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PROVO — Thursday will be a big night for Utah football fans.
No, it’s not just the opening night of the 2019 college football season, one that has them projected to win the Pac-12 and picked by some as a College Football Playoff team.
It’s not just the first game of the season against rival BYU, a history so long that it stretches back either 100 meetings (if you’re the Utes) or 94 (if you’re the Cougars).
But Thursday night will also be the unveiling of a new offense to fit head coach Kyle Whittingham’s merry-go-round of offensive coordinators. And while many Ute fans are wondering if Andy Ludwig will have the same enthusiasm that got him the job in 2005 or the same celebratory sendoff after the Sugar Bowl win in 2008, there is one person in the state of Utah who is confident in Whittingham’s latest offensive hire.
That would be BYU coach Kalani Sitake.
Sitake worked with the Ben Lomond High graduate during those four seasons from 2005-08, when Sitake first served as Utah's linebackers coach and then defensive coordinator. That’s four seasons of sitting in meetings, reviewing game film, managing personnel and recruiting on the same side.
And all that time together has taught the BYU coach entering the fourth season at his alma mater a little bit of what to expect of Utah's new offense, which has been kept a state secret through fall camp, away from the prying eyes of fans and media alike.
“There are some really good things that he's done in college football, a lot of film on him as a coordinator, at Wisconsin, Vanderbilt and other places,” Sitake said. “But I think he’s the kind of guy who works with his talent. He’s a great coach, he’s great at schemes and strategies, and we’ll have to be ready for all of it. He can do so many different things, from pro-style to spread to quarterback runs, and we’ve had a month to prepare for it.
“There shouldn’t be too many surprises, but we’ll see.”
With stops at Cal, San Diego State, Wisconsin and Vanderbilt since first leaving the Wasatch Front, it stands to reason that Ludwig’s offense has evolved since his first tenure with the Utes — which was actually his second, having served as a defensive graduate assistant in 1992.
In that time away, Ludwig’s use of the power run game stands out.
That’s likely to continue, especially as Doak Walker Award candidate Zack Moss enters his senior season. The Hallandale (Fla.) High School product rushed for 2,651 yards and 23 touchdowns in his first three seasons with the Utes and could’ve turned pro after last season.
But Moss, who missed the final four games of his junior season that included Utah’s 35-27 come-from-behind win over the Cougars, is back, healthy and “ready to roll” Thursday night, according to Whittingham.
“He’s a great running back. He’s projected to be a high draft pick for a reason,” Sitake said of Moss. “With Andy Ludwig as offensive coordinator, they’re going to lean heavily on his skills. We’re planning heavily for him this entire time, and I’m glad he’s going to be able to play. College football is better when he can play; the same with Britain Covey.
“He came back to school for a reason … and our job is to try to disrupt it a bit and see where we can match up with one of the best running backs in college football.”
Sitake isn’t the only one familiar with Ludwig. BYU defensive coordinator Ilaisa Tuiaki was a graduate assistant in 2008 with the Utes before starting his career at Utah State and moving back to Utah in 2012 as fullbacks and tight ends coach.
Head coach: Kyle Whittingham
Assistant head coach/defensive coordinator: Gary Andersen
Offensive coordinator/QB coach: Andy Ludwig
Cornerbacks coach: Aaron Alford
Offensive line coach: Charlie Dickey
Tight ends coach/special teams coordinator: Jay Hill
Wide receivers coach: Aaron Roderick
Safeties coach: Morgan Scalley
Running backs coach: Dave Schramm
Linebackers coach: Kalani Fifita Sitake
Graduate assistants: Zac Connors (offense), Ilaisa Tuiaki (defense)
Also on that 2008 coaching staff were Aaron Roderick, the former Utah wide receivers coach and current BYU quarterbacks coach and passing game coordinator.
So there are plenty of people in the room versed in Whittingham’s newest offensive coordinator — or at least, who know Ludwig.
“He’s a really good coordinator, really good coach, and a good person, as well,” Tuiaki said. “He believes in execution being his strategy, and I really like that about him. It’s not about trying to scheme up the best x’s and o’s, but making sure his kids play fast and execute well.
“I thought they had good backs at Vanderbilt, and he’s got some great ones now at Utah. They’re going to run the ball well. But he brings a lot of experience to the table, and he’s a good coach.”
