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College football 2019: Biggest trap game facing every Top 25 team

By Cody Williams

CLEMSON, SC - NOVEMBER 24: Tee Higgins #5 of the Clemson Tigers gets away from R.J. Roderick #10 of the South Carolina Gamecocks during their game at Clemson Memorial Stadium on November 24, 2018 in Clemson, South Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
CLEMSON, SC - NOVEMBER 24: Tee Higgins #5 of the Clemson Tigers gets away from R.J. Roderick #10 of the South Carolina Gamecocks during their game at Clemson Memorial Stadium on November 24, 2018 in Clemson, South Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /
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PALO ALTO, CA – OCTOBER 06: Utah Utes running back Zack Moss (2) crosses the goal line for a touchdown during the game between the Utah Utes and the Stanford Cardinals on Saturday, October 6, 2018 at the Stanford Stadium in Palo Alto, California. (Photo by Douglas Stringer/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
PALO ALTO, CA – OCTOBER 06: Utah Utes running back Zack Moss (2) crosses the goal line for a touchdown during the game between the Utah Utes and the Stanford Cardinals on Saturday, October 6, 2018 at the Stanford Stadium in Palo Alto, California. (Photo by Douglas Stringer/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

18. Utah Utes

Biggest Trap Game: at Arizona (Nov. 23)

The Utah Utes finishing at 9-5 last season is certainly a solid mark for the program. However, it’s also a bit misleading as this was a team that seemed destined for a much better finish in the 2018 campaign. That was most notable in the Pac-12 Championship Game that the Utes played without starting running back Zack Moss and quarterback Tyler Huntley, who each missed the final five games of the year.

Both Moss and Huntley will be back in the fold for Utah in the 2019 season, though, giving Kyle Wittingham’s group a ton of high expectations for what they can potentially accomplish. With Moss’ overall ability and the dual-threat that Huntley provides at quarterback, Utah has the potential to be one of the most potent offenses in the Pac-12.

Utah’s defense will continue to be a strong point of their game as they have a veteran defensive line that should lead the way. But while Jaylon Johnson provides the back end with a star, both the linebackers and the secondary suffered key losses to the NFL and that could be something to watch for the Utes if they want to maintain their success on that side of the football.

In truth, Utah’s schedule is somewhat favorable in terms of avoiding trap games, possibly because of playing in a weakened Pac-12 and not playing Oregon. Even still, it’s a road matchup against the Arizona Wildcats and the enigmatic Khalil Tate that could prove quite tricky as they eye a season-ending date with the rival Colorado Buffaloes.