Jim Vanderhoof

Good post proud Ute. I would call weaknesses “unknown”. I agree with Ted that the schedule and playing in different environments are also “unknowns”. On the positive side half our conference games are at home where we are a “unknown”.

Looking at the positives he is a phenomenal athlete with the drive to get back on the field. I’ll believe it when I see him padded up.

I think the key hiring component is 17 years in Big 12. He knows the programs and players. Not to mention assistant to coach Huggins. Maybe not head coach material but he needed to move on from WVU. Looks like a great hire. WVU always known for their aggressive defensive style. Only problem you need athletes.

The one and done fits the non LDS players well. As someone pointed out they only have to be there 6-9 months then leave. I could even live the honor code for 6 months. Well maybe not.

A little advice:
Stay away from cougar tails (just ask Davies) and don’t get a roommate in case you don’t shave for a week or smuggle a cup of coffee in the mor…[Read more]

That’s a solid “D”. Pass rush will be key. O’Toole and Fillinger need to step up. Barton is a mismatch blitzing against a RB protection. Strong safety and second DB are question marks. Hall or Richie need to step up at strong safety and hopefully someone will hold down the other corner.

Offense should keep them off the field a lot more this ye…[Read more]

I see it the same way. Lots of film to watch. He is undersized and defensive coordinators will find his flaws and exploit them. Take away his top receiver would be a good start.

I wouldn’t be surprised if Whitt and Scalley have a big circle around that game on the calendar. They stuck it to us and rubbed salt in the wound. The defense was worn out at that point last year. The offense will keep them off the field more this year.

Our offense will be equal to the defense and both sides of the ball will fuel each other. I…[Read more]

I can’t blame them for wanting us out of the big 12. If I lost 9 out of 10 to my rival I would go back to the MWC or independent and play 8 patsies again. They are a true “ blue” blood program in color only.

Other than a beautiful setting at the football stadium and a different crowd they have become irrelevant in football.

MDute that would be truly amazing!! Tough to win many games but playing a west region schedule with an occasional Michigan or Ohio State home game. Maybe only in our dreams but what a great dream. Go Utes wherever we land.

He was a great player! One of the smartest centers to play the game. Years ago I went to a Grateful Dead concert at USANA. There was Bill front and center dancing from start to finish. Always positive and lived life to the highest degree.

I have to agree with Tony as a color analyst I had to turn the sound off the last couple years. He was a…[Read more]

Great post. Didn’t know he was only a junior. A lot can change in a day let alone a year. Dart will be gone at Ole Miss and Wilson in at Utah will give him something more to think about.

Both of those teams played in the MWC. Only had a couple games they were tested. Big 12 will be a test every week. We are capable of winning every game. Playing in strange environments (raucous crowds., extreme heat and humidity to open range winds rain and maybe a tornado watch.) all even the playing field. It took us a few years to get familiar…[Read more]

I think Ludwig will adapt some. I agree with National Champ in “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks”. Unless we come up with a power back he will be forced to get RBs the ball more in space to utilize their quickness and speed. I could see an Oregon type attack with Rising spreading the field and having to run less to stay healthy. Rising loves…[Read more]

He most likely would not play this year for the Utes because our receivers are older and experienced which coaches prefer. Let him develop a year at Ole Miss with Dart at QB then when Dart leaves next year bring him back to play with Wilson. Ole Miss will change their NIL deal if he isn’t a contributor right away. Recruiting high school players a…[Read more]

I couldn’t agree more. Well said.

The players are so much better coming in to college. The high school programs have improved and run more complicated offenses and defenses. It helps prep them for college level.

Whitts culture is based on buying in to the work ethic of the team regardless of how many stars you have. Having 3 star players that want to prove they belong helps push…[Read more]

I think the rating system has improved over the years. More qualified eyeballs are watching and rating has become a big business. As Central Ute pointed out the rating system looks at size speed and talent to compete immediately.

Some kids develop physically faster than others. A three star may be under sized and need to get bigger and stronger…[Read more]

I remember when Utah played Wyoming in Laramie late in Meyers final year. It was a national televised game and was Utahs chance at some exposure. The old stadium couldn’t handle the power surge and knocked out the power. The game was delayed for a couple hours. The tv broadcast was canceled and the game started after 9:00 pm. It was a cold N…[Read more]