I think Utah went 8-4 with a Weber State level QB last year and injuries at nearly every critical position.
I think having a 7th year QB who led the team to two conference titles in his two full years matters. I think having so many returning starters, a bunch of injured guys coming back, a returning coaching staff, a returning special teams group, a bunch of quality transfers, and a significant home field advantage all matter.
But again, who cares what I or you think. We are both going to be biased. That’s why I always look to Vegas. They don’t care about us. And they seem to think Utah will be pretty dang good.