Utah at #7, Oregon at #12, and USC at #22 | GO UTES!!!

I realize everyone sees the Ohio States and Alabamas and even watches the NFL game and wants to be like these teams with the elite passing attack and superstar WRs but I don’t think we need to be that type of team to be elite. Our offense last year was the best I’ve seen since the ‘04 team. We averaged 36 points per game and 431 yards of total offense per game where we were completely balanced at 215 yards passing and 216 yards rushing. And we did this with mostly 3* talented WRs. Would I love to have 4/5* talented WRs? Absolutely! But I don’t think that is necessary in order for Ludwig to out-execute defenses with our scheme.

With this type of offensive production, what we need more than anything is our typical elite defense that holds teams to 20 points. When we have both a highly productive offense coupled with Whitt’s trademark elite defense, we are in a position to win the conference and play for a Rose Bowl or CFP spot. This is our identity and I think it’s important to embrace it and not try to be something we aren’t.

With that said, I’d much rather see us bring in more 4* talented DBs like Jaylon Johnsen and CP3, more highly talented safeties and continue bringing in the highly talented LBs we are getting. Because when our defense is elite, we are contending for championships like this year when our young defense finally figured things out. Had we been less decimated in the secondary by the bowl game, we would’ve undoubtedly beaten Ohio State. But again, that’s where we can’t just have highly talented starters and serviceable 2’s and 3’s. We need to have our depth be as talented as possible so we can get to the end of a great season and not see the drop off when key guys go down. IMO, that’s far more important of a priority than trying to bring in elite WRs.

I’m pretty sure Utah just got a master class in receivers being able to catch balls that were thrown “before they got separation”. That phrase should be banned from any fans lexicon. The QB has to be willing to throw it where the receiver is supposed to be and the receiver has to be willing to go get it.

Compare Utah receivers recruiting #’s to WSU. How is it that WSU is able to consistently get low to mid 3 stars that catch everything thrown to them and put up huge numbers? It is because their offense is designed to get them the ball. Utah’s offense is designed so that receivers are the last resort on almost every pass play.

Theo Howard was supposed to be the next Carrington who would come in and dominate. I know he had some injury issues but also only seemed to get one target a game. Why would any top receiver want to transfer in to a school that throws 20 times a game (hyperbole) and distributes them 10 to TE’s, 5 to RB’s, 3 on screens to the slot and 2 downfield to WR’s?