Utah Utes
Pacific-12 Conference
The lone standout for the Utah Utes has been running back John White IV. White ranks as the 11th most effective running back in the FBS with 117 yards per game and 14 touchdowns. In six games this season he rushed for over 150 yards, and twice hovered near 200. In five of the Utes 12 games, White had multiple touchdowns and ultimately led the team in scoring with eight points per game. The first year in the Pac-12 has not gone very well for Utah as they could not get above .500 in conference play, finishing 4-5. In week two, the Utes played USC in a tight game, and finished the season winning four of their last five. Unfortunately, the final loss was to an under-performing Colorado team.
2011 Record: 7-5 (4-5)
Last Bowl Appearance: 2010 Maaco Bowl vs. Boise State (L 3-26)
Big Wins: 9/17 BYU (54-10), 11/12 UCLA (31-6)
Bad Losses: 10/8 Arizona State (14-35), 11/25 Colorado (14-17)
Coach: Kyle Whittingham (64-25 at Utah, 64-25 overall)
Bowl Record: 5-1 at Utah, 5-1 overall
Offensive Coordinator: Norm Chow
Defensive Coordinator: Kalani Fifita Sitake
Strengths:
Averaging 97 yards allowed per game, the Utes rushing defense has been solid this year. They rank 8th in rushing defense and 30th in total defense, despite the fact that they play in an offensive-minded conference. Opponents USC, Cal, UCLA, Washington, and Colorado all have potent rushing attacks, but still couldn’t combine for enough rushing yards to drop Utah’s high ranking. Linebacker Chaz Walker moves well in the middle, totaling 43 solo tackles and another 60 assisted tackles.
Weaknesses:
Under Offensive Coordinator Norm Chow, based on his historical success, fans would expect a high production from the offensive unit. However, the passing offense has been lacking for the Utes, who have chronicled many proficient passers. Between two different starting quarterbacks, Utah has only 16 passing touchdowns, ranking them 99th in the FBS and 12th in the conference. In regards to total offensive output, running back John White averages only two yards less per game than the Utes passers.
Statistical Leaders:
Rushing: John White, RB, 1,404 yards
Passing: Jon Hays, QB, 1,266 yards
Receiving: DeVonte Christopher, WR, 589 yards
Tackles: Chaz Walker, LB, 103
Sacks: Trevor Reilly, LB, 5.0; Derrick Shelby, DE, 5.0
Interceptions: Conroy Black, CB, 4
2011 Team Stats:
Rushing Offense: 137.08 (81, 8)
Passing Offense: 171.58 (99, 12)
Total Offense: 308.67 (110, 12)
Scoring Offense: 24.58 (78, 9)
Rushing Defense: 97.00 (8, 2)
Pass Defense: 245.75 (86, 5)
Total Defense: 342.75 (30, 3)
Scoring Defense: 19.67 (17, 1)
Turnover Margin: .83 (15, 1)
Sacks: 2.50 (24, 4)
Sacks Allowed: 2.58 (96, 10)
