2009 Utah Utes football team
Encyclopedia
The 2009 Utah Utes football team represented the University of Utah
in the 2009 NCAA Division I FBS football season
. The team, coached by 5th year head football coach Kyle Whittingham
, played its home games in Rice–Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City, Utah
.
The Utes finished the season 10–3, 6–2 in Mountain West
play and won the San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl
37–27 over California
.
by media members covering the league. TCU
was picked to finish first and BYU
was picked second. Utah garnered three first–place votes out twenty-four total ballots. In the preseason AP Poll
, Utah was ranked #19, and in the preseason Coaches' Poll they were ranked #18.
, Utah lost both coordinators to other programs. Defensive coordinator
Gary Andersen
accepted a job as head coach of Utah State
. Kalani Sitake
, who had been the coach of the linebacker
s, replaced Andersen as defensive coordinator; Sitake continued his duties as linebacker coach. Offensive coordinator
Andy Ludwig
accepted the same position with Kansas State
(and then less than two months later accepted the same position with California
. Dave Schramm
, the former running back coach, was promoted to offensive coordinator. Aaron Alford, who had been coaching cornerback
s, replaced Schramm as running back coach. J.D. Williams was hired to replac Alford as coach of the cornerbacks. Utah also lost offensive line coach Charlie Dickey to Kansas State. He was replaced by Blake Miller. John Pease was hired to coach the defensive line, a position which previously did not have a position coach. Finally, safeties coach Morgan Scalley took over Schramm's duties as recruiting coordinator.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Utes won their home opener, beating rival Utah State
for the 12th consecutive time, extending their winning streak to a best-in-the-nation 15 games including games from the 2008
and 2007 seasons
. This was the first game for former Utah defensive coordinator, and new Utah State head coach, Gary Andersen
. Junior college
transfer Terrance Cain won in his debut at quarterback
for the Utes, completing 20 of 30 attempts for 286 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception, while running back
Matt Asiata
ran for a career-best 156 yards and two touchdowns and David Reed
caught 10 passes for 172 yards. Utah State managed to force three turnovers, and running back Robert Turbin
set a school record with a 96-yard touchdown run that accounted for nearly a third of the Aggies' offensive total for the game.
Utah Leads Series: 5 – 1 – 0
The Utah Utes extended their winning streak to sixteen games—the longest winning streak in the nation—with their 24–14 victory over the Spartans. Utah missed three field goals and lost two fumbles, which kept the game close despite outgaining San Jose State 499 yards to 264 yards. Receiver John Peel had Utah's first fumble and running back Matt Asiata
had the second. The two teams entered the fourth quarter tied at 7–7. Utah took the lead when quarterback Terrance Cain completed a 51-yard pass to Jereme Brooks to take a 14–7 lead. On the Utes' next drive, it took a 21–7 lead after running back Eddie Wide had consecutive 15-yard runs. San Jose State responded with a touchdown drive on their next possession. Utah's backup place kicker, Joe Phillips, capped a 56-yard drive with a successful field goal for the final score of the game.
Oregon beat Utah at Autzen Stadium
and snapped Utah's sixteen game winning streak. The game improved Oregon's record to 2–1 (0–0 Pac-10) and dropped Utah's record to 2–1 (0–0 MWC
). Both teams struggled with turnovers—Utah had two and Oregon had four for the game.
Utah trailed by 18 points midway through the third quarter, but managed to cut the deficit to 4 points with two consecutive touchdowns. The first came when quarterback Terrance Cain completed 22-yard pass to receiver Jereme Brooks. The next touchdown came less than a minute later when safety Robert Johnson
picked up an Oregon fumble and returned it 28-yards for a touchdown. That would be the last score for the Utes. Oregon added a final field goal for the final 31–24 score when place kicker Morgan Flint connected on a 31 yard attempt.
Utah Leads Series: 4 – 0 – 0
The Utes were able to return to their winning ways with their victory over Louisville, but they lost starting senior running back
Matt Asiata
for the season when he tore the ACL
on his right knee during a 24-yard touchdown run with 6:04 remaining in the first quarter. Entering the game, Asiata had been the season-leader in the Mountain West Conference
for rushing yards.
Running back Eddie Wide made the most of his opportunity and had a career high 129 yards rushing in the game. Overall Utah outgained Louisville on the ground 214 yards to 80 yards. The Utes also were able to force Louisville to make three turnovers while only having one turnover themselves.
The win improved Utah's record to 3–1 (0–0 MWC) while dropping Louisville to 1–2 (0–0 Big East
). The win was the fortieth career win for Utah's coach Kyle Whittingham
. He is the fifth Utah coach to have forty victories with the Utes. He joins Ike Armstrong
, Jack Curtice
, Ray Nagel
, and Ron McBride
.
