| 2006 Schedule |
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| Quick Cap |
| To say Utah dominated Georgia Tech in the 2005 Emerald Bowl would be an understatement. Utah held the lead for the entire game and never let up, shutting the Yellow Jackets out in the second half. Utah also exhausted Tech's vaunted D, racking up 550 total yards and giving the Jackets its worst bowl loss in program history. The Utes won 38-10.
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| MWC Standings |
| (Coming '06) |
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| Wednesday, March 01, 2006 |
| The never too early '06 predictions. |
With the official release of the 2006 schedule, it's too much temptation NOT to take a look at the schedule and predict the outcome. The 2006 Utes will have their hands full with the likes of UCLA, Boise State, TCU and BYU, so expecting perfection might be a bit too much. Luckily for the Utes, they get three of those four teams at home.
These impulse picks hold little weight as spring ball hasn't even arrived yet. But that's the point, as it will be interesting to see how these predictions change as the season approaches and pan out as the season progresses.
So, with that here are the Never Too Early '06 Predictions:
09/02/06 @ UCLA
A lot of questions should be answered with this game. UCLA is coming off a 10 win season, a national ranking and will be looking to carry that momentum over into this season. However out are QB Drew Olson, RB Maurice Drew, and TE Marcedes Lewis. The Bruins also have a new defensive coordinator and will be starting Ben Olson -- you remember him, the kid that spurned BYU after his LDS mission -- for the first time. The Bruins have a lot of doubts left on their side, as does Utah. Many people still question whether Karl Dorrell is the right man for the job and the bitter taste of UCLA's 6-6 season in '04 is still fresh in the mouths of many Bruin fans. Will the Bruins continue the success of the 10-2 season, or return to what they were prior to '05?
Best Case Scenario: Utah rolls into Pasadena hot off their upset win against Georgia Tech in the 2005 Emerald Bowl. Kyle Whittingham has his troops ready and the Bruins, still trying to become a cohesive unit are blindsided from the start. Utah's offense shreds the suspect UCLA defense and the Utes defense dominates a Bruins offense that lost a lot of their fire power from last season.
Worst Case Scenario: Utah is completely flustered by the 80,000+ fans in Pasadena. Brian Johnson/Brett Ratliff/Tommy Grady can't find their rhythm as UCLA's defense bewilders the Utes offense. On the other side of the ball, Ben Olson proves he's one of the best quarterbacks in the country and blazes Utah's secondary. The Utes crumble and UCLA rolls to a victory.
Most Likely Scenario: Utes hang tough with UCLA, but the Bruins are just too overpowering and Utah, late in the game, finally gives in. Both teams look impressive on defense, while the offenses are a bit shaky at times and in the end, UCLA benefits from the home crowd and pulls out a close victory.
Never Too Early Prediction: UCLA 28, Utah 24
09/09/06 Northern Arizona
Utah will return home to play Northern Arizona, a D 1-AA team. This will be the first meeting between Utah and Northern Arizona and the game will give the Utes a much needed tune up before embarking on a difficult stretch of their schedule.
Best Case Scenario: Utah dominates from start to finish. The Utes offense looks explosive against a team that is undermatched to the extreme. On defense Utah controls the flow, keeping NAU's offense on the other side of the 50 yard line. The game isn't even close and the Utes walk away with an easy victory.
Worst Case Scenario: Off their high from the week before, Utah overlooks NAU and the Lumberjacks give them a bit of a scare. The score is close for much of the entire game and the Utes definitely do not take care of business, as they struggle to a close win.
Most Likely Scenario: Utah dominates from start to finish. There is no reason why Utah should struggle against NAU and if they do, it could signal some forthcoming problems.
Never Too Early Prediction: Utah 63, NAU 17
09/16/06 @ Utah State
The Utes head out on the road again, this time to play their rival Utah State. Utah struggled early against USU in Salt Lake last year, but handily put them away in the second half. This time the Utes make their way to Logan, where they'll be looking for their 9th straight victory.
Best Case Scenario: Utah comes out smoking hot and puts the Aggies away early. Like in '04, the Utes build a strong halftime lead and coast the rest of the way. USU, while better than they were last year, struggles to compete with the Utes.
