SALT LAKE CITY — With both the best case and worst case scenarios having been examined for the Utes in 2016, it's time for me to make my actual prediction for the Utes. This is how I actually see the season playing out for them, and what their final record will be.

Southern Utah

To open the year, the Utes roll against FCS opponent Southern Utah, as the offense runs with high efficiency under newly starting QB Troy Williams. Facing an inexperienced and less-talented offensive line, the Utes' defense forces four turnovers and eight sacks. The starters are out by the middle of the third quarter, and the Utes cruise to an easy win.

Final score: Utah 62, SUU 6; record: 1-0

BYU

Coming off a close loss to Arizona on the road, the BYU Cougars are reeling on their way into Rice-Eccles Stadium. Though the future is bright for Kalani Sitake's Cougars, they simply can't match the talent and experience Utah puts on the field. Troy Williams puts on a performance that leaves people wondering if he's the best QB in the state, and the Utes get their easiest victory against BYU since 2011.

Final score: Utah 38, BYU 21; record: 2-0

at San Jose State

Coming off a big rivalry win, and sensing the upcoming battle against USC, the Utes come out flat to start the game against San Jose State, but score 38 unanswered points in the final three quarters of the game, before relenting a late touchdown to the Spartans, to notch yet another lopsided win on their belt.

Final score: Utah 48, SJSU 14; record: 3-0

USC

With Utah climbing into the AP Top 25, it faces a talented but flawed USC team at home on Friday night. The Trojans are 1-2, having lost to Alabama and Stanford in the weeks prior, but are still a very dangerous team. The Utes were embarrassed in Los Angeles last season, and are focused not to repeat their mistakes. Scores are traded throughout the first three quarters, but a late fourth-quarter Troy Williams interception sets up a Ronald Jones touchdown for USC, and the Utes aren't able to complete a last-minute comeback.

Final score: USC 27, Utah 21; record: 3-1

at Cal

Now a game behind in the Pac-12 South, the Utes have to re-group on the road against a dangerous Cal offense led by Davis Webb. Having picked off Jared Goff five times in 2015, the Ute defense isn't fazed by the new transfer QB for the Bears, and holds the Cal offense to a season-low 320 yards. Meanwhile, running back Joe Williams has a career game on the ground, with 167 yards and 3 TDs.

Final score: Utah 34, Cal 24; record: 4-1

Arizona

The Utes' offense appears to be as balanced as it's ever been since 2008, and they don't miss a beat facing Rich Rodriguez and the Wildcats at home. Troy Williams throws for three touchdowns and runs for another, and the Ute defense breaks the streak of giving up what has seemed like 700+ offensive yards to the Wildcat offense in the past.

Final score: Utah 35, Arizona 17; record: 5-1

at Oregon State

Traveling to Corvallis is never an easy thing to do, as it just seems like weird things tend to happen in that stadium. Despite that, this Oregon State team is just not very good, so the Utes are able to take care of business on the road. Back-up QB Tyler Huntley shines in the fourth quarter for the Utes, throwing for two touchdowns.

Final score: Utah 48, Oregon State 13; record: 6-1

at UCLA

Having already lost to USC, Utah's Pac-12 South hopes rely on a win vs the Bruins, and the road team has won the last three matches between these teams. Confident and rolling from the past couple of weeks, the Ute offense starts fast with two Williams touchdown passes. These scores are matched by UCLA QB Josh Rosen though, and a defensive battle ensues deep into the fourth quarter. After forcing a UCLA punt with three mintues remaining, the Utes drive in to UCLA territory behind the legs of Joe Williams, and Andy Phillips knocks through the game-winning field goal with six second remaining.

Final score: Utah 23, UCLA 20; record: 7-1

Washington

Despite facing the best defense in the conference, Troy Williams is able to make plays with his arms and legs, and gives Utah a 10-point lead at the half. The Ute defense wants to show that it's the best defense in the league, and proceeds to sack QB Jake Browning four times in the second half, but still find the Utes up only seven late in the game. With a raucous crowd behind it, Utah's defense is able to shut down a last-minute attempt to tie the game, and Utah survives.

Final score: Utah 27, Washington 20; record: 8-1

at Arizona State

With wins against two of its toughest opponents in past weeks, Utah seems to be rolling. There's always a game though where the Utes play down to their level of competition, and that happens to come against ASU. The offense is flat against Todd Graham's blitz-heavy defense, and the Ute defense spends all game on the field. Exhausted, the Utes aren't able to stop a late ASU offensive drive that breaks a tie, and Utah isn't able to answer. An upset in Tempe.

Final score: ASU 20, Utah 13; record: 8-2

Oregon

Fresh off an upset loss, the Utes try to regain their composure against a rallying Oregon team that has recently seen a string of success behind running back Royce Freeman. The Ducks are eager to erase the memories of last year's blowout loss to Utah, and start fast, scoring 21 unanswered points to start the game. Down 14 at the half, the Ute offense is able to bounce back and get within three of the Ducks, until a late fumble by Joe Williams ruins any hopes of Utah completing the comeback.

Final score: Oregon 34, Utah 31; record: 8-3

at Colorado

Though they lost last week, the Utes received good news when UCLA beat USC that day, meaning that if Utah beats Colorado, it wins the Pac-12 South due to holding the tiebreaker over UCLA. With that news in the team's head, Troy Williams has the Utes focused as they head to Boulder. Ute fans are relieved to see that the past history of close games with the Buffs are over, as Utah notches a resounding win to finish the year, and win the South. The Utes are headed to the Pac-12 title game.

Final score: Utah 38, Colorado 21; record: 9-3

Pac-12 Championship

Standing between the Utes and the Rose Bowl is the Stanford Cardinal and Heisman finalist Christian McCaffery. As usual, the game between the two teams is physical and exhausting. Utah is able to stifle McCaffery, but Troy Williams is unable to get anything going against the Cardinal. The stalemate is broken though when McCaffery breaks multiple tackles en route to a 60-yard touchdown run. Utah can't match, and sees its championship hopes dashed.

Final score: Stanford 24, Utah 17; record 9-4

Bowl Game

The Utes are sent to San Diego and the Holiday Bowl, where they face Michigan State of the Big Ten. After a crushing loss to Stanford, the Utes close the season strong behind four Troy Williams touchdowns, and he's named the bowl game MVP.

Final score: Utah 31, Michigan State 21; final record 10-4

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