…be top 15 while BYU is far down that list. Generally those receiving National hype are on teams expected to compete for postseason play, while the season may be an uphill battle for our boys in Royal… (ouch— that was hard for me to type…)

That said, here are my contrarian points:

1. Rising relies heavily on his legs to make him the dynamic qb he showed in 2021 and 2022 (averaged ~6 ypc w 6 TDs/ yr). If he cannot run the same way and becomes more 1 dimensional, his passing ability is on the average side.

2. Even if his knee is back to 100%, there will likely be some rust for the first few games.

3. Utah is replacing 3 starting OL from last years team. There will be some catching up for his line during the first part of the season as they replace 60% of it.

4. Utah’s RB1 Jackson transferred (to Arkansas?) so they’re breaking in a new starter. The success of the new RB combined w/ their line gelling, will play a big factor in his/their success.

5. Other than Kuithe (also missed all last season and may not be 100 %), Rising has not thrown a single pass to any of the current WRs on the team. Again, will be some timing/ familiarity to work on with those catching balls during the first few weeks.

6. Their schedule doesn’t help Rising much either as they play Baylor, OK St and Arizona all during the first 5 games