Pac-12 Football - 2021 Utah Utes Preview
Our Utah Utes preview 2021 finds that since 2011, which is when this team moved from the Mountain West Conference to the Pac-12, the Utes have recorded eight winning seasons. The last time this team had a losing season was 2013. Last year, they were 3-2, which resulted in a third-place finish. This year, the Utah Utes are one of three teams in the South Division that have a shot at first place. The other two are Arizona State and USC. In 2021, Utah was sixth in the Pac-12 in points per game with 30.2, while the 26.0 PPG they allowed opponents ranked third. They held teams to 107.8 YPG on the ground, which ranked first in the conference. However, the passing defense gave up 257.8 YPG, which was 10th in the Pac-12. That was an issue.
Utah Offense
Of the starters from last season, 10 are back. In 2020, Cameron Rising won the starting quarterback spot, but he sustained a shoulder injury in the first game that knocked him out for the season. His backup, Jake Bentley, subbed for the rest of the season and has since transferred to South Alabama. The leading contender for starting QB is Baylor graduate transfer Charlie Brewer. In four seasons with the Bears, Brewer threw for 9,700 yards, hitting pay dirt 65 times and completing 63.5 percent of his passes. He tossed 28 picks. Utah’s two top receivers return, wideout Britain Covey and tight end Brant Kuithe. Covey, a multifaceted player, caught 19 passes, averaging 13.9 YPC. He scored three times. Kuithe had 25 receptions.
Utah’s top three runners from last season are gone. In limited action last season, Micah Bernard averaged 5.1 YPA on 15 carries. Transfers T.J. Pledger from Oklahoma and Chris Curry from LSU will certainly battle for carries. The offensive line is experienced and deep. This is a premium unit. One of the best in the Pac-12. Also a transfer, Charlie Brewer (Baylor) will likely start at quarterback.
Utah Utes Preview 2021 - Defense
Three starters return to the four-man frontline, including junior defensive end Mike Tafua who notched three sacks, three QBH, and two PBU last season. This is a fine unit. Junior MLB Devin Lloyd opted to forego this year’s NFL Draft. His decision to return is huge for this defense. In five games last season, he recorded 48 tackles, two sacks, eight TFL, and one QBH. He’s the foundation of this defense. Rover Nephi Sewell, who finished second in tackles last year with 40, recorded five TFL, two PBU, and two INTs.
Three-of-four starters return to the secondary. Last season, free safety Vonte Davis notched 16 tackles, one sack, two PBU, and two interceptions. Redshirt sophomore JaTravis Broughton had an All-Pac-12 honorable mention season last year. Broughton posted 26 tackles, 1.5 TFL, and four PBU. Also on board is freshman Clark Phillips III. At corner, Phillips made 25 tackles while recording two TFL, two PBU, and one INT. This is an extremely adroit group.
Specialists
Since 2020, placekicker Jadon Redding has been ultrareliable. He’s hit all 73 of his extra points and 18-of-21 field goal attempts. He’s back for another season. Freshman Jared March saw limited action last season, but our Utah Utes preview 2021 finds that he showed a lot of promise. His six punts averaged 41.0 YPG. Of those, one was placed within the 20. On return, both punts and kicks, Britain Covey was top notch. The All-Pac-12 return man averaged 28.2 YPR on kicks and 16.1 on punt bring backs. Last season, he ran one punt back 64 yards for a score.
Utah Utes Preview 2021 - Projection
Our Utah Utes preview 2021 finds that this team is solid on both sides of the ball. Their schedule includes USC, Oregon, and Arizona State, all of which they will have to battle mightily. Those three contests could mean the difference between first and third place in the South. Utah must win at least two-of-three to have a shot at the division title and the Pac-12 championship game.
Pac-12 Football - Utah Utes 2021 - Predictions:
Third Place - Pac-12 South
Sun Bowl vs Pittsburgh