I don't know why Ute fans are looking for a cliff to jump off of. On the road against a decent team with a chance to win late. No shame there. Relax.
I think, once the dust settled, most of us have calmed down. I agree with your brief analysis, and believe that USU is (was) probably as underrated as they have ever been. Gordon damn, I'd love to have Keeton on my team...
It would be nice to capitalize on the strength of our defense this year, but our offense would need to mature rapidly to make significant noise. I am encouraged by the little nuggets we've seen of Travis Wilson, but he is nowhere close to ready to take this team on his shoulders. I expect good things of him in the years upcoming.
There is still hope that the team will galvanize, and make a respectable show in conference.