Vegas Bowl Game Balls & Off-Season Tidbits

So it begins, the torture that is the off season begins with more questions than answers. This has been the case with Kyle Whittingham's Utes the last couple of years. This year, the questions return to the QB situation and coaching staff. But before we jump into the madness of personal and staffing, let's talk about the impressive win in Sam Boyd Stadium and hand out some game balls!

Devontae Booker

It's no surprise that DB-23 shows up on this list, again. Booker was nothing short of special in Saturday's win against the CSU Rams. He finished just 7 yards short of the all-time school rushing record, and made some of the most impressive catches we witnessed this season. He created plays when it looked like he had been stopped and showed the ability to be a guy that regularly contributes on Sunday's. It will be very, very interesting to see if he returns to Utah in the spring.

Travis Wilson

While he was not perfect, he was fantastic. The biggest advantage he has is his confidence. When Wilson plays with belief in himself, he shows glimpses of being special. He threw well, ran even better, and he was very deserving of the team MVP that he was given. Wilson has an ability to make you think he is less talented than he actually is and it showed against CSU. Moving forward, he will have to learn that his worst enemy is himself.

Dave Christensen

Trick plays, tempo, change of pace and multiple offensive weapons were showcased in Vegas. Something that the Ute Faithful have been waiting for all season. Throughout fall camp we were teased with names like Troy McCormick and Delshawn McClellen. For whatever reason, we saw very little of either one. The impact of players like those two could not be denied on Saturday. Despite the fact that it came so late, DC was very wise to use the tools at his disposal. The play calling was phenomenal and it finally felt like Utah had an identity.

2015 tidbits

Booker

I feel that Booker should and will return. Although the life span of a RB in the NFL is short lived, it would serve Booker well to have one more year of D1 football under his belt. Returning next year could sky rocket his stock and he would most certainly be on most Heisman boards. Another year in the gym and working on his pass pro would help move him up Draft boards as well.

Under Center

Look for some news on the signal callers here in the next week or two. Coach Whitt alluded to this during bowl prep week, stating that some of the young guys would be looking to "play sooner than later." With the return of Chase Hansen, the QB spot has become a logjam, and I believe that Brandon Cox and Connor Manning will be looking elsewhere to play football in 2015.

Coaching

News came down last night that Utah would be losing both Kalani Sitake and Ilaisa Tuiaki to Oregon State. A shot to the program, no doubt, but not one the Utes can't overcome. Solidifying the recruiting class for 2015 is huge, and the next couple of weeks will be very interesting to watch.  Regardless of what happens, 2015 is setting up to be very exciting!