Utah Football Quickly Understanding Pressures Of Growing Expectation

SALT LAKE CITY – Utah Football is riding a wave of momentum following a triumphant 2021 campaign that concluded with a narrow loss against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the Rose Bowl.

Naturally, the Utah fanbase is optimistic about the 2022 season. Multiple national media entities have already pegged the Utes to be a playoff contender in 2022, adding to the pressure to perform.

The Utes are enduring an interesting spell within their history and are quickly learning about the rigors of being a premier college football enterprise.

The Senate recognizes @Utah_Football & @UtahCoachWhitt for an incredible season. After the painful loss of 2 teammates (both #22), they committed to being 22% better. The Utes became the 1st in program history to win a @Pac12 championship & earn a place in the Rose Bowl. #GoUtes pic.twitter.com/f77W9CwU1v

— Utah Senate (@utahsenate) February 23, 2022

In a self-fulfilling prophecy, Utah may rise or fall depending on our expectations and beliefs.

Utah football has grown into the giant it has become. A decade ago, a Pac-12 win felt like a miracle, now, a Pac-12 win feels natural and appropriate.

When expectations are low they become easier to fulfill. Fans simply do not expect success, therefore, when success occurs it feels unique. Conversely, when the expectations are high Utah must win to satisfy the demands of its fans. Anything less will quickly create a sense of disdain amongst the faithful.

Winning consistently at the college level is a constant struggle. Very few programs in the history of the game have been able to achieve consistent success over a multiple-year period.

Thank you Mayor Wilson & Mayor Mendenhall for declaring today 22% more for @Utah_Football day in Salt Lake City & Salt Lake County. #GoUtes | #22forever pic.twitter.com/X3eTHS7gRp

— Utah Athletics (@utahathletics) February 23, 2022

Which begs the question.

What is a realistic expectation for Utah in 2022?

Is it unfair to assume that if they do not win the conference then they have failed?

Under the guidance and leadership of Kyle Whittingham, the expectation will always be great, and understandably so. Whittingham is yet to show the ability to lose, in fact, in the 16 seasons that Whittingham has acted as the Utes head coach, he has only endured 2 losing seasons. Remarkable.

It is important to demand a lot from the people you love. In fact, a demanding fanbase can be taken as a sign of respect for the Utes.

Utah will, as Utah has always done over the last decade, expect to win the Pac-12 Conference, and while the pressure to perform will occasionally feel overwhelming, the challenge to fulfill will always create a thriving, competitive locker room.