Predicting the 2016 Utes season: Worst-case scenario


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SALT LAKE CITY — We’ve taken a look at how spectacular the Utes’ 2016 season could be, so now let’s examine the opposite side of that spectrum. What is the worst-case scenario for this coming Utes’ football season?

vs. Southern Utah

Remember that unspectacular win against Montana State to open the 2011 season? Well, against one of the better FCS opponents, Utah stumbles its way to an unimpressive victory in its first game of 2016. New quarterback Troy Williams throws two touchdowns but also two interceptions. The defense is solid, but the offense leaves fans scratching their heads.

Final score: Utah 27, SUU 13. Record: 1-0

vs. BYU

On the heels of a surprise blowout win against Arizona, the BYU Cougars strut in to Rice Eccles-Stadium motivated to end their five-game losing streak. Both teams trade scores for the first three quarters, until former Ute Harvey Langi comes free off Troy Williams' blind side and strips the ball while sacking Williams late in the game. The Cougars return the fumble for a touchdown, and Williams exits the field holding his shoulder gingerly. With true freshman QB Tyler Huntley now in the game, the Cougars capitalize on their momentum and make life tough for Huntley, en route to a close win.

Final score: BYU 21, Utah 17. Record: 1-1

at San Jose State

The prognosis on Williams' shoulder is not good, and the Utes are forced to ride with true freshman Huntley for the foreseeable future. Despite being just his first start, the Utes take care of business against San Jose State thanks to a very wide talent gap, and Huntley throws for three touchdowns.

Final score: Utah 38, SJSU 17. Record: 2-1

vs. USC

The Friday night showdown, and opener of Pac-12 play, pits 1-2 USC vs. 2-1 Utah, and Ute fans are cautiously optimistic after a good showing from Huntley the week before. That optimistic feeling quickly vanishes though, as USC’s athletic linebackers and secondary effectively shut down Utah’s passing game, forcing three interceptions of Huntley. Despite the Ute defense's best efforts, they can’t prevent USC from piling on the points after being on the field all game.

Final score: USC 34, Utah 14. Record: 2-2

at California

With the passing game struggling under Huntley's helm, the Ute coaches change up the offensive philosophy and lean heavily on running backs Joe Williams, Troy McCormick and Zack Moss. The approach proves successful, but the Ute secondary struggles to defend the air raid offense ran by QB Davis Webb of Cal. A shootout ensues, and puts Utah down by four with only a minute left. With the offense forced to pass, Huntley does like he did so many times throughout camp, and throws a touchdown to Kyle Fulks. Ute fans rejoice at the moxie the young QB showed with the game on the line.

Final score: Utah 37, Cal 34. Record: 3-2

vs. Arizona

With a new offensive identity, and a much more confident QB, the Ute offense hits its stride against a struggling Arizona team, as the Utes flip the script of past years against Arizona and rack up 315 rushing yards. New defensive coordinator Morgan Scalley breaks the streak of struggles against Rich Rodriguez’s offense, and shuts down the Wildcat offense, holding them under 250 total yards.

Final score: Utah 37, Arizona 13. Record: 4-2

at Oregon State

The Utes are riding high after a pair of conference wins, and continue their success on the road at lowly Oregon State. Huntley throws for four touchdowns in the win, and coach Whittingham names him the starter for the rest of the season, despite Williams' expected return in two weeks.

Final score: Utah 38, Oregon State 17. Record: 5-2

at UCLA

Riding a three-game winning streak, Utah now faces its toughest challenge of the season as it faces No. 9 UCLA on the road. The vote of confidence by Whittingham in Huntley seems to have motivated the freshman, as the Utes jump out to an early 10-0 lead in the second quarter. That is until All-American candidate Marcus Williams leaves the game with a concussion, and UCLA QB Josh Rosen takes advantage by leading a devastating passing attack the rest of the game. The Ute offense can’t keep up with UCLA, as it scores a touchdown on each of its next five offensive drives, all through the air. What once was a promising start for Utah ends in a lopsided defeat.

Final score: UCLA 45, Utah 24. Record: 5-3

vs. Washington

The struggles in the defensive secondary for Utah continue the next week against Washington, as QB Jake Browning connects with WR Brayden Lenius for two early touchdowns. Facing the best defense in the conference, the Utes get very little going on the ground, and All-American cornerback Sidney Jones picks off Huntley twice, returning one for a touchdown. With Huntley struggling, Kyle Whittingham enters now healthy Troy Williams back in at QB, but it’s too little too late for the Utes.

Final score: Washington 31, Utah 10 Record: 5-4

at Arizona State

With Williams now healthy, Utah has a QB controversy on its hands. Fans are split on who should start at QB, and so is the coaching staff. Whittingham elects to play both QBs against Arizona State on the road, and the plan backfires, as the Ute offense can never get in a rhythm, despite the Ute defense holding the Sun Devils to less than 20 points, and the Utes drop their third game in a row.

Final score: ASU 17, Utah 9. Record: 5-5

vs. Oregon

After starting 5-2, the Utes are now battling for their bowl eligible lives, and the task isn’t any easier facing a focused Oregon Ducks team at home. With revenge on the mind, Oregon RB Royce Freeman puts together a Heisman-like performance, running for 213 yards and three touchdowns. Meanwhile, Utah starts Troy Williams at QB and the junior struggles to find his footing against a much improved Oregon defense, throwing multiple interceptions.

Final score: Oregon 41, Utah 20. Record: 5-6

at Colorado

With one game left, the Utes must find a way to win on the road to avoid sitting at home during the bowl season. Utah jumps out to a 21-7 halftime lead against the Buffaloes, who are also playing for bowl eligibility. Colorado QB Sefo Liufau comes out focused in the second half though, and throws three touchdowns to take a 28-24 lead with three minutes in the game. Utah’s offense drives down the field to the 50-yard line, needing a touchdown to win. Disaster strikes though when a screen pass to Joe Williams ends in a fumble, and Colorado recovers, which can now kneel the clock out, ending Utah’s hopes at making a bowl game.

Final score: Colorado 28, Utah 24. Final record: 5-7

The Utes miss out on a bowl game for the third time since joining the Pac-12, and to make matters worse, running backs coach Dennis Erickson decides to retire, ending his legendary career.


![Andrew Gorringe](http://img.ksl.com/slc/2598/259808/25980826\.jpg?filter=ksl/65x65)
About the Author: Andrew Gorringe \---------------------------------

Andrew Gorringe is the managing editor for UteSportsReport.com, part of the Scout.com recruiting network. Email: agorringescout@gmail.com

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