Worst Case Scenario: Like last year, Utah struggles early on against Utah State. However this gives the Aggie crowd hope of an upset and the Aggies hang tough with the Utes throughout the entire second half. The Utes can't find their flow offensively and Utah State wins a tight game, stunning the Utes.
Most Likely Scenario: The Utes and Aggies have had some tough matches in the past. This game is never a "sure win", but Utah State is less talented than Utah and there should be no excuse for the Utes to win by at least 10 points. I think early on the Aggies give Utah trouble, but by the half the Utes have built a solid lead and walk to an easy victory.
Never Too Early Prediction: Utah 41, Utah State 17
09/23/06 @ SDSU
San Diego State has a new coach and the never dying question again has been asked: Is this finally SDSU's year? By that, of course, we mean will SDSU live up to their talent? Last year they finished with their 7th straight non-winning season and Chuck Long will be looking to get the Aztecs to a level where they're one of the top dogs in the MWC. Last season SDSU rolled into Utah and handed the Utes one of their most embarrassing losses in recent history. Will they do it again?
Best Case Scenario: San Diego State is still adjusting to new head coach Chuck Long and the Utes take advantage of it. Not letting up, Utah comes out of the gate strong and rides that momentum into the half. In the second half it's much of the same, as the Utes offense roll up big numbers against a questionable Aztec defense. SDSU, while they may be tough down the road, can't keep up with the Utes and Utah rolls to a win.
Worst Case Scenario: The 2005 game all over again. SDSU opens up a big first half lead and never lets Utah back into it. With the home crowd behind them, the Aztecs power to a big win against Utah for the second straight year.
Most Likely Scenario: Utah and San Diego State battle it out in the first half, but Utah puts them away late in the 3rd quarter. SDSU is probably the biggest unknown right now in terms of success for this season. But the Aztecs, while hanging tough, buckle and Utah wins the game.
Never Too Early Prediction: Utah 38, San Diego State 28
09/30/06 Boise State
Boise State returns to Salt Lake City for the first time since their 1999 win. Both teams have gone through two coaches since that game and the Broncos will be playing under first year head coach Chris Petersen. Two of the top non-BCS teams meet and the end result could be an exciting affair.
Best Case Scenario: Utah is just too much for the Broncos and dominate early. The Utes defense gets into the head of Boise State quarterback Zabransky, and he makes some costly mistakes that only fortifies BSU's problems. Utah walks to an easy victory, like Georgia and Fresno State did in '05.
Worst Case Scenario: The Broncos offense LIGHT the Utes up and Utah is completely stunned. The team struggles to find its groove both on the offensive and defensive side of the ball and Boise State has a field day during the game. Utes fail to match Boise State's explosiveness and the Broncos walk all over Utah.
Most Likely Scenario: Utah and Boise State fight it out throughout the entire game. Both offenses produce fairly well, however Utah's defense comes up big when it matters the most. The home crowd really helps carry the Utes to an impressive, though not massive, victory over Boise State.
Never Too Early Prediction: Utah 35, Boise State 24
10/05/06 TCU
Revenge? The Frogs ended Utah's winning streak last year and sent the Utes into a tumble (Utah would go on to lose 3 of their next 4 games). This game is played in Salt Lake City, so Utah has the edge there. Last year Utah held a late lead before TCU tied the game and sent it into OT, where the Utes lost by 3. Will TCU be as lucky? Will Utah be able to reclaim their status as top dog in the MWC?
Best Case Scenario: Last year Utah proved it could hang with TCU. An OT loss, on the road, to a top-10 team is nothing to snub your nose at. The Utes expand on their close performance against TCU and rock them all night long. TCU, stunned, can't find any footing on both sides of the ball, while Utah's offense rolls against TCU's defense. TCU is left with just getting out of the way and watching Utah do their thing.
Worst Case Scenario: The Frogs are a much better team than Utah and show it on the football field. The Utes, who only had 4 days to prepare, can't get into their offense and their defense is worked by TCU's O. Gary Patterson outcoaches Utah, while the entire Frog team outplays the Utes. The home crowd is taken out of the game early on and TCU dominates Utah from start to finish.
Most Likely Scenario: Last year proved how close these two teams were. TCU got lucky in beating Utah and I don't see why this year's game will be much different. The contest will be close with both defenses shining. This game goes back and forth, but a couple of big plays puts the Utes on top and they beat the Frogs live on national TV.