After the season ended, the NCAA
granted Asiata a one-year extension of eligibility. Because of his injuries, he was granted a "medical hardship" or a medical redshirt.
Safety Robert Johnson
intercepted three passes from Colorado State quarterback Grant Stucker and helped the Utes secure a victory in Utah's Mountain West Conference
(MWC) season opener. The victory improved Utah's record to 4–1 (1–0 MWC) and dropped Colorado State's record to 3–3 (0–2 MWC). Colorado State took a 17–3 lead with 4:53 remaining in the third quarter with a seven play, 79–yard drive when Grant Zucker completed a 36-yard pass to Dion Morton for a touchdown. Utah responded 36 seconds later with a two play, 57-yard drive when Terrance Cain completed 47-yard pass to David Reed
to make the score 17–10.
Robert Johnson made his first interception on Colorado State's next possession. Utah took advantage of the turnover with a seventeen play, 73–yard touchdown drive when running back
Eddie Wide scored on a 1-yard run. The Utes converted on third down four times during the drive. With the score tied, Colorado State was driving and had moved the ball to the 50-yard line when Johnson made his second interception. Utah again took advantage of the turnover and scored a touchdown off a 8-yard reception by Eddie Wide. Johnson ended a third consecutive Colorado State drive with his third interception and ensured the victory for Utah. Following the game, the MWC named Robert Johnson its defensive player of the week.
Utah capitalized on two UNLV turnovers in the first half and jumped to a 28–6 halftime lead on the way to a 35–15 victory at Sam Boyd Stadium
in Las Vegas, Nevada
. The win improved Utah's record to 5–1 (2–0 MWC
) and dropped UNLV's record to 2–5 (0–3 MWC). The first UNLV turnover occurred during the second quarter when Robert Johnson
intercepted a pass from Omar Clayton
and returned it to the UNLV 8–yard line. Two plays later, Utah scored on a touchdown run by quarterback Terrance Cain. On UNLV's next drive, Robert Johnson scored again when his teammate Christian Cox intercepted a pass and then fumbled the ball into Johnson's hands who returned the ball 64 yards for a touchdown.
UNLV narrowed Utah's lead to 14 points by scoring 9 points during the third quarter. UNLV scored a touchdown on a 20-yard pass from backup quarterback Mike Clausen to Phillip Payne, but the Rebels failed on a two-point conversion
attempt. The Rebels next drive was capped by a 37-yard filed goal by Kyle Watson. Utah would score the final points in the game during the fourth quarter when Eddie Wide scored a touchdown on a 37-yards run.
Air Force Leads Series: 14 – 12 – 0
Utah defeated Air Force in overtime despite gaining fewer yards and having two turnovers to Air Force's one. Air Force also had the ball on offense for over 38 minutes while Utah only had the ball for 21 minutes. The win improved Utah's record to 6–1 (3–0 MWC) and dropped Air Force's record to 4–4 (3–2 MWC).
Running back Eddie Wide scored two of Utah's touchdowns. The first touchdown came during the first quarter after he recovered a Terrance Cain fumble and advanced the ball 44 yards. His second touchdown game during overtime on a 1-yard run. He finished the game with 121 yards rushing. Utah's other touchdown came on a 90-yard pass from Cain to David Reed
.
After the game, punter Ryan Sellwood was named the Mountain West Conference Special Teams Player of the Week. He averaged 48.1 yards on his eight punts. He also placed three punts inside the twenty-yard line, including one on the 3-yard line with 3:44 left in regulation and another at the 7-yard line with :20 left in regulation.
Wyoming led most of the game, but Utah managed to outscore the Cowboys in the fourth quarter and get the win. The game dropped Wyoming's record to 4–4 (2–2 MWC
) and improved Utah's record to 7–1 (4–0 MWC).
Wyoming took a 10–3 lead with 4:56 to play in the second quarter when quarterback Austyn Carta-Samuels scored on a 30-yard pass-and-catch play from backup quarterback Robert Benjamin. That would remain the score going into halftime. Coach Kyle Whittingham
decided the team needed a "spark" so when the Ute offense took the field during the second half, freshman backup Jordan Wynn replaced Terrance Cain as quarterback. The move seemed to work as Utah scored two field goals on its first two possessions of the second half to cut Wyoming's lead to 10–9. Utah had its first lead of the game at the 7:35 mark in the fourth quarter when Wynn completed a 22-yard pass to receiver Jereme Brooks. Utah scored its final touchdown after Wyoming failed to convert on fourth down and turned the ball over on its own 9-yard line. Two plays later, Eddie Wide scored a touchdown on a 5-yard run.
