The Miami Ute

The way I see it, here’s where the heartburn with Harlan comes in:
1. It was Harlan that gave Whitt the massive extension that Utah is on the hook for.
2. Harlan flubbed the Smith hire and stayed too long with Farden. Given that, it’s hard to see him being capable of selecting the next football coach if Scalley isn’t the automatic hire.

You’re right…I’m sure he’s got some upside but his play and skillset scream “G5” at me. Yeah, sure, he had moments early on this season and at Copper Canyon, but once the book on him was printed he hasn’t been able to play well consistently. I mean, what’s the difference between him and Maddux Madsen at BSU, other than Madsen is providing…[Read more]

Maybe in times past I would agree with you…but, right now, NIL is king…just like tons of people stay in jobs that they despise because of the money, so you’ll see players stay at programs because of the money they’re making. Now, if some program offers a disgruntled player more money and perks, I could definitely see that player leaving for…[Read more]

Eagle, I have no idea. I was also puzzled as to why the defense didn’t dare Houston to beat them through the air once they got the ball back. The Cougars ran eight plays, all runs, before they kicked the game-winning FG.

Unfortunately, I believe you’re right and that he won’t walk away from the program. The problem is that I don’t see him being able to reinvent himself and lead Utah to future success. That means that he’ll probably overstay his welcome and end up being fired, thus tarnishing his legacy. Interesting times are certainly upon us as Utah fans.

Yeah, I was about to say that he could have been a hero but ended up a zero. His interception led directly to Utah’s loss.

Make a bowl game? It’s more likely that Utah gets blown out in each of the remaining games.

I would prefer number 2, primarily because it’s the only one of the two scenarios that’s plausible. No way, no how that Whitt calls it a day while the season is still on…in his mind that would really tarnish his image/legacy and come across like a turd in a punchbowl.

Wilson has been expressing frustrations? I mean, Larry come on now…it’s not like Wilson is the second coming of Caleb Williams…where’s he going to go to? Boise State? Maybe with some excellent coaching, he can find his niche but I haven’t seen anything out of him this season that leads me to believe some powerhouse program will be all hot…[Read more]

This is another version of the saying “it doesn’t matter who does the voting but who does the counting.” In essence, it doesn’t matter whether Utah fires Whitt if the guy selecting the new HC is incompetent. I’ve seen nothing from Harlan that gives me confidence that he’ll select the right person if Utah decides to also move away from Scalley.

You picked the Utes to lose to Houston???

Here’s what shocks me…in the 2023 Spring Game, Rose showed the most talent and promise of all the QBs that played. That’s why everyone, myself included, that he was QB2 going into the season. Then he got injured in practice and narrative changed completely to one that he didn’t know the playbook. I’m still completely flabbergasted at that…[Read more]

Totally agree with that. Not everyone wants to play in the NFL. Some guys have more brains than talent (e.g. Jack Tuttle) and use the system to have a good time at college and have all of their studies paid for. In today’s normal person environment, there’s nothing better than graduating from college with one or two degrees and no debt.

There’s nothing corny about that concept. People do similar things is many different professions and walks in life. Whitt stays in the job as long as he enjoys it and feels that he’s bringing positivity to people’s lives. I don’t know him, but he doesn’t strike me as a guy who would lie to himself for the purpose of staying on the job.

Those are good points. I would go further and add that, unless things go in a positive manner, that advisory role might not be there.

What I mean by that is this: if Whitt holds on to the job while providing diminishing returns, and forces Utah’s hand, it’s hard to see any plausible scenario where he’s kept on as an advisor.

Regarding Saban, there’s a big difference between 65 and 72. Also. I’m hearing Saban to West Virginia rumors for 2025. Might not be as THE Head Coach but involved in the program in some capacity. Saban was born and raised in West Virginia and grew up as a Mountaineers fan, so you never know.

Until I see different body language and commentary from Whitt, I’m of the opinion that he’s going to be at Utah for a while. There are people out there, and I was one of them, that are well compensated but aren’t in love with their line of work. So, when those people make their mint and have their future assured, they jump ship.

Whitt doesn’t…[Read more]

There’s the way things are and the way you wish them to be. Cruel reality will tell you that Whitt has three seasons remaining on his contract. In addition, if you watched yesterday’s press conference, you’d have seen a guy that’s firmly entrenched in his job and has no plans to leave any time soon. I mean, when asked if Bajakian was the…[Read more]