1. This is the 3rd year with Andy Ludwig at the helm and therefore the first year in which upperclassman will have been through Andy Ludwig’s oh-fence for 2 years. The O-line is the position group that usually takes the longest to mature and develop. With 2 years of experience in Andy Ludwig’s system, the protections and blocking will be at a higher level.
2. Nick Ford at Center provides the higher level of leadership at taking control of the oh-fence and calling audibles at the line of scrimmage than what was happening with Orlando Umana…hence the move of Ford to center and Umana to the bench last year and the subsequent Umana transfer. I think Ford is also stronger and more athletic.
3. You have a very experienced QB who has played many games at the helm that is seasoned at recognizing defenses, calling audibles, and who is also tough and mobile.
4. Last year’s starting 5 was largely under classmen with Kump (RM True Frosh), Daniels (SO and coming back off injury), Ford Replacing Umana (Ford a JR), Satoa Laumea (RS Frosh), Simi Moala (So) while this year’s team plus Bam are more experienced as upperclassman team *asterisk in that the COVID year effectively holds everyone back an extra year as far as the class designation.
5. Despite the pass blocking being less than desired in the past, Utah has excelled in the run blocking game and Utah has 4 very versatile running backs to run down hill. The guy who wins out, might be the guy who shows he can pass protect the best, all other things being equal. I like our chances with this Line and group of RB’s.
Utah @ 
TCU 
.