After the game, the Mountain West Conference honored two Utah players as players of the week: Eddie Wide as Offensive Player of the Week and Defensive End Koa Misi
as Defensive Player of the Week. Wide rushed for a career high 135 yards and also had a touchdown. He averaged 5.6 yards per carry and had his fifth consecutive game with 100 or more yards. Misi led the Utes with eight tackles (seven solo). He had two sacks
in the second half, during which the Utes prevented the Cowboys from scoring and held them to 74 yards of offense.
Utah put up over 550 yards of offense in the first start by quarterback Jordan Wynn. Wynn was a true freshman and became the third true freshman quarterback to start for Utah since 1972 when the NCAA reinstated eligibility for freshman. He passed for 297 yards and two touchdowns, but had one interception. The win improved Utah's record to 8–1 (5–0 MWC) and dropped New Mexico to 0–9 (0–5 MWC).
Eddie Wide rushed for 145 yards, a new personal best, in his sixth consecutive 100-yard rushing game, which is a new Utah record. Sausan Shakerin also added 100 yards rushing. Receiver Jereme Brooks had six catches for 135 yards and a touchdown.
ESPN held its two hour College GameDay show from outside TCU's Amon G. Carter Stadium
to promote the day's college games—including the TCU–Utah game. The program aired live starting at 8:00 AM MT
.
With the 55–28 win over the Utes, the Horned Frogs took sole position of first place in the Mountain West Conference, improved their record to 10–0 (6–0 MWC), and dropped Utah to 8–2 (5–1 MWC). The Utah defense struggled against TCU and allowed them to amass 549 yards of total offense and 32 first downs.
Utah fell behind for good late in the first quarter. After Utah tied the game at 7–7, TCU scored 28 straight points to take a 35–7 lead with 11:40 remaining in the second quarter. TCU took advantage of Utah mistakes during their scoring run. TCU took a 14–7 lead and then on the ensuing Utah possession, Greg Burks for TCU blocked Sean Sellwood's punt. Six plays later, TCU took a 21–7 lead. TCU also intercepted quarterback Jordan Wynn and returned the ball 15 yards for a touchdown. The rest of the game, the teams traded scores with Utah scoring 21 more points and TCU scoring 20.
After the game, the MWC named TCU sophomore linebacker Tank Carder as its Defensive Player of the Week. Carder had nine tackles during the game, including one for a loss, and an interception that he returned for a touchdown.
The Utes scored a touchdown on four of their first five possessions on their way to a 38–0 halftime lead. Utah did not score the rest of the game, but still had a 31 point victory over the Aztecs, who got on the board late in the 4th quarter. The victory improved Utah's record to 9–2 (6–1 MWC) and dropped San Diego State to 4–7 (2–5 MWC).
Receiver Jereme Brooks had seven catches for 100 yards and a touchdown, and David Reed
added six catches for 89 yards. Running back Eddie Wide led the Utes in rushing with sixteen carries for 84 yards and two touchdowns. Safety Joe Dale also had a touchdown when he intercepted Aztec quarterback Ryan Lindley's pass and returned it 30 yards to the end zone.
The MWC named Dale its Defensive Player of the Week. In addition to his defensive touchdown, he also recorded five tackles, including one for a loss, and a pass breakup. Three of his tackles were solo tackles.
In the second overtime game in series history, BYU defeated Utah 26–23. The game improved BYU's record to 10–2 (7–1 MWC) and dropped Utah's record to 9–3 (6–2 MWC). The game was the final regular season game for both teams. BYU finished second in the MWC and Utah finished third.
BYU held a 20–6 lead entering the fourth quarter. Utah scored 14 fourth quarter points to force overtime, but their comeback fell short. After Utah managed a field goal in overtime to take a 23–20 lead, BYU was given possession of the ball. BYU took advantage, and quarterback Max Hall
connected to tight end
Andrew George for a 25-yard touchdown reception and the victory.
Utah scored five field goals during the game, which proved costly as they were unable to score more points from their forays into scoring position. Kicker Joe Phillips made all five of his field goal attempts.
After the game, BYU quarterback Max Hall criticized Utah and its fans. He said, "I don't like Utah. In fact, I hate them. I hate everything about them. I hate their program, their fans. I hate everything. It felt really good to send those guys home." When asked for a clarification and if he really hated Utah, he continued, "I think the whole university and their fans and the organization is [sic] classless. They threw beer on my family and stuff last year and did a whole bunch of nasty things. I don't respect them and they deserved to lose." During the game, Hall had 12 completions out of 32 pass attempts for 134 yards. He had two touchdown passes and no interceptions.
The MWC named Joe Phillips its Special Teams Player of the Week. His five field goals were 39, 21, 31, 40 and 29 yards long, respectively. His 40 yard kick came with 29 seconds left in the fourth quarter and sent the game into overtime.