Never Too Early Prediction: Utah 28, TCU 21
10/14/06 @ Wyoming
Finally! A game against Wyoming that isn't in November. The Cowboys are coming off a terrible 4-7 season and will be looking to turn things around. And they'll need to, as two straight losing seasons never bodes well for a program. The talent is there, but the Pokes will also be replacing a lot from last year's team, including quarterback Corey Bramlet. Can Wyoming return to the 7-5 Las Vegas Bowl team of two years ago? Or will they continue down their losing path?
Best Case Scenario: Utes play like they did in '05. Last year Utah gave Wyoming its worst loss of the season.
Worst Case Scenario: Wyoming's back and they mean business. The Pokes, in front of a ruckus home field come out and steam roll the Utes. Laramie is a tough place to play and even in mid-October the weather can be a factor. The Utes struggle early and the Pokes roll to a victory.
Most Likely Scenario: Wyoming won't be nearly as bad as they were last year. However, they're not going to be great, either. Wyoming will play Utah tough, but the Utes will pull away in the 3rd quarter behind an offensive explosion much like the one in Salt Lake City in '05.
Never Too Early Prediction: Utah 35, Wyoming 21.
10/19/06 @ New Mexico
The Lobos beat Utah last season up in Salt Lake City. The Utes struggled on offense, while their defense pretty much shut down Mountain West Conference Player of the Year DonTrell Moore. The Lobos won because Utah's offense coughed the ball up way too many times in Utah territory. This was also the game where Brian Johnson went down, paving the way for Brett Rattliff. The Lobos will be rebuilding and so it wouldn't be a surprise if they're struggling at this point in the season. Can they upset Utah like they did a year before? The last time the Utes visited New Mexico at University Stadium, the defense held the Lobos scoreless (Lobos only score came on a questionable "fumble" by Alex Smith).
Best Case Scenario: Utah wants a bit of revenge and the defense shreds New Mexico's young offense. The Utes offense on the other hand, has their way with the Lobos defense, putting up solid numbers on their way to a solid win.
Worst Case Scenario: The Utes turn the ball over too many times, putting the Lobos young offense in great position to score. The Lobos defense has historically given Utah's offense some problems and so it wouldn't be a surprise if this is a low scoring game. A couple of costly turnovers might just be enough for the Lobos to win this one. Especially with the home crowd behind them.
Most Likely Scenario: Utah struggles on offense and the Lobos make some key defensive stops, getting the ball back with great field position. A low scoring game tilts in favor of New Mexico as they score a late FG to beat Utah.
Never Too Early Prediction: New Mexico 24, Utah 21
10/28/06 UNLV
Utah has only lost once to UNLV in the Rebels young football history, so to say Utah has had their way with UNLV would be an understatement. To spice things up a bit, UNLV's current head coach is former Utah OC Mike Sanford. This will be a very telling year as the Rebels will look for improvement on their two wins from last season. Can UNLV finally get over the hump and beat Utah for the first time since 1979?
Best Case Scenario: Utah does what it does best against UNLV and dominates from start to finish. The offense rolls through UNLV's not so great defense, while Utah's defense plays the Rebels offense like an accordion. The game is over by the mid-2nd quarter.
Worst Case Scenario: Sanford actually has UNLV playing well and the Utes stumble and lose for the first time ever to UNLV at home. The talent is there and UNLV's offense surprises Utah's defense a bit (last year, UNLV scored 32 on Utah), while Utah's offense struggles. The crowd and Utes look depleted and UNLV walks to victory.
Most Likely Scenario: Utah's offense is just too much for UNLV's defense and the Utes put up some numbers. The Rebels offense just does not have what it takes to keep up with Utah and UNLV falls behind early, never really making a game of it.
Never Too Early Prediction: Utah 52, UNLV 21
11/11/06 Colorado State
The goal line stand still haunts Utah fans and probably will until Utah enacts a little revenge. Colorado State has struggled the past two years and might struggle even more as they replace some key players from their 6-6 team last year. This could be Sonny Lubick's final season, especially if CSU doesn't win more than 6 games. Will one of their victories come against the Utes?
