5 things to look for in the offense

1. The same thing, only different.

Head coach Kyle Whittingham insists Utah's offense will have more similarities than differences to a year ago.

Offensive coordinator Andy Ludwig, who directed successful schemes at Fresno State and Oregon, takes control of a Utah offense that ranked third in the nation last season in scoring, yardage and pass efficiency.

The departure of quarterback Alex Smith and top receivers Paris Warren and Steve Savoy has necessitated an alteration or two, however. The Utes have incorporated a few pro sets this spring in an effort to build a more balanced attack.

"I'm just trying to identify the skills and abilities of our players and implement an offense that highlights those skills," said Ludwig. "So it'll be an ever-evolving process."

2. More I formations.

Utah's commitment to adjusting the offense to personal strengths will likely give tailbacks Quinton Ganther, Darryl Poston and Mike Liti more opportunities to carry the ball.

"What you're going to see a little bit differently from last year is more I-back stuff," said Whittingham. "It's not a wholesale change but it's a way to get our tailbacks the football and take some of the pressure off of Brian Johnson."

I formations allow the offense to feature the tailback a little bit more. Redshirt freshman Ray Stowers and new recruits Sean Smith and Darrell Mack give Utah depth in the backfield and a foundation to build upon.

3. Increased tight end involvement.

Make no mistake about it, says Whittingham, Utah still operates a four wide receiver, spread offense.

For the first time in two years, however, the Utes recruited tight ends and wound up signing a pair of talented ones. High school standouts Chris Joppru of Minnesota and Lance Bordeleau of California will join the mix this fall.

They'll join veterans Blake Burdette, Willie Sao and Chad Jacobsen, who are participating in spring ball, in competing for playing time. Burdette is the only returnee to have caught a pass last season. He had three receptions for 20 yards.

Though Whittingham acknowledges the likelihood of more tight end involvement in the offense, it'll still come down to putting the ball in the hands of the best players on the field.

4. A gradual re-spreading.