Utah defeated California 37–27 in the Poinsettia Bowl for their ninth consecutive bowl victory. The win improved Utah's record to 10–3 (6–2 MWC) and dropped California to 8–5 (5–3 Pac-10). Utah has the longest bowl winning streak in the country and is tied for the second longest streak of all time. Florida State holds the record with eleven consecutive bowl victories from 1985 to 1996. The win improved Utah's bowl record to 12–3 (.800).
California built a 14–0 lead about midway through the first quarter, but Utah was able to recover with 27 straight points. Running back Shane Vereen scored the first touchdown of the game off of a 36-yard rush. The next play from scrimmage, Eddie Young intercepted a Jordan Wynn pass and returned it for a touchdown. Utah responded with an eight-play, 30 yard touchdown drive when Wynn completed a 6-yard pass to tight end Kendrick Moeai. The drive got started when Shaky Smithson
returned the kickoff 61 yards to the 30 yard line. Utah scored 17 points in the second quarter to take a 24–14 halftime lead.
The second half started as a defensive struggle until Utah sacked Kevin Riley
and Riley fumbled the ball on the California 14-yard line. California held Utah to a field goal attempt; Joe Phillips connected on the 29-yard field goal. California responded on the next possession with a six-play, 77-yard touchdown drive. Vereen scored his second touchdown of the night on a 1-yard run.
Utah scored its final points on the night when linebacker Stevenson Sylvester
returned an interception 27-yards for a touchdown. The pass had been tipped by Sylvester's teammate, safety Robert Johnson
. The Bears scored one more touchdown, but failed to score the two-point conversion
for the final 37–27 score.
Wynn was named the Offensive MVP
for the game. He completed 26 of his 36 pass attempts for 338 yards. He had three touchdown passes, but also one interception. Sylvester was named the Defensive MVP. In addition to his defensive touchdown, Sylvester finished with eight tackles, five of which were solo tackles. He also assisted in a tackle for a loss and had a pass breakup. With a 39-yard catch in the fourth quarter, receiver David Reed
broke school records for catches in a season (81) and receiving yards in a season (1,188). Reed had six catches for 103 yards during the Poinsettia Bowl.
, running back Eddie Wide, offensive lineman Zane Beadles
, defensive lineman Koa Misi
, linebacker Stevenson Sylvester
, and defensive back Robert Johnson
.
Two players were named to the second team: Caleb Schlauderaff
and Zane Taylor, both on the offensive line. Four players were given Honorable Mention: placekicker Joe Phillips, punter Sean Sellwood, defensive lineman Sealver Siliga, and linebacker Mike Wright.
Beadles was named to several All-American teams recognized by the NCAA to determine "consensus All-Americans". The Football Writers Association of America
named him to its first team All-American team. The Walter Camp Football Foundation
named him to its second team. Sporting News named him to its third team.
— setting a school record. The players taken were:
University of Utah
The University of Utah, also known as the U or the U of U, is a public, coeducational research university in Salt Lake City, Utah, United States. The university was established in 1850 as the University of Deseret by the General Assembly of the provisional State of Deseret, making it Utah's oldest...
in the 2009 NCAA Division I FBS football season
2009 NCAA Division I FBS football season
The 2009 NCAA Division I FBS football season, or the college football season, began on September 2, 2009, progressed through the regular season and bowl season, and concluded with the Bowl Championship Series National Championship Game in Pasadena, California on January 7, 2010, featuring the...
. The team, coached by 5th year head football coach Kyle Whittingham
Kyle Whittingham
Kyle Whittingham is the head football coach of the University of Utah Utes. Prior to becoming the head coach at Utah, Whittingham served as Utah's defensive coordinator for ten seasons. He was named head coach of Utah after Urban Meyer left for the Florida Gators in 2004...
, played its home games in Rice–Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City, Utah
Salt Lake City, Utah
Salt Lake City is the capital and the most populous city of the U.S. state of Utah. The name of the city is often shortened to Salt Lake or SLC. With a population of 186,440 as of the 2010 Census, the city lies in the Salt Lake City metropolitan area, which has a total population of 1,124,197...
.
The Utes finished the season 10–3, 6–2 in Mountain West
2009 Mountain West Conference football season
The 2009 Mountain West Conference football season was the 11th since eight former members of the Western Athletic Conference banded together to form the Mountain West Conference.-Previous season:...
play and won the San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl
2009 Poinsettia Bowl
The 2009 San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl was the fifth edition of the college football bowl game and was played at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, California. The game started at 5 PM US PST on Wednesday, December 23, 2009 on ESPN. The Utah Utes defeated the California Golden Bears...
