No. 25 Utah

Coach: Kyle Whittingham

Years at school: 4

Record: 37-14

Last season: 13-0, 8-0 Mountain West

Bowl game: Beat Alabama 31-17 in the Sugar Bowl

Overview: Kyle Whittingham took the coaching mantle from Urban Meyer and has
taken Utah to the next level. The Utes went undefeated in the regular season
last year, finished sixth in the final BCS standings, then beat Alabama in
the Sugar Bowl. Whittingham's teams have won all four of their bowl games.
Utah probably still has plenty of doubters, but it made a statement last
season. Can the Utes continue?

Key returnees: RB Matt Asiata, Sr.; LB Mike Wright, Sr.; LB Stevenson
Sylvester, Sr.; S Robert Johnson, Sr.; S Joe Dale Sr.

Why Utah is dangerous: TCU is known for its defensive prowess, but Utah's
defense showed in the Sugar Bowl that it can play with the best. The Utes
were 10th in the nation in scoring defense and 11th in rushing defense and
total defense. Utah returns two top linebackers in Mike Wright and Stevenson
Sylvester, and two top safeties in Robert Johnson and Joe Dale. All are
seniors.

Why Utah is vulnerable: Utah returns running back Matt Asiata, who rushed
for 797 yards last season. But the Utes will be breaking in a new
quarterback and will have to find a new go-to receiver.

Prediction: Going undefeated again is highly unlikely, especially because
the Utes have a road game against Oregon. Utah also plays its two toughest
conference opponents ‹ TCU and BYU ‹ away from home. The Utes, at best, will
finish 10-2, but 9-3 or worse is more likely.