The expectations are not high for the 2013 Utah Utes. Utah struggled last year and didn't get a winning season. It may be the reality of playing in a better conference and it may be the reality of Whttingham picking assistant coaches based out of loyalty rather than other qualifications. And it may be that it is just Utah's cycle and in a few years they will be winning again. It may be a combination of all of this. Here is my prediction for 2013.
August 29--Utah State
It is not just me, but many people outside of Logan believe in the Aggies this season. Why not? The Aggies had their best ever season in 2012 and most of their starters return, although head coach Anderson does not. This could be a close game, but should be an Aggie victory.
September 7--Weber State
Fans will begin to grumble when the Wildcats keep the game close into the 2nd half. But Utah should pull away late and get their first win of the season.
September 14--Oregon State
The Beavers will be get some national love this year, but the PAC-12 is tough. Utah played them close in Corvallis last season, and could play them close again this year. The 2013 season could ride on the results of this game, if Utah falls, it will likely not go bowling in 2013. The Beavers should win a close one.
September 21--@ BYU
One of the knocks against Bronco Mendenhall has been his record verses Utah. But this time, BYU will have a week off to prepare. That could be the difference for BYU as they win a close one.
October 3--UCLA
Utah will have more than just a little trouble against the much improved Bruins. UCLA will win by a couple of scores.
October 12--Stanford
The Cardinal come to Salt Lake City for the first time to play a conference game. Stanford is one of the conference favorites and Utah will find out why. This one will not be close.
October 19--@ Arizona
This will be Utah's first trip outside the state of Utah. That will not bode well for the young Utes and playing in unfamiliar turf for the first time will given them a mistake-prone game. Arizona should win a close one.
October 26--@ USC
USC is not what they used to be and Lane Kiffin is on the hot seat. If the Utes are going to win something that they shouldn't, this will be the game. If the Utes are going to salvage something out of the season, this is the time. I expect Utah will be the final straw that will break Lane Kiffin's back.
November 9--Arizona State
Since Utah has joined the PAC-12, they have been owned by the Sun Devils. Just like the last time that these two were in the same conference. No reason to see a change in that this year.
November 16--@ Oregon
The last time the Utah Utes traveled to Eugene, they made a game out of it. Maybe they will again. The Ducks have a lot of weapons and it would be the upset of the year of Utah could pull off an upset. It is not likely to happen.
November 23--@ Washington State
This is a game, even thought it is on the road, that the Utes should win. Mabey not so easily. But if Utah is really 3-7 at this point, it will be time to play for next season. It will be time to audition players for next season. It will help to build confidence with a win.
November 30--Colorado
Perhaps the beginning of Utah's recent troubles was the loss at home to Colorado two seasons ago. The Utes should win this one.
Prediction: 5-7 Chances for a winning season rest upon three potentially winnable games, Oregon State, BYU and Arizona. My predicted upset of USC, should it come to pass will be a nice feather in the cap for the season.
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