Utah St. @ # 19 Utah

September 3, 2009

Line: Utah – 20 ½

The running Utes of Utah are coming off a miraculous season in which they not only went undefeated, they walked all over SEC powerhouse Alabama in the Sugar Bowl. Utah capped off a perfect season of 13-0 by thrashing the Crimson Tide 31-17. The Utes screamed for a share of the National Title but few listened as the Florida Gators were crowned the undisputed champs.

Utah lost superstar QB Brian Johnson and stud defensive end Paul Kruger. Coach Kyle Whittingham will have his hands full not only trying to replace Johnson and Kruger but also will have a tough schedule traveling to Oregon, TCU and BYU. It is unlikely the Utes will match the perfect season in 09 but they are still the favorite in the Mountain West.

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Utah State hired Gary Andersen in the offseason. Anderson makes the transition from Utah to archrival Utah St. This will only add fuel to the rivalry. Andersen will have his work cut out for him as he inherits a team that was 3-9 in 2008 and were 9-38 over the past four seasons.

Prediction: Utah defeated Utah St. 58-10 last season. This season the battle will take place in Salt Lake City. Despite their personnel losses, the Utes will roll the Aggies and easily cover the spread. Utah 45 Utah St. 17

By: Scott Dryden
DFN Sports Staff Writer