Pac-12 Football 2016: Season preview and predictions

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Nov 28, 2015; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Utes head coach Kyle Whittingham during the second half against the Colorado Buffaloes at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Utah won 20-14. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports /

Dark Horse

The Utah Utes are the dark horse in the Pac-12 this season. When it comes to the North, everyone knows that it’s going to be a blood bath between Stanford and Oregon with Washington maybe trying to sneak in. When it comes to the South, the Los Angeles schools seem to be the favorites.

The two Arizona schools aren’t at their strongest right now and Colorado will probably finish last again. However, there is a team that might have a say in things in the South. The Utah Utes lost talent to the NFL draft, namely Devontae Booker, but they have arguably the best trenches within the conference.

When it comes to football, it’s all about having strength on the lines and the Utes have that. Kyle Whittingham has built a team of just nasty, physical players that can change the game up front and that will give Utah a chance in every game.

Some teams in the Pac-12 provide a lot of flash but don’t offer much of a punch. When Utah runs into those teams, they’re going to make it a long day on them. Don’t count out the Utes in the South, especially if USC and UCLA cannibalize themselves in a tough conference with their records.

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