The math makes sense. Going into the 2017 football season, Utah had to replace four starters on the offensive line. This year, the Utes had only one vacancy in the starting lineup.
The outcome of that position duel between redshirt freshman Nick Ford and sophomore Orlando Umana officially remains undecided, with Thursday night’s season opener vs. Weber State approaching. Both of them are likely to play considerably, as the competition continues.
The next question is whether the line can do a better job of pass protection in 2018, after a season when the Utes finished near the bottom of the FBS by allowing 39 sacks in 13 games.