37–27 over California
2009 California Golden Bears football team
The 2009 California Golden Bears football team represented the University of California, Berkeley in National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Football Bowl Subdivision competition during the 2009 season...
.
Preseason
The Utes were picked to finish third in the Mountain West ConferenceMountain West Conference
The Mountain West Conference , popularly known as the Mountain West, is the youngest of the college athletic conferences affiliated with the NCAA’s Division I FBS . The MWC officially began operations in July 1999...
by media members covering the league. TCU
2009 TCU Horned Frogs football team
The 2009 TCU Horned Frogs football team represented Texas Christian University in the 2009 college football season. The team was coached by Gary Patterson. The Frogs played their home games at Amon G. Carter Stadium, which is located on campus in Fort Worth. The Horned Frogs finished the season...
was picked to finish first and BYU
2009 BYU Cougars football team
The 2009 BYU Cougars football team represented Brigham Young University in the 2009 football season. The Cougars were led by head coach Bronco Mendenhall and played their home games at LaVell Edwards Stadium....
was picked second. Utah garnered three first–place votes out twenty-four total ballots. In the preseason AP Poll
AP Poll
The Associated Press College Poll refers to weekly rankings of the top 25 NCAA teams in one of three Division I college sports: football, men's basketball and women's basketball. The rankings are compiled by polling sportswriters across the nation...
, Utah was ranked #19, and in the preseason Coaches' Poll they were ranked #18.
Coaching changes
Shortly after the 2009 Sugar Bowl2009 Sugar Bowl
The 2009 Allstate Sugar Bowl was the 75th annual edition of the annual college football bowl game that is part of the 2008–09 bowl season of the Bowl Championship Series 2008 NCAA Division I FBS football season...
, Utah lost both coordinators to other programs. Defensive coordinator
Defensive coordinator
A defensive coordinator typically refers to a coach on a gridiron football team who is in charge of the defense. Generally, along with his offensive counterpart, he represents the second level of command structure after the head coach...
Gary Andersen
Gary Andersen
-External links:* *...
accepted a job as head coach of Utah State
Utah State Aggies football
The Utah State Aggies are a college football team that competes in the Western Athletic Conference of the Football Bowl Subdivision of NCAA Division I, representing Utah State University. The Utah State college football program began in 1892 and has played home games at Romney Stadium since 1968...
. Kalani Sitake
Kalani Sitake
Kalani Sitake is from Nukuʻalofa, Tonga and is currently the defensive coordinator for the University of Utah Utes football team. He played college football as a fullback for Brigham Young and graduated in 2000.-Coaching career:...
, who had been the coach of the linebacker
Linebacker
A linebacker is a position in American football that was invented by football coach Fielding H. Yost of the University of Michigan. Linebackers are members of the defensive team, and line up approximately three to five yards behind the line of scrimmage, behind the defensive linemen...
s, replaced Andersen as defensive coordinator; Sitake continued his duties as linebacker coach. Offensive coordinator
Offensive coordinator
An offensive coordinator is a member of the coaching staff of a gridiron football team who is in charge of the offense. Generally, along with his defensive counterpart, he represents the second level of command structure after the head coach...
Andy Ludwig
Andy Ludwig
Andy Ludwig is the offensive coordinator at the San Diego State University. He played college football at Snow College and Portland State graduating in 1988.- Coaching career :...
accepted the same position with Kansas State
Kansas State Wildcats football
The Kansas State Wildcats football program is the intercollegiate football program of the Kansas State University Wildcats. The program is classified in the NCAA's Division I Bowl Subdivision, and the team competes in the Big 12 Conference...
(and then less than two months later accepted the same position with California
California Golden Bears football
The California Golden Bears football team is the college football team of the University of California. The team plays its home games at California Memorial Stadium, however the team played at San Francisco's AT&T Park in 2011 while Memorial Stadium was being renovated, the team will return to...
. Dave Schramm
Dave Schramm
Dave Schramm, born and raised on Long Island, New York, is an American musician best known for his stint as the lead guitarist for Yo La Tengo during the band's early years....
, the former running back coach, was promoted to offensive coordinator. Aaron Alford, who had been coaching cornerback
Cornerback
A cornerback is a member of the defensive backfield or secondary in American and Canadian football. Cornerbacks cover receivers, to defend against pass offenses and make tackles. Other members of the defensive backfield include the safeties and occasionally linebackers. The cornerback position...
s, replaced Schramm as running back coach. J.D. Williams was hired to replac Alford as coach of the cornerbacks. Utah also lost offensive line coach Charlie Dickey to Kansas State. He was replaced by Blake Miller. John Pease was hired to coach the defensive line, a position which previously did not have a position coach. Finally, safeties coach Morgan Scalley took over Schramm's duties as recruiting coordinator.
