There are some very talented Ute players, but even taking my BYU bias aside, I just don't see that team as the 8th-best in the country. It would require a season of full health and some serious offensive overachievement in order for them to validate that ranking, even with their prized returners (Moss, Anae, Fotu, Penisini, Blackmon, etc.).
If I'm a Ute I'm expecting an 8-9 win regular season and hopefully a repeat appearance in the Pac12 championship as the winner of the weak South. Anything more than that is overachieving. I'd be surprised if they finish top 15.
The Utes are a beatable team and despite ESPN giving BYU only a 34% chance of winning, I see it more as 50/50. Go Cougs.
Link:
https://247sports.com/LongFormArticle/College-football-preseason-Top-25-2019-phil-steele-Alabama-Crimson-Tide-Texas-Longhorns-Oklahoma-Sooners-133474325/