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2009 Utah Utes NCAA Football Predictions

Written July 24, 2009 by Jason Lowry

Utah Utes 2009 Predictions It was a season to remember for the Utah Utes in 2008, as the Utes surprised a lot of people with their amazing run last season. The Utes not only finished the MWC play undefeated at 8-0, they capped off a perfect season with an impressive win in the Sugar Bowl against Alabama, and wound up finishing the season ranked 2nd in the nation. This year the Utes figure to once again be headed for another bowl game, but there is a bit of a drop off expected with just 11 starters back for the 2009 season.

On offense the Utes have just 5 starters returning, and must find a replacement for Brian Johnson at quarterback, as Johnson’s run ended in 2008 after he put together his best season as a Ute throwing for 2,972 yards and 27 touchdowns to just 9 interceptions. The Utes are hoping that the 2008 NJCAA offensive player of the year, Terrance Cain, can come in and lead this team to another MWC title. Making things a little bit easier on Cain, will be senior running back Matt Asiata, who figures to be the go to guy running the football this season, after he led the Utes with 707 yards and 12 touchdowns last season. Other options at running back include junior Eddie Wide and redshirt freshman Sausan Shakerin. The Utes will have to replace their top three wideouts from 2008, and it looks like the best candidate to step into the lead role is senior David Reed, who was second on the team with 6 touchdowns catches last season. On the offensive line the Utes must replace both starters on the right side, and it looks like it will end up being sophomore Tony Bergstrom at tackle and junior Neil A’asa at guard. The Utes led the MWC last year averaging just over 37 points a game, and with a shaky offensive line and unproven talent at the quarterback position, a substantial drop off should be expected this season. Bet the Utah Utes this season at Sportsbook.com.

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The Utes not only could score the football in 2008, but they were also very good at stopping the opposing team, as they ranked second in MWC play allowing just 15.6 points per game. This year the Utes figure to have another top notch defense with 6 starters back on this side of the ball. The Utes return just 1 starter on the defensive line, in senior defensive end Koa Misi, but they have some high expectations for junior college transfer James Aiono at the other end spot. In the middle the Utes look like they will go with the combo of sophomore Sealver Siliga and senior Keap Eliapo, and how well these two play could go a long way in how the entire unit plays. At linebacker the Utes return all three starers from last season, including a couple of seniors in Mike Wright and Stevenson Sylvester, who figure to both have monster seasons for this football team. In the secondary the Utes bring back the safety duo of seniors Joe Dale and Robert Johnson, but must replace both starters at the corner positions. It looks as though seniors Damilyn Tanner and RJ Stanford will have first crack at the job when fall practices get underway. The defense will have to carry this team until Cain and the offense get rolling, but the question is how long will that take. Bet the Utes +10000 to win the BCS National Championship this season at Sportsbook.com.

My 2009 Prediction: 3rd in MWC (6-2) Overall (9-3)
The Utes have proven they are an elite football team in the NCAA, as they have 16 wins over BCS schools since 2001. This year they must travel to Oregon and host Louisville. I think the Utes are going to struggle on the road early against the Ducks, but I do have them winning against the Cardinals the following week. In conference play the Utes really benefited from playing both TCU and BYU at home last season, and this year they must play them on the road. Other than those two games on the road, I think the Utes clean house with the rest of the MWC teams.

For those of you looking for some advice for your 2009 college football picks, be sure to check back when the season gets underway for our expert NCAA football predictions and the latest NCAA football betting odds at Betfirms.

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