Utah won the PAC12 south this year for the first time since becoming a member of the conference in 2011. finishing first in the south was something that eluded several other talented Utah teams in the past. The Utes had won 9 and 10 games in the past but never got over the hump in November to finish first in their division. Utah had depth and talent in 2018. Utah’s defense played like one of the all time great groups on that side of the ball. Chase Hansen had a season that could be considered the best ever by a linebacker at Utah. Marquise Blair became the hardest hitter in the PAC12. Zack Moss ran with speed and violence. Moss could have taken his talents to the NFL this year but chose to finish what he started with the Utes and return for his senior year in 2019. Tyler Huntley had the most electric season of his career. His arm strength and duel threat capabilities were on display when he was healthy. Keeping Huntley healthy should be Utah’s top priority in 2019.
Utah fell short against Washington in the PAC12 championship game and imploded in the second half of the Holiday bowl. The way Utah ended their season was not indicative of how good this team showed to be when healthy. Had Utah won their bowl game the season would have felt more complete. Because of the disappointing finish Utah gets an A- on the season. Winning the south was huge and the Utes should do it again in 2019. Utah has the most complete roster in the PAC12 returning for 2019.
