Utah Utes

2005 MWC predicted finish:

By media: 1st.

2004 record:

Overall: 12-0

Conference, and place: 7-0, 1st.

Number of returning starters:

Offense: 5.

Defense: 5

Key offensive players: Brian Johnson, quarterback: Texas teen with limited college experience is ticketed to replace Alex Smith. Quinton Ganther, running back: Senior expected to get a lot of carries in new offense. John Madsen, wide receiver: NFL prospect has the size and hands to become a star.

Key defensive players: Steve Fifita, defensive lineman: Fiesta Bowl MVP was named MWC preseason Defensive Player of the Year. Eric Weddle, safety: Junior expected to fill leadership role held in past by safeties Dave Revill and Morgan Scalley. Ryan Smith, cornerback: Talented defender is one of the top corners in the league.

Top newcomers: Brent Casteel: Multi-talented player is a threat to run, catch and return kicks. Brian Hernandez: Receiver from the junior college ranks could help fill holes at the position. Kelly Talavou: Coaches excited about the potential this Idaho transfer brings to the defensive line.

Key losses: Quarterback Alex Smith, wide receivers Paris Warren and Steve Savoy, running back Marty Johnson, offensive lineman Chris Kemoeatu, defensive tackle Sione Pouha, defensive ends Marquess Ledbetter and Jonathan Fanene, safety Morgan Scalley and kicker David Carroll.

Head coach: Kyle Whittingham, first year at the helm after 11 seasons as an assistant. Spent the past decade as Utah's defensive coordinator.

Best-case scenario for 2005: The Utes continue their winning ways despite heavy graduation losses and early exits to the NFL. Avoiding an abundance of major injuries, as was the case last season, is something Utah would love to duplicate.

Worst-case scenario: If starting quarterback Brian Johnson is ever sidelined with an injury, the Utes could be in big trouble. The position has yet to be completely restocked in the wake of Brett Elliott's transfer in 2004 and Alex Smith's early departure to the NFL.