Recruiting
Schedule
! Notes|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rankings
| Poll | Pre | Wk 1 | Wk 2 | Wk 3 | Wk 4 | Wk 5 | Wk 6 | Wk 7 | Wk 8 | Wk 9 | Wk 10 | Wk 11 | Wk 12 | Wk 13 | Wk 14 | Final |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AP | 19 | 17 | 18 | NR | NR | NR | 24 | 19 | 19 | 17 | 16 | 23 | 22 | NR | 23 | 18 |
| Coaches | 18 | 17 | 16 | NR | NR | NR | NR | 20 | 19 | 16 | 14 | 23 | 19 | 25 | 24 | 18 |
| Harris | Not released | NR | NR | NR | 19 | 19 | 16 | 16 | 21 | 19 | 24 | 22 | ||||
| BCS | Not released | 18 | 16 | 14 | 16 | 21 | 21 | 25 | 23 | |||||||
Utah State
Utah Leads Series: 77 – 28 – 4The Utes won their home opener, beating rival Utah State
2009 Utah State Aggies football team
The 2009 Utah State Aggies football team represented Utah State University in the 2009 NCAA Division I FBS college football season. The Aggies were led by 1st year head coach Gary Andersen and played their home games at Romney Stadium...
for the 12th consecutive time, extending their winning streak to a best-in-the-nation 15 games including games from the 2008
2008 Utah Utes football team
The 2008 Utah Utes football team represented the University of Utah in the college football season of 2008–2009. The team, coached by 4th year head football coach Kyle Whittingham, plays its home games in Rice–Eccles Stadium...
and 2007 seasons
2007 Utah Utes football team
The 2007 Utah Utes football team represented the University of Utah in the college football season of 2007-2008. The team was coached by 3rd year head football coach Kyle Whittingham...
. This was the first game for former Utah defensive coordinator, and new Utah State head coach, Gary Andersen
Gary Andersen
-External links:* *...
. Junior college
Junior college
The term junior college refers to different educational institutions in different countries.-India:In India, most states provide schooling through 12th grade...
transfer Terrance Cain won in his debut at quarterback
Quarterback
Quarterback is a position in American and Canadian football. Quarterbacks are members of the offensive team and line up directly behind the offensive line...
for the Utes, completing 20 of 30 attempts for 286 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception, while running back
Running back
A running back is a gridiron football position, who is typically lined up in the offensive backfield. The primary roles of a running back are to receive handoffs from the quarterback for a rushing play, to catch passes from out of the backfield, and to block.There are usually one or two running...
Matt Asiata
Matt Asiata
Matt Asiata is a American football running back who is a currently a free agent. He went undrafted in the 2011 NFL Draft, He played college football at Utah.-High school:...
ran for a career-best 156 yards and two touchdowns and David Reed
David Reed (American football)
-Baltimore Ravens:On December 13, 2010, against the Houston Texans, Reed scored his first NFL touchdown on a 103-yard kickoff return. The return set a new Ravens franchise record and his 233 kickoff return yards were also the second most in franchise history...
caught 10 passes for 172 yards. Utah State managed to force three turnovers, and running back Robert Turbin
Robert Turbin
Robert Turbin is an American football tailback for the Utah State Aggies football team. Turbin played high school football at Irvington High School in Fremont, California. Bernard enrolled at Utah State University and has played for the Aggies football team since 2007...
set a school record with a 96-yard touchdown run that accounted for nearly a third of the Aggies' offensive total for the game.
San Jose State
The Utah Utes extended their winning streak to sixteen games—the longest winning streak in the nation—with their 24–14 victory over the Spartans. Utah missed three field goals and lost two fumbles, which kept the game close despite outgaining San Jose State 499 yards to 264 yards. Receiver John Peel had Utah's first fumble and running back Matt Asiata
Matt Asiata
Matt Asiata is a American football running back who is a currently a free agent. He went undrafted in the 2011 NFL Draft, He played college football at Utah.-High school:...
had the second. The two teams entered the fourth quarter tied at 7–7. Utah took the lead when quarterback Terrance Cain completed a 51-yard pass to Jereme Brooks to take a 14–7 lead. On the Utes' next drive, it took a 21–7 lead after running back Eddie Wide had consecutive 15-yard runs. San Jose State responded with a touchdown drive on their next possession. Utah's backup place kicker, Joe Phillips, capped a 56-yard drive with a successful field goal for the final score of the game.
