They were difficult to watch at times. The team squeezed out 8 wins somehow thanks to good defense, good special teams, and finding a way to manufacture points, albeit painfully. And some luck.

Yes, there were injuries, and lots of them. Worst season I've seen injury-wise for the Utes in my time following the team. The only position on offense that didn't lose a starter (or key contributor) for the season was the WR's. It absolutely impacted their season. It exposed the fact that the Utes didn't have sufficient QB depth, particularly. They were playing their 3rd and 4th string QBs all year...5th string against CO. They started the season with a two-headed RB group, but one was lost for the season and the other played way below 100% all season. 3rd string RB played average, at best.

This year the offense - if healthy - should be much better. I'm not one of those fans who thinks that Rising is a guaranteed high draft pick / Heisman frontrunner, but when healthy he can be a good (to great) CFB QB. He's been in the offensive system forever now and will be surrounded by seniors at all of his skill positions. Because of that I think it's reasonable to anticipate that the offense could be much, much better. Will they be tops of the B12? I don't know, but they could be good (and much better than last year).

If Rising gets hurt again I don't think it would be unreasonable to expect the team to struggle again offensively. None of his back-ups are proven at a D1 level.

The defense should be solid. They are replacing both safeties (both drafted), but should be good at the rest of their positions. Their front seven should among the best in the conference.

We'll see how things go. I don't think it's crazy that Utah fans are optimistic. Playoff-level expectations? I don't know. At a minimum I'd like to see a healthy Rising all year, see the team finish in the top 3 or 4 teams in the conference, and win a bowl game.