Estimated read time: 4-5 minutes
LOGAN — This is Part 2 of the weekly series breaking down every Utah State football opponent leading up to the start of the 2024 season, and it's highlighted by a high-level in-state rival.
Utah Utes
Date: Saturday, Sept. 14, 2:30 p.m. MDT (CBSSN)
Location: Maverik Stadium; Logan, UT
2023 record: 8-5 (5-4 Pac-12)
Final AP ranking: N/A
Last meeting: Sept. 11, 2015, Salt Lake City; Utah won 24-14
Preseason win projection: 9.5 wins
The Utah Utes are coming into the 2024 season with something to prove.
Utah is now officially a member of the Big 12. And with the return of quarterback Cam Rising after missing last year with an injury, the Utes already have some high expectations.
Utah was picked by media to win the Big 12 title in its first year despite what can be considered a down 2023 season. But much of the reason the Utes struggled last year was injuries. Aside from Rising, Brant Kuithe missed all of last season with a knee injury, and linebacker Lander Barton was also hurt for part of the season.
But a fully healthy Utes squad certainly presents a problem for most teams in the country, let alone the Aggies. In one corner, Utah has stability — not only in its top players but also its coaching staff. Utah State, however, is dealing with upheaval in its program with Blake Anderson's likely firing.
Coach Kyle Whittingham is gearing up for another year at the helm. He'll turn 65 in November, but hasn't said much about retiring any time soon — although that hasn't made the question go away. Regardless, all signs point to Whittingham coaching for 2024.
The Utes did make a move recently that points to their future plans when Whittingham does decide to call it a career. The program named defensive coordinator Morgan Scalley its "coach in waiting" as part of the contract extension he signed in November.
On the offensive end, Rising will again lead the way as a versatile and deeply experienced quarterback. Having Kuithe back at tight end will help things, as well. That pairing is sure to engender confidence among not just the coaches but teammates, as well.
Utah lost last year's top running back, Ja'Quinden Jackson, to Arkansas, but the team retained rushers Jaylon Glover and Micah Bernard.
The wide receiver position has been a bit suspect in recent years for the Utes, but in Money Parks and Munir McClain, they have two players with a good amount of reps ready for bigger roles this year. It'll also be interesting to track Mycah Pittman's role. He transferred from Florida State in 2023, but saw action in only one game.
The team also brought in proven receiver Dorian Singer, who is expected to be a weapon for the Utes.
Utah ranked 13th in the country in total defense last year, allowing just 307.2 yards per game. Within that, it tied for fifth in first-down defense. Expect the Utes to continue hanging its hat on that side of the field.
This game, like many against top opponents, will be a difficult one for Utah State to pull off. The Utes are simply on another level compared to the Aggies. Fans should expect Utah State to get out of that game healthy, and not much else.
Temple Owls
Date: Saturday, Sept. 21 (TBA)
Location: Lincoln Financial Field; Philadelphia
2023 record: 3-9 (1-7 AAC)
Final AP ranking: N/A
Last meeting: N/A
Preseason win projection: 2.5 wins
Temple was not a good team last year, and there isn't much evidence to suggest things will be different in 2024.
Stan Drayton is entering his third year as head coach, where he's won a combined six games overall in that span, and just two conference games total. Temple's last winning season was in 2019.
The Owls were a poor offensive team last year, averaging just 21.1 points per game. Their defense wasn't any better, allowing 35.7 points.
It's safe to say Temple is a pass-first team; the Owls amassed about three times as many passing yards as rushing yards. The air attack was led by quarterback E.J. Warner, who transferred to Rice in the offseason. Forrest Brock may be Warner's replacement in the fall, but he appeared in just one game last year.
The Owls also lost their top rusher, Darvon Hubbard, who entered the transfer portal in January. But Joquez Smith remains on the roster after netting 325 rushing yards in 10 games last year.
USC grad transfer Ashton Allen transferred to Temple at the wide receiver position, a move some consider key for the Owls. Their two best receivers last year graduated.
Temple and Utah State have never met before, and both programs went through big changes with their rosters. The Aggies should theoretically win this game, but there is enough new on both sides that it could make it closer than many think.