Oregon
Oregon Leads Series: 18 – 8 – 0Oregon beat Utah at Autzen Stadium
Autzen Stadium
Autzen Stadium is an outdoor football stadium in Eugene, Oregon, United States. Located north of the University of Oregon campus, it is the home field of the Oregon Ducks of the Pacific-12 Conference. Opened in 1967, the stadium has undergone several expansions...
and snapped Utah's sixteen game winning streak. The game improved Oregon's record to 2–1 (0–0 Pac-10) and dropped Utah's record to 2–1 (0–0 MWC
Mountain West Conference
The Mountain West Conference , popularly known as the Mountain West, is the youngest of the college athletic conferences affiliated with the NCAA’s Division I FBS . The MWC officially began operations in July 1999...
). Both teams struggled with turnovers—Utah had two and Oregon had four for the game.
Utah trailed by 18 points midway through the third quarter, but managed to cut the deficit to 4 points with two consecutive touchdowns. The first came when quarterback Terrance Cain completed 22-yard pass to receiver Jereme Brooks. The next touchdown came less than a minute later when safety Robert Johnson
Robert Johnson (safety)
Robert Johnson is an American football safety for the Tennessee Titans of the National Football League, who is currently a member of the practice squad. He was drafted by the Titans in the fifth round of the 2010 NFL Draft. He played college football at Utah. Following final cuts Johnson was...
picked up an Oregon fumble and returned it 28-yards for a touchdown. That would be the last score for the Utes. Oregon added a final field goal for the final 31–24 score when place kicker Morgan Flint connected on a 31 yard attempt.
Louisville
The Utes were able to return to their winning ways with their victory over Louisville, but they lost starting senior running back
Running back
A running back is a gridiron football position, who is typically lined up in the offensive backfield. The primary roles of a running back are to receive handoffs from the quarterback for a rushing play, to catch passes from out of the backfield, and to block.There are usually one or two running...
Matt Asiata
Matt Asiata
Matt Asiata is a American football running back who is a currently a free agent. He went undrafted in the 2011 NFL Draft, He played college football at Utah.-High school:...
for the season when he tore the ACL
Anterior cruciate ligament
The anterior cruciate ligament is a cruciate ligament which is one of the four major ligaments of the human knee. In the quadruped stifle , based on its anatomical position, it is referred to as the cranial cruciate ligament.The ACL originates from deep within the notch of the distal femur...
on his right knee during a 24-yard touchdown run with 6:04 remaining in the first quarter. Entering the game, Asiata had been the season-leader in the Mountain West Conference
Mountain West Conference
The Mountain West Conference , popularly known as the Mountain West, is the youngest of the college athletic conferences affiliated with the NCAA’s Division I FBS . The MWC officially began operations in July 1999...
for rushing yards.
Running back Eddie Wide made the most of his opportunity and had a career high 129 yards rushing in the game. Overall Utah outgained Louisville on the ground 214 yards to 80 yards. The Utes also were able to force Louisville to make three turnovers while only having one turnover themselves.
The win improved Utah's record to 3–1 (0–0 MWC) while dropping Louisville to 1–2 (0–0 Big East
Big East Conference
The Big East Conference is a collegiate athletics conference consisting of sixteen universities in the eastern half of the United States. The conference's 17 members participate in 24 NCAA sports...
). The win was the fortieth career win for Utah's coach Kyle Whittingham
Kyle Whittingham
Kyle Whittingham is the head football coach of the University of Utah Utes. Prior to becoming the head coach at Utah, Whittingham served as Utah's defensive coordinator for ten seasons. He was named head coach of Utah after Urban Meyer left for the Florida Gators in 2004...
. He is the fifth Utah coach to have forty victories with the Utes. He joins Ike Armstrong
Ike Armstrong
Ike J. Armstrong was an American football player, coach, and college athletics administrator. He served as the head football coach at the University of Utah from 1925 to 1949, compiling a record of 141–55–15...
, Jack Curtice
Jack Curtice
Jack C. "Cactus Jack" Curtice was an American football coach. From 1940 to 1941, he served as the head football coach at West Texas A&M, where he compiled a 15–5 record. From 1946 to 1949, he served as the head football coach at UTEP, where he compiled a 24–13–3 record. From 1950 to 1957, he...
, Ray Nagel
Ray Nagel
Raymond Robert "Ray" Nagel is a former American football player, coach, and college athletics administrator. He served as the head football coach at the University of Utah from 1958 to 1965 and at the University of Iowa from 1966 to 1970, compiling a career college football record of...
, and Ron McBride
Ron McBride
Ron McBride is the current head coach of Weber State University's football team. Coach "Mac" has over 40 years of coaching experience, including 13 years as head coach at the University of Utah....
.
After the season ended, the NCAA
National Collegiate Athletic Association
The National Collegiate Athletic Association is a semi-voluntary association of 1,281 institutions, conferences, organizations and individuals that organizes the athletic programs of many colleges and universities in the United States...
granted Asiata a one-year extension of eligibility. Because of his injuries, he was granted a "medical hardship" or a medical redshirt.
