ESPN's Bruce Feldman Has Utah As A Dark Horse Top Five Team ($)

Pretty shocking and this comes from Feldman's weekly mail bag with a question regarding surprise top five teams. Here are his exact words:

I'd throw the Utah Utes in here too. They have four returning starting O-linemen to go with some good skill talent. They get TCU and BYU at home. If they can beat Pitt (also at home) in their Thursday night opener, the buzz will grow quickly.

over 1 year ago Jeremy Mauss 8 comments 0 recs |

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A good offense and no defense doesn't get you far

Just ask BYU fans

by vaughnzipper on Jul 16, 2010 3:46 PM PDT reply actions

very true

I think Utah can be good but top 5 is highly unlikely.

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by Jeremy Mauss on Jul 16, 2010 3:49 PM PDT up reply actions

We've got a defense.

I know you like to focus on what we’ve lost. Focus on what’s coming back and you’ll see Utah is set for a big year:

DL: Lotuleilei, Tuione
DL: Kruger, Heimuli
DL: Sealver, Aiono
DL: Talimaivao, Cox, Reilly
LB: Williams, Walker
LB: Manis, Fehoko
LB: King, Martinez, Hale
CB: Burton, Black
CB: Champan, Yancey
S: Payne/Washington
S: Taplin-Ross/Lacey

That’s a very good defense. Not a great defense compared to Utah teams of the past, but very good regardless.

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by displacedute on Jul 16, 2010 4:32 PM PDT up reply actions

you forgot James Aiona

top JUCO player in 2008 who is finally on campus plays DE

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by Jeremy Mauss on Jul 16, 2010 5:26 PM PDT up reply actions

And how many were starters?

Not all started chief. The only name recognizable is Kruger and he’s no Paul. Way to be optimistic, now take off your red goggles and be realistic.

by vaughnzipper on Jul 16, 2010 7:59 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions

I think 4???

The reason Utah fans are optimistic is because of Whitt being a defensive coach and the defense has been fine year after year. My concern is for the defense more then the offense. I dont think the defense will suck or be amazing but they should be an average defense.

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by Jeremy Mauss on Jul 17, 2010 7:48 AM PDT up reply actions

My only concern with our D is the linebackers

D-Line will be solid
Secondary should be good, there is a ton of talent there.

After losing Fotu, I just don’t feel too good about starting J.J. Williams, Chad Manis and Jamel King. Who knows, maybe Fehoko will come in and make an early impact but I’m worried about the linebackers.

Everything else looks good though. Like a potential Top 5 team

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by Michael Rueckert on Jul 17, 2010 12:35 PM PDT up reply actions