The Utes offense will be no worse this year than last. I certainly understand the expectations of a drop off with the QB and all the WRs gone. But all that will be offset by the fact that Andy Ludwig will no longer be hampering them. Seriously; that guy's crazy schemes slowed Utah down more than any defense they ever faced. I don't feel that I'm exaggerating. His trick plays were ridiculous. He had Johnson trying to wait way too long in the backfield for the receivers to complete their complex routes, and he always tried to move the ball back and forth behind the line of scrimmage before ever going forward. However, when the Utes broke free of his playcalling - the final drives against Oregon State and TCU, and the first three drives of the Sugar Bowl - the results were staggering. Now, part of that had to do with the fact that the sudden change in offensive philosophy took defenses WAY off guard. But most of it had to do with the fact that there was a lot of talent, and they were just moving the ball forward.
So, this year, I think the lack of experience on the offense will hurt, but the better playcalling will help just as much.
On the other hand, I'm very interested to see what Ludwig does to Cal. Heh heh heh. Jahvid Best for Heisman? Probably not. Pac 10 defenses are stocked with quicker players than most MWC teams, and the trickery that had only marginal success for Utah will fail Cal.
