Utah Utes 2021 College Football Preview

Utah Utes 2021 College Football Preview

2020 Recap

Record – 3-2

ATS – 3-2

The Utes opened with a nasty duo (Trojans, Huskies) and lost both of those games. The tough one to swallow was the game at Washington in which they jumped out to a 21-ZIP halftime lead and proceeded to slowly and methodically CHOKE the game away into the loss column. They showed some fight and rattled off three consecutive wins to end the season. They came from 21 down in the finale vs Washington St (W 45-28) and head into 2021 with some theoretical momentum.

Utah Utes 2021 Outlook

OFFENSE

The Utes had a balanced attack once again LY (194 YPG rush, 216 YPG pass) and finished #7 in the PAC 12 in total offense. There’s a NEW SHERIFF IN TOWN under center as former Baylor Bear Charlie Brewer takes over the starting gig. Brewer threw for 9,700 (!) yards with the Bears from 2017-2020. WR Bryan Thompson is gone but #1 WR Britain Covey is back and TE Brant Keithe is a legit threat in the THROW GAME (25-236, 9.4). It’s not an elite set of weapons but it’s good enough for what Utah wants to do. It’s a complete reload at RB due to the tragic death of RB Ty Jordan but they add a pair of P5 transfers in TJ Pledger (Oklahoma) and Chris Curry (LSU). The OL returns almost 100 career starts and should be one of the best in the conference (5.1 YPC LY, #3 PAC 12 sacks allowed per game).

DEFENSE

The defense took a small step backwards LY but it was a WACKY season to be sure, and we expect the Utes to be back to their normal nasty selves in 2021. The front four looks great and has a lot of size and talent. DE Mika Tafua booked 3 sacks in 4G LY. DT Viane Moala is a load inside. The LB duo of Nephi Sewell and Devin Lloyd (top-two tacklers LY) might be the best in the conference and note that Lloyd has accumulated 139 tackles and 8.5 sacks over the past year and a half. The secondary looks solid and will be sure to take advantage of the pass rush up front. This looks like the best stop unit in the PAC 12.

SPECIAL TEAMS

The Utes have a good history on special teams but have been subpar (by their standards) the past two years. Things look REALLY good this season as they return star PK Jadon Redding (8/8 FG LY, 73/73 career PAT) as well as ACE return man Britain Covey who excels on PR AND KR. Loaded, yo.

Schedule Analysis

Overall – They have a pair of tough, but winnable non-conference tilts before PAC 12 action begins (at BYU, at San Diego St). Washington St is first up in conference play before they have the yuuuuge road date at USC. They miss Washington from the North and get Oregon at home. Their final two games are in SACK LAKE CITY.

Potential ATS Trouble Spot – at San Diego St (September 18th)

This comes after the HOLY WAR match-up with BYU and before PAC 12 play. This should be a MEAT GRINDER of a game.

Season Win Total

per 5Dimes July 24

Over 8.5 -115

Under 8.5 -105

update August 21

Over 8.5 -145

Under 8.5 -125

MEGALOCKS says:

Lean: Over.

They have a good shot to start the season at 4-0 and are one of the most talented teams in the PAC 12. The schedule is doable.