Breakdown of the offensive position groups of both Utah and BYU ahead of next week's game.
If BYU Football hopes to be able to beat Utah in the season opener they are going to have to be able to score points against the really good Ute defense. While the offense has some potential areas of concern they do seem to match up well with Utah's offense. Here are the grades of the Utah and BYU offensive groups/coaches.
Coaches
Utah has a brand new offensive system under Andy Ludwig and while it may be a spark in the near future, it may have some hiccups in the first few games. BYU's offensive staff is in their second season and have said many times that they are much more comfortable this year in the Grimes offense than they were last year.
BYU: B+
Utah: C+
Quarterbacks
Both teams appear to have two deep talent in the quarterback position. Both fan bases also would probably confidently claim that there quarterback is the better player. Zach Wilson brings the confidence and play making ability while Tyler Huntley brings the experience. Both of these quarterbacks are likely going to be able to make good plays and limit their mistakes.
BYU: A-
Utah: A-
Running Backs
Zack Moss is projected to be the best running back in the nation. There isn't a lot of experience behind him though. BYU has depth but not quite the talent of Moss. If Moss can be contained that will be a huge advantage to BYU whereas if Lopini Katoa or Ty'Son Williams gets stalled, there are other running backs to give a different look. Zack Moss has been seen with a cast, so if he doesn't play it will favor the Cougars.
Utah: A-
BYU: B+
Receivers
Utah is returning almost all of their receivers from last season. While the receivers aren't elite, their experience and speed can be very dangerous to the thin BYU secondary. The Cougars also bring back a lot of experience, but with Aleva Hifo being the leading returner with only 358 receiving yards. Neither of these receiving groups will be nationally recognized at the end of the year, but the Utes just have a little bit more talent and experience that the Cougars.
Utah: C+
BYU: C-
Tight Ends
Assuming Moroni Laulu-Pututau can play, he will be a very good option alongside Matt Bushman. Bushman and MLP should both get quite a few receiving yards this season and it wouldn't be surprising at all if they finished 1st and 2nd in receiving yards for the team. Utah doesn't use the tight ends as often in the passing but they are probably better at blocking than the Cougars. The Cougars did lose some depth with injuries but they should still be decent at least during the Utah game.
BYU: B+
Utah: B
Offensive Line
This is the easiest category alongside the receivers. The Utes lost almost their entire offensive line and have zero experience playing together in a game setting. Add that to a loud LES and the Utes are probably going to make some mistakes with communication. BYU returns everyone who played significant time last season minus Brady Christensen and should be able to slow down the elite defensive line of the Utes. The line was pretty good last season and this year they will only build on that.
BYU: A
Utah: B-