I firmly believe that the 2004 Utah team would have run through the PAC10 and smashed into USC giving them a real fight. Everyone wants to point to depth as the reason why Utah struggled early on in the P12 (which isn't false) but, Utah also didn't have any quarterback play. And has struggled with injuries and inconsistency at the position since joining the league. It's not surprising that Utah's best year's 2004 & 2009 had amazing quarterback play to go along with their always good defense.
How would the 2004 and 2009 Utah teams faired in the PAC 10? Considering the league wasn't really world beaters then. Would Utah have won the league? 09 Utes not as strong as 04 but the PAC 10 was down that year. 04 Utes, every bit as strong as that league with the exception of USC.
2004
- USC Final Ranking #1
- Cal Final Ranking #9
- Arizona State Final Ranking #19
2009
- Oregon #11
- USC #22