The Utah Utes promised a revamped offense this season after underwhelming in nearly every category a year ago.
So far, new offensive coordinator Jason Beck has delivered for the 3-0 Utes.
Utah ranks 15th in the country in total offense (517 yards per game) and 14th in scoring (45.7 points per game).
Here are four things Utah coach Kyle Whittingham likes about his new-look offense so far.
1. Devon Dampier living up to the hype
The New Mexico transfer arrived in Salt Lake City with high expectations. So far, Dampier has lived up to the hype in Whittingham’s eyes.
“I’d give him an A+,” the coach said when asked to grade his quarterback through three weeks. “Not only what he’s doing on the field, but his leadership, his impact on the team overall. He’s just been exactly what we hoped he would be.”
Dampier has completed 73% of his passes, good for 628 yards and seven touchdowns without throwing an interception. He has also run for 198 yards and a score.
While some may worry about Dampier’s risk of injury once he leaves the pocket, Whittingham isn’t so concerned.
“You can’t just take that away from him,” he said. “It’s such a huge part of his game, but you can hope he stays out of harm’s way as much as possible.
2. The O-line owning the trenches
Anchored by potential first-round NFL draft picks Spencer Fano and Caleb Lomu, the Utah O-line has been excellent to start the year.
“We expected that going into the season,” Whittingham said.
The Utes are averaging 290 yards per game on the ground to this point, seventh best among all FBS teams.
“That is a manifestation of good offensive line play,” the coach said this week.
3. Tight ends stepping up
Whatever synonym you can think of for the word steady, Whittingham would find it fitting for the play of Dallen Bentley.
The coach said the senior tight end is becoming a “solid, reliable, constant performer” both as a blocker and a receiver. Bentley has caught 11 passes for 112 yards and two scores on the year.
Freshman Hunter Andrews, meanwhile, has shown his versatility, catching eight balls for 63 yards and rushing 12 times for 108 yards and a score.
“He’s a guy that is multifaceted, multitalented and you saw him really take over the game on Saturday,” Whittingham said.
4. Another New Mexico transfer impressing
The Utes’ receiving corps has been one of the team’s big question marks.
But transfer Ryan Davis has quickly become Utah’s steadiest wideout.
Davis, a 5-foot-11 senior, transferred from New Mexico along with Dampier.
“He’s been a real plus for us,” Whittingham said. “He’s a very dependable receiver. Great hands, great routes. Not necessarily a guy that’s going to stretch the defense and get behind everybody, but he’s going to find the soft spots in the zone and work his way open.”
Davis has shown terrific chemistry with Dampier so far. He caught 10 passes for 91 yards in Utah’s win over Wyoming.
“If there’s a leader in the receiving room right now, I would say it is R.D.,” Whittingham said. “Everyone looks to him and really respects how he works and how he comes to practice every day with the right mindset.”