Utah Football: Ranking Utes’ 2020 opponents by toughness

While Montana State was one of the best teams in the FCS last year, going 11-4 and 6-2 in the Big Sky, I don’t see the Bobcats posing much of a threat to Utah.

The Bobcats made it all the way to the FCS semifinals before losing to eventual champion North Dakota State and while they return a ton of talent, they have to figure out the quarterback situation. Montana State brings back Tucker Rovig, but NC State transfer Matthew McKay could win that starting job.

While this game in Laramie may never happen, if it does, Utah might have its hands full with the Cowboys. Wyoming finished with eight wins in 2019 and it returns 11 starters.

The Cowboys have a quarterback dilemma on their hands. Sean Chambers returns for his sophomore year after passing for 915 yards and seven touchdowns last year, but his accuracy could use some work. He’ll be pushed by redshirt freshman Levi Williams but whoever starts will have a big-time weapon in Xazavian Valladay returning to the backfield — he’s also the team’s lead returning receiver.

Defensively, the Cowboys had the fourth-best unit in the Mountain West and it was good for 43rd nationally. This will be a tough test for Utah (again, if it does even happen).