Utah Utes - NCAA Football Odds, Lines & Betting

The Utes were respectable in 2006 and expect to be downright impressive this fall. The Utes finished 8-5 (including a 5-3 mark in conference play) and they return 10 starters to an offensive unit that ranked 33rd in points scored at 27.9, and 41st in total yards at over 377 YPG. Quarterback Brian Johnson enjoys an ultra-talented group of receivers, but he is coming off a missed 2006 season because of a serious knee injury and will need time to regain his form.

Four starters on the offensive line are back as well to protect their signal-caller. When given time, Johnson can get the ball to this assortment of talented wideouts. Brian Casteel and Bradon Godfrey combined to snare 10 passes per game, while Derrek Richards led the unit with 717 yards last season. The defense brings back just five starters, and no loss will be more evident than all-purpose player and top corner Eric Weddle. Their do-everything player led the team with seven interceptions and was a constant factor in the special teams game as well. This unit, however, brings back top tackler safety Steve Tate (102) and their leading sack man Martail Burnett (5.5).

Utah’s success could hinge on how well wideout Sean Smith transitions to cornerback, as the team hopes his athleticism can help fill Weddle’s shoes. He, with safeties Steve Tate and Joe Dale, should do well to keep this back four from getting scorched too often this season. The Utes ranked middle-of-the-pack on defense, allowing just 20 PPG, good for 46th in the country. Ranking 56th in total yardage, Utah gave up 327.9 each game. If they can keep that number down, they should be able to generate enough offense to make a serious run at the conference schedule in 2007.

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