The University of Utah Utes athletics program is probably best known for the improbable run they made in the 1998 Men’s Basketball Final Four. The two best athletes out of the University of Utah in recent years would have to be Keith van Horn and Andre Miller, both of whom have made it big in the NBA. Things are changing in 2004 as the focus has turned to college football since the Utes football team is expected to challenge for a top bowl berth again this season. For that reason and many others, the Utah Utes start the pre-season at #20 in my polls.

Coach Urban Meyer stepped in last season as the leader of a team that had no tradition, no expectations, and no real aspirations in the college football game. Meyer worked to put in a new offense and then sat back and waited for the quarterback race to level out and a leader to emerge in the form of Alex Smith. Smith will see 14 other starters from 2003 return this season and the running game should be better than last season, a season that saw the team finish a surprising 10-2 with a final ranking of #21 in the polls. The team spent much of the off-season searching through the junior college rankings for solid role players who will compete in spring training and push the starters to excel this season. Smith finished the 2003 season with 13 touchdowns to only three interceptions and if he can continue to improve and show progress, he’ll be one of the favorites to win the Offensive Player of the Year award in the MWC. WR Paris Warren had a minor surgery to his knee after spring training but should be back at full speed for the start of the season. Warren will lead a talented group of receivers in 2004. The defensive line will be anchored by Steve Fifita and the secondary will be led by Eric Weddle, a sophomore who led the team with three interceptions last season.

Most publications are favoring Utah to take the conference title again this year and the thinking here is the same. Utah will likely play two big games relatively early in the season with the first being played at New Mexico on October 1. Assuming the Utes can get by the Lobos, they’ll travel to San Diego State on October 30 in a game that could likely determine the conference’s single bowl bid. The Utes realize that they won’t be able to surprise teams like they did last season and that they’re the favorite to run away with the conference again. The team opens against Texas A&M at home on September 2 in a game that should be entertaining to everyone. The non-conference schedule is demanding again and should prepare the team for their important games against division rivals. The Utes will have to step up their game again in 2004, but even if they struggle early, they should make a bowl appearance out of the MWC again.

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