, a lot of lifting too, so I feel like I was able to excel at both of those things,” Barton explained.

More here: https://utah.rivals.com/news/barton-sees-big-potential-for-2023-utes

Not much blue and orange

GO UTES!!!!!!

A double dose of articles on game day, and here we discuss a freshman receiver that's made some noise throughout camp:

And with game day officially here, the final article of the 2023 countdown to kickoff series is no. 0 Logan Fano:

Offensive Breakout player?

Alex: Can my pick qualify as a breakout player? I think so and here’s why… After two years of playing through serious injuries, Micah Bernard is healthy and ready to show everyone the all-around running back he’s capable of being. Yes, he’s sharing the backfield with Ja’Quinden Jackson. Yes, Jackson is the starter. However, Utah envisions a big role for Bernard both in the running and the passing games. When healthy, his talent is elite, and it’s a perfect combo with Jackson.

Matt: Mycah Pittman. Finally healthy, the former Seminole and Duck will be Rising's top target. He's always had the talent, now he'll have the opportunity and health to prove himself.

Halie: Thomas Yassmin jumped right in as the ‘next man up’ for the Utes offense last season after injuries plagued the tight ends. Things really caught on fire for Yassmin midway through the season, proving to be a valuable option in the passing game, averaging 23.2 yards per game. I see his role continuing to trend upwards, and doubling his receiving yards in his senior season.

Cole: After switching from QB to RB midseason and quickly acclimating to the position as a consistent contributor, Ja’Quinden Jackson should be poised for a big season out of the backfield for the Utes.

With an entire offseason to develop and cited improvement from multiple members of the coaching staff, Jackson should be poised for a big season in terms of production and just might establish himself as one of the best to ever do it in a Utah uniform.

Offensive MVP?

Alex: I’m tempted to roll with Cam Rising on this, regardless of his injury situation. However, the Utes will rely on Ja’Quinden Jackson as much as he’s able. Look for the tantalizing back to have one of the greatest seasons for a running back in Utah Football history. In the process, look for Utah opponents having a miserable time stopping him.

Matt: I'm going with Rising. He's got so many weapons. He's got so much experience. It should all come together for a special season, even if he misses a game or two.

Halie: I agree with the guys, regardless of his injury status, I am going with Cam Rising. As an unquestioned leader of the team and his competitiveness, he’ll do whatever it takes to help his team succeed. Whether or not he plays in the first couple of games, this could possibly be a special season as he completes his collegiate career.

Cole: Despite his current health status and some remaining questions about his availability, the Utes success will revolve around Cam Rising yet again. With his leadership, elite games management, and how critical he’s been for Utah over the last two seasons, that will continue in 2023.

Defensive Breakout player?

Alex: Keanu Tanuvasa is a name that probably surprised a lot of people when he appeared at the top of the depth chart. However, Tanuvasa has been a menace ever since spring ball. He’s also been the most consistent of the defensive tackles group along with Junior Tafuna. Defensive tackles coach Luther Elliss lights up when talking about him. That endorsement right there speaks volumes.

Matt: Lander Barton. Can he be considered a breakout as the reigning Pac-12 Defensive Freshman of the Year? I think so. I think he easily doubles his sack total and becomes a leader to the defense.

Halie: Simote Pepa really helped turn around Utah’s run defense last year. As his presence in the defensive tackle rotation grew, so did his stat line. His size, strength and ability to shut down the run, I think he’ll break out even on the defense in 2023.

Cole: Another welcomed surprise last season, Sione Vaki was arguably one of the most important and consistent contributors for Utah down the stretch. Like Jackson, Sione has now had an entire offseason to develop within his role and should be extremely productive. I wouldn’t be shocked if he leads in multiple defensive statistics.

Defensive MVP?
Alex: Karene Reid. Here’s another where the pick is really difficult. In the pass-happy Pac-12, it was a toss-up for me between Reid and Cole Bishop. Can I just say they’re 1A and 1B? Well, Reid gets the nod here. Reid is just so damn complete as a college football player, but I also expect Bishop to have a season that propels him into being an early-entry into the 2024 NFL Draft as one of the top safeties.

Matt: Junior Tafuna. Opposing offenses will be so worried about the edges and linebacker and safety blitzes, that they'll forget about the big man inside. His pass rush is valuable, but his ability to halt the run game is so important.

Halie: Karene Reid. With his deep understanding of the defensive scheme and playmaking ability. His game at the linebacker position has continually elevated. No doubt he’s a force on the defense and a proven leader on the field, I expect him to match and/or better his stats from last season.

Cole: It’s crazy to think that Cole Bishop is now one of the most experienced defenders on Utah’s roster, but with 24 career appearances and 19 starts he’s been key to the Utes' success over the last two seasons. Now stepping into his junior year, Bishop will command the defense and should produce his best numbers yet. Alongside Vaki, opposing offenses are going to struggle to move the football no matter what they try.