Best Case Scenario: CSU's offense struggles and Utah puts them away fairly early in the game. CSU's offense wasn't anything special last year and they replace their QB this season. So there could be some growing pains.
Worst Case Scenario: Utah fails to control the flow of the game and CSU keeps it close. You can never underestimate Sonny Lubick and he's always going to have his team ready. If the Utes overlook Colorado State, they could fall flat on their faces and lose this one.
Most Likely Scenario: There is some revenge left in Utah's system and the Utes come out hot. Fresh off their dominate win against UNLV, Utah doesn't let up and slowly puts Colorado State away. By the fourth quarter, the game should be easily in hand.
Never Too Early Prediction: 34-17
11/18/06 @ Air Force
Can Fisher DeBerry finally stop the bleeding? The past few years Air Force hasn't sniffed the kind of success they had during their glory years. DeBerry is getting up there and, like Lubick, this could be his final season. Especially if the Falcons fail to have a winning record.
Air Force has historically played Utah tough. Their wishbone offense has done some great damage and last year's game proved how deadly Air Force could be (the Falcons nearly beat the Utes in Salt Lake). This time the game will be played in Colorado Springs, the first time since the teams played in their epic 3 overtime game in '03.
Best Case Scenario: Utah finally finds a way to stop the wishbone and Air Force's offense is contained. Last year Brian Johnson had one of his best games against the Air Force D, so the Utes offense rolls Air Force's defense once again.
Worst Case Scenario: Air Force's wishbone bulldozes through Utah's defense and the Utes offense has difficulty staying with them. The Falcons, behind a home crowd, dominate Utah's defense and roll to an impressive victory.
Most Likely Scenario: Utah and Air Force have one of their epic battles, both scoring a lot of points. Air Force nearly came from behind to beat Utah last year and this season has the benefit of playing the game at home. The Utes hang tough, but the Falcons wishbone offense is just too much for the Utes to handle.
Never Too Early Prediction: Air Force 42, Utah 35
11/25/06 BYU
The Rivalry. The Holy War. Does it get any better than this? Utah and BYU meet once again to decide who's the best football team in the state. Last year Utah and BYU staged one of the best games in rivalry history, with the Utes winning by 7 in OT. Can BYU finally snap Utah's 4 game winning streak? Will BYU get their first win in Salt Lake City since 2000? Or will the Utes continue their domination of the Cougars?
Best Case Scenario: Utah's running game has its best night of the year, by exposing the Cougars rush defense. The Cougars offense struggles mightily against Utah's defense and the Utes pretty much dominate from start to finish.
Worst Case Scenario: BYU and Utah find themselves in a shootout. BYU's offense, which should be more explosive than Utah's, makes the bigger plays down the stretch and the Cougars end Utah's 4 game winning streak in the series.
Most Likely Scenario: BYU and Utah always find themselves in a tough rivalry game. Only on occasion has either team won in a blowout ('96 for BYU, '04 for Utah). The games often come down to a final play or drive and have been notorious for keeping fans on the edge of their seats. This season should be no different, as both teams should have ample offensive power to make an exciting game.
BYU and Utah will battle it out for the entire game, with neither team really distancing themselves. The Utes' offense should eat up the yards against a mediocre BYU defense, doing a good of enough job at keeping the ball out of BYU's hands. A tight ground game will lead Utah to a fourth quarter run and the school's 5th straight win against BYU.
Never Too Early Prediction: 34-28
The schedule is set in a way where I think Utah can go undefeated (highly unlikely though), or finish with 3 or 4 losses. If my predictions hold true, Utah would finish with a 9-3 (6-2) record. I think that is a pretty good estimate on next year's team, however I wouldn't be surprised if the Utes had only 2 losses (1 in conference play). No matter what, predictions will never tell the whole story. No one knows who's going to step up, disappoint, or become an MVP type player.
The schedule is set, speculation has been made and now it's time to wait for spring ball. We'll see how good the Utes really are by about the New Mexico game. The start of the schedule is tough, but also has some benefits as well. The Utes need to exploit some of those benefits and create momentum heading into the conference season. |
posted by Psycho Zombie From Outer Space @ 2:52 PM   |
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Record: 7-5 (4-4)
Next Game: UCLA, 9-2-2006
Previous Game: 38-10 Win over Georgia Tech (Emerald Bowl)
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