The Utes will switch to a West Coast offense – fittingly enough – under new offensive coordinator Norm Chow, who knows the Pac-12 well after coming over from UCLA and previously being the OC at USC. Six starters are back on that side of the ball led by QB Jordan Wynn, who threw for 2,334 yards with 17 touchdowns and 10 interceptions in 10 games last season. The Utes lost running backs Eddie Wide and Matt Asiata, who combined to rush for 1,412 yards and catch 66 passes last season. Some combination of Thretton Palamo, Harvey Langi and John White will be used there. The Utes bring back their most talented wideout in DeVonte Christopher, who averaged 16.9 yards per catch a year ago to go with six TDs. Utah might have the best tackle tandem in the Pac-12 in senior John Cullen on the left side and senior Tony Bergstrom on the right.

On defense, five starters are back. The line should be the strength of that unit. Junior nose tackle Star Lotulelei the line after he made 21 tackles and 2.5 tackles for loss last season. Lotulelei also played a few snaps at offensive guard. The Utes again will use 10 or more linemen at the four positions. The secondary is a concern, with cornerback Brandon Burton’s departure to the NFL meaning that Utah lost all four starters

Utah opens its season Sept. 1 vs. Montana State.

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