The last time the Utah football team took the field at Rice-Eccles Stadium, hearts were ripped from chests and children (in some cases grown men) wept. Johnny Harline's touchdown reception as time expired broke many hearts. In the process, however, it may have strengthened the will of the Ute football team altogether.

A lot has happened since that tragic November afternoon. Instead of packing it in after one of the toughest losses in history, the team stood together and finished strong. The Utes dominated a well-coached Tulsa team in the Armed Forces Bowl behind solid special teams play, particularly from Louie Sakoda.

That strong finish carried over to the spring. The Utes provided fans and the coaching staff with an excellent spring. On April 21, the Utes capped off a productive spring with an exciting and dominating display at the annual Red-White spring football game. Although the starters were pitted against the backups, the 59-7 drubbing the Red Team gave the White Team was impressive.

Quarterback Brian Johnson regained command of an offense that was often inconsistent in 2006. Equally impressive was wide receiver Brent Casteel, who put an exclamation point on a fantastic spring with 81 yards rushing and 91 yards receiving.

So what's next for Utah football? What should we be excited about?

Head coach Kyle Whittingham is entering his third year. The learning curve should be gone. The bumps he has suffered are behind him.

We know Whittingham is a great defensive coordinator and he is a stand-up person--now it is time we find what a great head coach he is. This should be the year he proves to everyone why there was practically a fistfight going on between Utah and BYU for his coaching services. The pressure cooker could not be whistling any louder for Whittingham after Cougar head coach Bronco Mendenhall, BYU's second choice, helped the Cougar football team return to national prominence after just two years on the job.

So far, Whittingham's teams have suffered from inconsistency and complacency. His 2007 squad has tools to combat those issues with the stability and leadership of quarterback Brian Johnson. In addition, Wittingham has a crop of experienced receivers that will help the offense remain consistent.

Johnson ranked fourth nationally in total offense in 2005, ahead of former Heisman candidates Vince Young, Matt Lienart, Brady Quinn and 2006 Heisman winner Troy Smith. The numbers he has been able to put up, coupled with the learning experience he has gained over the last two years, are sure to pay off for the Utes in 2007.

Losing safety Eric Weddle will hurt. Enter Sean Smith: height, 6-3; weight, 217; 4.5-second 40-yard dash and a 35- inch vertical. And he dances like Deion Sanders--I saw it myself during the spring game when he picked off a pass during the second half. The former Blair High School (California) star is poised to have a sensational season after moving from wide receiver to cornerback at the end of last year.

Somebody has to fill the clown-sized shoes Eric Weddle left behind. Why not Sean Smith? He has the opportunity to be special. His size and speed are huge and could prove to be a great help to a defensive unit that is retooling.

The Utes have a lot to prove this upcoming season. The key is, they have the tools to prove whatever they want. After two up-and-down seasons, it is time the Utes finally gained control of their talent and put it on their opponents. Expect a big year.

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