College Football Rankings 2017: Projected AP Top 25 after Week 1
By Zach Bigalke
Utah looked completely different on offense from last year’s team. New offensive coordinator Troy Taylor implemented a pass-happy system after running back Joe Williams graduated. The result was a slow start, as FCS North Dakota took a first-quarter lead by a field goal. Once the offense warmed up, though, it overwhelmed the Fighting Hawks at Rice-Eccles Stadium.
Tyler Huntley threw for 227 yards and a touchdown and rushed for 70 yards and two more scores. Zach Moss carried 22 times for 128 yards and a rushing touchdown. Darren Carrington II, a summer transfer from Oregon, led Utes receivers with 10 catches for 127 yards and a touchdown. It was a balanced offensive effort that looked natural, as though the group had been together for years rather than cobbled together in the offseason.
As a result, Utah should leap from those also receiving votes into the AP Top 25 this week. They take on BYU next weekend in Provo in the Holy War, then finish the non-conference schedule in Salt Lake City against San Jose State in two weeks.