Phil Steele Offers Predictions On Utah, BYU, Utah State
Jun 25, 2019, 9:00 PM
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SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – College football expert Phil Steel recently released his annual College Football Preview magazine for 2019.
In the 25th anniversary issue, Steele, who also recently appeared on Cougar Tracks with KSL Sports’ Mitch Harper, gave his take on every single FBS football team, as he does every single year from his home office in Cleveland.
The longtime expert placed Utah’s Bradlee Anae on the regional cover of the magazine and inside its pages gave his take on the Utes, Cougars and Aggies.
Here’s what Steele had to say about Utah, BYU and Utah State.
Expect Big Things For Utah
According to Steele’s computer model, he’s expecting the Utes, under newly re-hired offensive coordinator Andy Ludwing, to have their best year on offense since the 2008 season.
“This year seven starters are back including QB (Tyler) Huntley and RB (Zach) Moss with our computer calling for 33.8 points per game which would be the highest since Ludwig left,” wrote Steele.
The results are in and the 2019 #UteArmourMadness champion is the Throwback. Thanks to everyone who voted. Already can’t wait for next year! pic.twitter.com/hphikXwDSc
— UtesEquipment (@UtesEquipment) June 22, 2019
Steele has high hopes for Utah this season and sees them potentially going far in 2019.
“Utah is my #1 Surprise Team this year (darkhouse playoff contender),” wrote Steele with obvious excitement.
BYU Could Get To Seven Wins
The Cougars are returning a highly experienced squad on offense and Steele thinks that’ll make a big difference for BYU in 2019.
“This year with nine starters back led by Wilson, I think they could have their best offensive numbers since at least 2014,” predicted Steele.
🎥 // BYU FOOTBALL MEDIA DAY #BYUFOOTBALL #GoCougs #BYUMediaDay pic.twitter.com/wjDFd4DuAk
— BYU FOOTBALL (@BYUfootball) June 19, 2019
While the Cougars face a murderer’s row in the first four games of the season, with Utah, Tennessee, USC and Washington out the gates, Steele thinks that BYU could finish with a better record than they did last year at 7-6.
“If Wilson continues to improve at QB this team does have a shot at topping last year’s seven win total and their top priority might just be ending that eight game losing streak to Utah,” said Steele.
Utah State Could Take Step Back, Still Challenge In Mountain West
The Aggies were one of the top teams in the country on offense last season, but Steele is projecting a drop off in their effectiveness.
“They cannot be as potent as ’18 with just two starters back, but the offense should be solid with QB (Jordan) Love at the helm,” predicted Steele.
.@jordan3love ✈️ @thegreat_3#TouchdownTuesday pic.twitter.com/isUNIWcs6Z
— USU Football (@USUFootball) June 25, 2019
2018 will be a hard act to follow for Utah State. Steele knows it, but still thinks the Aggies can do big things this season.
“I do not see them matching last year’s 11 wins, but they are my Mountain West Mountain division contender,” wrote Steele.
Steele’s magazine is available here.
