With no powerhouse opponent on the docket, next year’s football schedule looks a lot like this year’s.
At least the Utes will gain a little national exposure from last year’s success.
Two games are slated to be nationally televised-away at MWC-newbie Texas Christian University and at home against Air Force the following week. Both games will be held on Thursday and are to be shown on ESPN or ESPN2.
“I’m very pleased with the schedule,” said first-year head coach Kyle Whittingham. “Playing two nationally televised Thursday games on ESPN is great exposure for the University of Utah. I also really like our non-conference schedule.”
The home opener comes against the Pac-10’s Arizona, and they later face the ACC’s North Carolina in one of the tougher games on the year.
The Tar Heels lost to the Utes 46-16 in last year’s contest at Rice-Eccles Stadium but should be a tougher match-up this year in Chapel Hill if they stay healthy.
A solid TCU team poses a difficult road threat, but Whittingham points out that the conference expansion is good for the Utes.
“We’re excited to have TCU back in our conference-among other reasons because it will help strengthen our recruiting ties to Texas,” Whittingham said.
As always, the U won’t meet Brigham Young until the final game of the regular season-this time in Provo.
2005 Utah Football Schedule
Thursday, Sept. 1 ArizonaSaturday, Sept. 10 Utah StateThursday, Sept. 15 at TCU*Thursday, Sept. 22 Air Force*Saturday, Oct. 1 at North CarolinaSaturday, Oct. 8 at Colorado State*Saturday, Oct. 15 San Diego State*Saturday, Oct. 22 at UNLV*Saturday, Oct. 29 byeSaturday, Nov. 5 Wyoming*Saturday, Nov. 12 New Mexico*Saturday, Nov. 19 at Brigham Young**Mountain West Conference game