- The Utah offense fell flat last year. The hope was for Cam Rising to come back and take over at quarterback again. He was hurt again, four different Utes attempted 30 or more passes, and the team finished 115th in total offense and 102nd in scoring.
In comes Jason Beck to fix this. The new offensive coordinator helped New Mexico finish fourth in the nation in total offense - part of that was because the attack had to keep rolling to make up for the lousy defense, though. But the O worked, and Beck is bringing along his main man to run it.
- Devon Dampier went off last year as the Lobo quarterback under Beck's coaching. He threw 12 interceptions and only hit 58% of his passes, but he made big plays, threw for close to 2,800 yards with 12 touchdowns, and he ran for 1,166 yards and 19 scores. Isaac Wilson will still get a look after leading the team with 1,510 yards and ten scores with 11 picks, but this is Dampier's gig.
- The Utes went big in the transfer portal for running backs and receivers, too. Wayshawn Parker is a slippery back who ran for 735 yards and four scores for Washington State, and New Mexico's NaQuari Rogers knows the system and how to work with Dampier.
- The running backs will be solid, even if Dampier is the main runner. The receivers will be a work in progress with several transfers taking over from a thin group of returning talent.
Keeping with the New Mexico theme, Ryan Davis was one of Dampier's top targets over the last two seasons, catching 54 passes last year.
Otto Tia was a nice 6-4 midrange receiver for Utah State, making 44 catches with seven scores in 2024 - he could see time at tight end along with Dallen Bentley. Creed Whitmore (Mississippi State) will work on the outside.
- It's Utah. The offensive line will be big and blasting, but this one needs to be a little quick, too, to deal with the faster pace and Dampier's style. Whatever - the line that gets everyone back is the best in the Big 12.
It starts with possible All-American Spencer Fano at one tackle spot, Caleb Lomu is a pro prospect on the other side, and the interior is once again really big and really, really good around 320-pound blaster Tanoa Togiai at guard.
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