Utah Utes Football 2011 Preview, Predictions, Picks, Odds | Sportsbookbuzz.com

Utah Utes Football 2011 Preview, Predictions, Picks, Odds

As the 2011 NCAA Football Season approaches, we are providing season previews for every college football teams to give you the betting edge. Follow the best College Football Handicappers as they analyze their teams in this 2011 season preview. Be sure to bookmark SportsbookBuzz.com your source for Sportsbook Reviews. Use our comprehensive and insider info to bet successfully on the College Football in our recommend sportsbooks.View the rest of our 2011 NCAA Football Season Previews here.

2010 Record: 10-3 MWC Record: 7-1 (2nd) 2011 Returning Starters: 13; 7 offense, 5 defense, punter

Coach: Kyle Whittingham, 57-20 (6 years)

Offensive Coordinators: Norm Chow Defensive Coordinators: Kalani Sitake

2011 Utah Players to Watch: QB Jordan Wynn, WR DeVonte Christopher, RT Tony Bergstrom, NT Dave Kruger, LB Brian Blechen, LB Chaz Walker

2011 Utah Strengths:
Norm Chow and Utah represent a marriage of high-power offenses. As soon as the running back depth is settled, the Utes should have a wide-open attack to greet the Pac-12. The traditionally dominant Utah offensive line boasts three retuming starters. Look for Bergstrom to become an NFL draft pick.

2011 Utah Weaknesses:
Utah has to learn personnel and tendencies of 11 teams. The Utes have historically risen to the occasion of playing teams from automatic quallfying BCS conferences. Can they do it on a weekly basis?

2011 Utah Offense:

After coming to Utah from UCLA in a hiring designed to aid the Utes’ transition to the Pac-12, offensive coordinator Norm Chow was at a disadvantage in installing his offense during spring drills. Shoulder surgery kept quarterback Jordan Wynn from full-scale throwing. Wynn impressed Chow with his ability to learn the scheme, however. Wynn should be healthy when practice resumes in August, and he expects to thrive in Chow’s West Coast offense, a departure from the Utes’ spread attack. Eddie Wide and Matt Asiata combined for 1,412 rushing yards as seniors sharing the job in a one-back scheme. The bulk of the carries should go to two players who enrolled in January, junior college transfer John White IV and Salt Lake Valley prep star Harvey Langi. DeVonte Christopher, originally a quarterback, emerged as a big-play receiver last season with 39 catches for a 16.9-yard average and six touchdowns. The Utes should have one of the league’s top offensive tackle tandems. Right tackle Tony Bergstrom did not allow a sack in 12 regular-season games as a junior and is an intelligent, dependable player. Left tackle John Cullen’s absence was noticeable in a bowl-game loss to Boise State, as the Utes were held to three points and 200 total yards when he was sidelined. The Utes’ offensive consistency will be tested by Pac-12 defenses. The Utes ranked 52nd in total offense with 389.0 yards per game and were inept against quality defenses. In three defeats, Utah averaged 221.3 yards.

2011 Utah Defense:

Utah’s defensive line rotation is so deep that standing out is difficult. Nose tackle Star Lotulelei’s name can only help him in that regard. He emerged late last season, starting the final three games and establishing himself as a disruptive force. The Utes again will use 10 or more linemen at the four positions. Brian Blechen outgrew his safety position after making a big impact as a freshman. He moves to linebacker, where his roaming, hard-hitting style should suit him just as well. The secondary is a concern, with cornerback Brandon Burton’s departure to the NFL meaning that Utah lost all four starters. Cornerbacks Conroy Black and Ryan Lacy have played a lot, particularly in packages involving extra defensive backs. The corners are vital to Utah’s defense, which relies on man-to-man coverage outside.

2011 Utah Special Teams:

Joe Phillips was more than fine in the kicking department last season, taking over for departed All-American Louie Sakoda. Phillips made 20 of 22 field-goal attempts, leading the MWC with a 90.9 percentage. Sean Sellwood came in as a redshirt freshman to punt for a 42.9-yard average. Both leading return men, including Smithson, are back for what may be the most experienced special teams unit in the league.

2011 Utah Football Schedule | Utah Football Sportsbooks

2011 Utah Predictions:

This season will be unlike any in the Utes’ history. Longtime rival BYU is booked for the third game of the season, and Colorado, an opponent the Utes have not faced in nearly 50 years, occupies BYU’s traditional slot on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. In the Pac-12, the bar has been raised. Intermittent games against Pac-12 schools have illustrated that the Utes can compete at this level, but the week-after-week conference schedule will challenge them. If the young running backs develop and the secondary comes together, Utah could contend for the Pac-12 South title.

2011 Utah Betting Odds:

Utah Current odds to win a National Championship: +20000

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NCAA Football Handicapping Picks

Check out our weekly Sports Handicapping Picks from the world’s best handicappers. Trust our handicapping experts offering premium and free NCAA Football Picks and packages daily. Also stay up to date with weekly College Football Matchups, and buy some picks to win some BIG cash this football season at our recommended sportsbooks.

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