Utah football: Looking forward

2006 FINISH: 8-5, 5-3 (T3rd)

PREDICTED 2007 FINISH: 3rd

FALL CAMP BEGINS: Aug. 4

SEASON BEGINS: Aug. 30 at Oregon State

STARTERS RETURNING: 15 (10 offense, 5 defense)

WHAT WE LEARNED FROM MWC MEDIA DAYS: The Utes are once again focusing on just two things — winning their opener against Oregon State and finishing first in Mountain West Conference play. The MWC's preseason poll, which coach Kyle Whittingham will likely use as some form of motivational tool, provided a clear-cut division in the league. Utah joined favorite TCU and defending champion BYU as the only teams to receive first-place votes. Individually, kicker Louie Sakoda was tabbed as the top special teams player.

KEY OFFENSIVE PLAYERS: Quarterback Brian Johnson is back after missing all of last season while recovering from knee surgery. The junior, who led the Mountain West Conference and ranked fourth nationally in total offense as a sophomore, directs an offense featuring nine others with starting experience — including the line and talented receivers like Brent Casteel and Brian Hernandez. Another player to watch is Snow College transfer Matt Asiata. He's expected to get a majority of the carries out of the backfield.

KEY DEFENSIVE PLAYERS: After being shut out on the preseason all-conference team, all 11 starters could be considered key performers. However, several players are in pivotal roles as the Utes adjust to life without the versatile Eric Weddle. Free safety Steve Tate provides senior leadership for a talented secondary featuring cornerbacks Brice McCain and Sean Smith. Utah's linebacking corps is solid with returning seniors Kyle Brady, Joe Jiannoni and Malakai Mokofisi. Up front, Gabe Long and Kenape Eliapo are the new starting tackles.

TOP NEWCOMERS: All eyes are on Asiata. The running back is expected to have an immediate impact on Utah's ground game. Darryl Poston topped the Utes with 553 yards last season. Other new faces to watch include safeties Deshawn Richard and Damilyn Tanner. The junior college transfers are currently holding No. 2 spots on the depth chart. In general terms, all of the new starters on defense are stepping into positions of responsibility, and expectations are high.