What Is 1987 Utah Utes football team

Overview

The 1987 Utah Utes football team represented the University of Utah in the 1987 NCAA Division I-A football season. Competing as an independent program, the team was led by head coach Chuck Stobart in his fourth and final year at the helm.

The Utes posted a losing record, finishing with a 5–6 overall mark. Despite the subpar record, the team showed offensive improvement under Stobart’s leadership, scoring 252 points across 11 games.

• Record: The team finished with a 5–6 overall record, failing to qualify for postseason play.
• Head Coach: Chuck Stobart led the Utes for the fourth consecutive season before stepping down after 1987.
• Points Scored: Utah tallied 252 points, averaging 23.0 points per game, ranking 57th nationally in scoring.
• Home Stadium: The Utes played home games at Rice Stadium, a 26,300-seat venue in Salt Lake City.
• Independent Status: Utah did not belong to a conference in 1987, scheduling opponents independently.

Season Performance

The 1987 campaign was marked by inconsistency, with the Utes starting strong but fading in the second half of the season. Several close losses contributed to their losing record, highlighting competitive struggles against stronger programs.

• Early Wins: Utah began the season 3–1, defeating teams like New Mexico State and Utah State.
• Key Losses: The Utes suffered narrow defeats to Air Force (24–23) and Colorado State (34–33).
• Offensive Leader: Quarterback Brent Barkdoll threw for 1,729 yards and 10 touchdowns on the season.
• Defensive Struggles: The defense allowed 282 points, averaging 25.6 points per game against opponents.
• Final Game: The season ended with a 38–21 loss to rival BYU in the Holy War game.
• Season End: The 5–6 record marked the end of Stobart’s tenure, leading to a coaching change in 1988.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 1987 Utah Utes season compares to other years in program history:

The 1987 season was typical of Utah’s performance in the late 1980s—competitive but not dominant. The Utes struggled to achieve consistency, often finishing around .500. This era preceded Utah’s rise in the 2000s under coaches like Urban Meyer.

Why It Matters

While not a standout season, the 1987 Utah Utes reflect a transitional period in the program’s history. It marked the end of Chuck Stobart’s tenure and set the stage for future changes that would eventually elevate the program.

• Coaching Transition: Stobart’s departure opened the door for Jim Fassel, who would coach through 1994.
• Program Identity: The independent status highlighted Utah’s lack of conference affiliation before joining the WAC in 1996.
• Recruiting Shifts: The era saw early efforts to strengthen recruiting in the Western U.S. to build a stronger roster.
• Stadium Legacy: Rice Stadium hosted Utes games until 2001, when Rice-Eccles Stadium opened.
• Historical Context: The late 1980s were a developmental phase before Utah’s breakout success in the 2000s.
• Fan Engagement: Despite losing records, fan support remained steady, laying groundwork for future growth.

The 1987 season may not be remembered for victories, but it played a role in shaping the long-term trajectory of Utah football, leading to greater stability and eventual conference realignment.