SALT LAKE CITY — The University of Utah football team ended its 2014 season with a 9-4 record, including a Las Vegas Bowl win. There have been several changes to the team in the offseason, from graduating seniors to coaching changes. Here’s a look at five things to watch this upcoming season as the Utes seek to win the Pac-12 south division.

Impressive running game.

Devontae Booker is the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of Utah’s running game. The running back rushed for 1,512 yards last season, ranking second in the Pac-12 with an average 116.3 yards per game. His seven 100-yard games — five coming in consecutive conference games — tied for third in a season in program history. Booker’s 229 yards against Oregon State was the best single-game rushing total in the Pac-12 in 2014.

But while Booker is the workhorse for Utah’s running game, he isn’t the only rushing asset on the field. Last year, quarterbacks Travis Wilson and Kendal Thompson attributed for a combined 501 yards on 170 carries.

A key factor to the Utah’s running success is the offensive line. Several players are returning, such as left tackle J.J. Dielmen, left guard Isaac Asiata, center Siaosi Aiono, right guard Salesi Uhatafe and right tackle Sam Tevi. The offensive line has tremendous depth as well, including redshirt freshman Jackson Barton and junior Hiva Lutui who can start if need be.

The offensive line will help the high expectations set for Booker this upcoming year. He is named to the Maxwell Award watch list, honoring college football’s Player of the Year. More notably, he’s a Heisman Trophy candidate.

If Booker happens to go down with an injury, the Utes have the depth to stay competitive at the position. Troy McCormick was listed behind Booker, but suffered a season-ending knee injury in spring camp. Bubba Poole is more than likely to be the backup, although he moved to slot receiver. There’s also junior college transfer Joseph Williams, who has similar size and speed to Booker.

The Utes are sure to keep up last season’s rushing success. Booker played sparingly in the first three games of the 2014 season. With a full season ahead while vying for the Heisman, Booker should have his best season yet. Perhaps it’s safe to say we’ve seen a glimpse of what the running back can do.

Quarterback déjà vu.

The quarterback is the most important player on the field. The last time a Utah quarterback started every game in a season was Brian Johnson in 2008.

Wilson and Thompson competed week after week for the starting spot until Thompson suffered a season-ending injury in November against Oregon. But starting the game never guaranteed playing all 60 minutes. For example, coaches benched Wilson against UCLA after three three-and-outs, giving Thompson the opportunity to lead the Utes to a 30-28 victory. Thompson started the following week at Oregon State. He struggled and Wilson returned to the field after halftime.

As for this fall, Utah will probably meet a similar situation. Both are seniors eager to get a lot of playing time, especially Thompson who is set to return from his injury. There’s also freshman Chase Hansen, who head coach Kyle Whittingham said would get reps in the fall.

Wilson is the team’s starter for now. It’s his job to lose, considering he’s been a three-year starter and he has an offensive coordinator who supports him.

Continuity with offensive coordinators.

In eight years, the Utes have had eight offensive coordinators. Aaron Roderick and Jim Harding will together coordinate the offense in 2015. During spring practice, Whittingham said the coaches have their responsibilities “all mapped out” with Roderick calling plays.

Roderick, who recruited Wilson, was promoted from quarterbacks' coach. Harding was the former offensive line coach. This will be the first year in a while that the Utes have a similar offense for more than one year, using the same terminology and plays. Instead of learning an all new offense, the team can focus on perfecting what didn’t work last year. It’s the first time in Wilson’s collegiate career that there is continuity with offensive coaches and it’s sure to make an impact.

Replacing receivers.

Utah lost three — Kaelin Clay, Dres Anderson and Westlee Tonga — of its four best receivers to graduation. Replacing them is a looming cloud, but the team is adjusting.

Since Booker took over as starting running back last season, this year’s plan is to get Poole a more meaningful role as a slot receiver. His experience at running back will allow him to juke linebackers and run over smaller defensive backs.

The Utes still have Kenneth Scott, who had the team’s most receptions (48) last season. He caught the game-winning touchdown in double overtime against Stanford, where he had four receptions for 71 yards.

Returning receivers Tim Patrick, Delshawn McClellon, Jameson Fields and Kenric Young are other players who need to step up this year. The Utes have a lot of options in their receiving corps, some players’ talents known more than others. It’s just a matter of if each can contribute to the caliber, perhaps more, than last year’s did.

Hatfield hiatus.

The latest news from the Utah football team came Friday. Cornerback Dominique Hatfield, who started 10 games in 2014, has been dismissed from the program after "further concerns" of his off-the-field issues developed, following his alleged aggravated robbery and theft case.

He was projected to start in the secondary, after an excellent 2014 season and spring camp performance. His most memorable moment from last season is a 20-yard interception return for a touchdown, securing a victory over Colorado.

Whittingham suspended Hatfield Monday, waiting for the case to run its course in court. Despite the termination, there are a lot of experienced defensive backs that can step up to the occasion.

Reggie Porter, who would've started last year if he hadn’t injured his knee in fall camp, will be Eric Rowe’s replacement. He was listed to start opposite of Hatfield. Casey Hughes and Tavaris Williams are on the depth chart behind Porter, but they can be moved to the other side.

The nation’s second-ranked junior college cornerback prospect Cory Butler might also ease his way up the depth chart. One of the Utes more experienced cornerbacks, South Carolina transfer Ahmad Christian, missed spring camp with an injury. Pending his health, he may see playing time as well starting opposite Porter.

One of the more probable players to replace Hatfield is Brian Allen. He's an experienced junior who converted from wide receiver. Weighing 200 pounds, the 6-foot-3 corner can go up against big receivers in the Pac-12.

As for the rest of the secondary, Justin Thomas will be at nickel. Tevin Carter will return at strong safety, alongside Marcus Williams who hopes to start at free safety. There are a lot of options for Utah in its secondary, so it should be one of the strongest in years.

Although Utah has met many changes this offseason, this season’s team has the opportunity to be better than last year. There’s continuity on the offense and a lot of depth on the defense. The future looks bright for the Utes.

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