Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
With many questions surrounding the Utes heading into their game against the Cyclones, a few were certainly answered.
The first - how good are the Utes? Honestly, they are very good. Utah fans had to be worried after the first quarter against Iowa State. The second quarter however, left no doubt how explosive this team can be. The defense is still stellar, the offense can capitalize, and the kick/punt returners are potential game changers. Shaky Smithson had another game to remember in Ames, sparking the Utes for 293 all-purpose yards and 2 TD's (one passing and one receiving). Reggie Dunn, the junior college transfer from Compton, California also had a kickoff return of 100 yards. Utah is going to make every team worry about every single play in the football game.
The big question remains - how good are the Utes? Nationally speaking, with the schedule that they have played, they are right where they need to be to make a move this season.
Dropping in the AP poll was most likely not what the Utes had in mind after their 68-27 throttle of Iowa State, but it needs to be put in perspective. Utah has played an extremely soft schedule. That has been talked about often, but how bad is it? It is bad, a combined 7-22 bad. Compared with TCU and Boise State, the Utes should have dropped in the rankings because they really haven't proved anything yet. Boise State's schedule is not great, but the combined wins and losses of the teams they have faced add to 13-15. TCU's schedule is even better with a 16-19 record. It is not Utah's fault, they have the schedule and can't do anything about it now, all they can do is win, and win convincingly to help their cause. Utah fans shouldn't worry too much though. After the games against the Cowboys and Rams, the matchups with Air Force and TCU will help out, as well as playing in South Bend, even if the Irish aren't what they used to be.
How good are the Utes? Their preseason schedule is almost over, we should know soon. For now though, was that heaven this last weekend? Nope, just Iowa.
