Utah football has certainly had its share of ups and downs this season, and the 2024 campaign hasn’t been kind to the Utes. Currently sitting with a 4-4 record, including a 1-4 performance in Big 12 Conference play, it’s clear there are some significant challenges facing this team. As they prepare for their highly anticipated rivalry showdown against BYU on Saturday, the Utes are grappling with issues that seem to run deeper than the scoreboard.
Struggles at Quarterback: The Core Issue
One of the most apparent concerns this season has been the quarterback situation. Since Cam Rising’s early-season injury, the Utes have been in a scramble to find a consistent leader under center. Freshman Isaac Wilson, who was initially supposed to sit back and develop, was thrown into the starting role with the hope he’d grow into it. Unfortunately, Wilson has faced his own struggles, posting eight touchdowns against eight interceptions with a 55.4% completion rate. His numbers have been enough to keep the offense moving at times, but not to carry the team to the finish line.
In fact, Utah’s inability to score more than 27 points in each of their last four losses reflects a lack of rhythm in their passing game. Without a polished transfer quarterback coming in due to Rising’s projected return, Utah is missing the leadership and consistency that typically define a successful season. Wilson has since been benched in favor of Brandon Rose, but the team has yet to find a reliable solution to its quarterback woes.
Physicality: Utah’s Trademark Slipping Away?
Over the years, Utah has built a reputation as a tough, physical team, particularly in the trenches. During their time in the Pac-12, the Utes were known for leaving opponents feeling bruised even after the final whistle. The same intensity followed them into the Big 12 under head coach Kyle Whittingham, and it’s become a defining feature of Utah football. Teams facing Utah usually knew they’d have to battle it out physically, with opposing coaches frequently commenting on the team’s physical approach.
However, Whittingham himself admitted that this year’s team hasn’t matched up to that standard, saying, “We’re not as physical this year as we typically have been.” A closer look at the stats reveals that Utah ranks 74th in rushing yards per game (150.9 yards, including yardage lost on 17 sacks) and 53rd in rushing defense, allowing 134 yards per game. Utah’s ability to dominate in the trenches — both running the ball and stopping the run — has traditionally been its identity, but this season, that edge is missing.
Defensive Shortcomings: A New Challenge for the Utes
The Utah defense, usually one of the team’s most reliable assets, has also struggled to maintain its usual high standards. Although it’s still managing to limit opponents to 16.5 points per game, the unit hasn’t been as fearsome as in previous years. The Utes have only managed 13 sacks and have caused just 10 turnovers this season — both uncharacteristically low numbers for a team known for its defensive prowess.
The issue may not solely rest on the defense, however. Utah’s struggles on offense have frequently left the defense in tough positions, particularly with opponents stacking the box due to Utah’s one-dimensional offensive play. Despite the defense’s resilience, the lack of offensive support has hampered its ability to dominate games in the way Utah fans are used to.
Navigating the New Era of College Football
In the age of the NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) and an open-ended transfer portal, the culture of college football is shifting, and Utah is feeling the impact. In past years, Whittingham could rely on developing players over a three- to four-year period, instilling a team culture that carried through each season. Utah has long prided itself on fostering a “family culture” and attracting recruits who stay with the program, develop into NFL-caliber talent, and carry forward the team’s traditions.
The dynamic, however, has changed. With a high volume of incoming transfers and outgoing players, it’s becoming harder to keep a stable identity. “It’s almost a 50/50 split, the new guys as opposed to the guys that have been in the program,” Whittingham noted, pointing out that the once-stable culture is now feeling diluted. And with players expecting to get paid and willing to move between schools, fostering a consistent culture becomes even harder.
Whittingham’s Changing Role in Team Management
Gone are the days when college football coaches could rely on long-term player development as a recipe for success. Today, it’s all about immediate results and adapting to an ever-changing roster. Whittingham acknowledges this shift, comparing today’s recruiting to “hiring mercenaries every year” to piece together the best talent and hope it clicks. As he put it, “You got to collect as much talent as quickly as you can and then hope it gels and comes together.”
This evolving role has Whittingham and his coaching staff balancing the art of finding talent in the portal while still working to foster Utah’s trademark culture. In many ways, the team’s “family” ethos, once an advantage, faces challenges as rosters become more transient.
The Road Ahead for Utah and College Football
College sports aren’t likely to slow down anytime soon, with the landscape set to change even further in the coming years. Next season, direct revenue sharing with players is expected, with up to $20.5 million projected for school athletic programs, according to Yahoo Sports. The lion’s share of this amount will likely be allocated to the football team, setting a new precedent in college athletics. Alongside NIL deals and a free-flowing transfer portal, college football as we know it is moving toward a more professionalized structure, making it tougher for schools like Utah to hold onto their traditional team culture.
This rapidly evolving environment may be exciting for fans, but for teams that relied on stability and long-term development, it means constant adaptation. Utah, like many programs, is navigating this brave new world, and how they adapt will determine their future success in the Big 12 and beyond. With such seismic shifts, maintaining that all-important team identity is an uphill battle, but for Utah, it’s one worth fighting.
The BYU Showdown: A Crucial Moment for Utah’s Season
The upcoming rivalry game against BYU marks a pivotal moment for the Utes. This game isn’t just about pride — it’s a chance for Utah to reassert itself in a season filled with inconsistency. A win would be a significant boost to a program that’s been struggling to find its footing, while a loss could deepen concerns about the team’s direction. The game also provides a national spotlight on ESPN, offering an opportunity for the Utes to make a statement on a broader stage.
So, as Utah prepares to clash with BYU, the focus is clear: show physicality, find offensive rhythm, and demonstrate that the Utah culture — even amid the changes of modern college football — still has teeth. The challenges have been steep, but for Utah, there’s always pride and legacy to play for. With adjustments in strategy and a renewed focus on fundamentals, the Utes still have a chance to make something memorable out of a challenging season.
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