Colorado State
Utah Leads Series: 54 – 22 – 2Safety Robert Johnson
Robert Johnson (safety)
Robert Johnson is an American football safety for the Tennessee Titans of the National Football League, who is currently a member of the practice squad. He was drafted by the Titans in the fifth round of the 2010 NFL Draft. He played college football at Utah. Following final cuts Johnson was...
intercepted three passes from Colorado State quarterback Grant Stucker and helped the Utes secure a victory in Utah's Mountain West Conference
Mountain West Conference
The Mountain West Conference , popularly known as the Mountain West, is the youngest of the college athletic conferences affiliated with the NCAA’s Division I FBS . The MWC officially began operations in July 1999...
(MWC) season opener. The victory improved Utah's record to 4–1 (1–0 MWC) and dropped Colorado State's record to 3–3 (0–2 MWC). Colorado State took a 17–3 lead with 4:53 remaining in the third quarter with a seven play, 79–yard drive when Grant Zucker completed a 36-yard pass to Dion Morton for a touchdown. Utah responded 36 seconds later with a two play, 57-yard drive when Terrance Cain completed 47-yard pass to David Reed
David Reed (American football)
-Baltimore Ravens:On December 13, 2010, against the Houston Texans, Reed scored his first NFL touchdown on a 103-yard kickoff return. The return set a new Ravens franchise record and his 233 kickoff return yards were also the second most in franchise history...
to make the score 17–10.
Robert Johnson made his first interception on Colorado State's next possession. Utah took advantage of the turnover with a seventeen play, 73–yard touchdown drive when running back
Running back
A running back is a gridiron football position, who is typically lined up in the offensive backfield. The primary roles of a running back are to receive handoffs from the quarterback for a rushing play, to catch passes from out of the backfield, and to block.There are usually one or two running...
Eddie Wide scored on a 1-yard run. The Utes converted on third down four times during the drive. With the score tied, Colorado State was driving and had moved the ball to the 50-yard line when Johnson made his second interception. Utah again took advantage of the turnover and scored a touchdown off a 8-yard reception by Eddie Wide. Johnson ended a third consecutive Colorado State drive with his third interception and ensured the victory for Utah. Following the game, the MWC named Robert Johnson its defensive player of the week.
UNLV
Utah Leads Series: 13 – 2 – 0Utah capitalized on two UNLV turnovers in the first half and jumped to a 28–6 halftime lead on the way to a 35–15 victory at Sam Boyd Stadium
Sam Boyd Stadium
Sam Boyd Stadium is a football stadium located in Whitney, Nevada, an unincorporated community in the Las Vegas metropolitan area; the mailing address of the stadium is "Las Vegas". The stadium is named after Sam Boyd, a major figure in the hotel/casino industry in Las Vegas. The stadium consists...
in Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas is the most populous city in the U.S. state of Nevada and is also the county seat of Clark County, Nevada. Las Vegas is an internationally renowned major resort city for gambling, shopping, and fine dining. The city bills itself as The Entertainment Capital of the World, and is famous...
. The win improved Utah's record to 5–1 (2–0 MWC
Mountain West Conference
The Mountain West Conference , popularly known as the Mountain West, is the youngest of the college athletic conferences affiliated with the NCAA’s Division I FBS . The MWC officially began operations in July 1999...
) and dropped UNLV's record to 2–5 (0–3 MWC). The first UNLV turnover occurred during the second quarter when Robert Johnson
Robert Johnson (safety)
Robert Johnson is an American football safety for the Tennessee Titans of the National Football League, who is currently a member of the practice squad. He was drafted by the Titans in the fifth round of the 2010 NFL Draft. He played college football at Utah. Following final cuts Johnson was...
intercepted a pass from Omar Clayton
Omar Clayton
Omar A. Clayton is an American football quarterback. He currently plays college football for the UNLV Rebels at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.-Early life:...
and returned it to the UNLV 8–yard line. Two plays later, Utah scored on a touchdown run by quarterback Terrance Cain. On UNLV's next drive, Robert Johnson scored again when his teammate Christian Cox intercepted a pass and then fumbled the ball into Johnson's hands who returned the ball 64 yards for a touchdown.
UNLV narrowed Utah's lead to 14 points by scoring 9 points during the third quarter. UNLV scored a touchdown on a 20-yard pass from backup quarterback Mike Clausen to Phillip Payne, but the Rebels failed on a two-point conversion
Two-point conversion
In American and Canadian football, a two-point conversion is a play a team attempts instead of kicking a one-point convert immediately after it scores a touchdown...
attempt. The Rebels next drive was capped by a 37-yard filed goal by Kyle Watson. Utah would score the final points in the game during the fourth quarter when Eddie Wide scored a touchdown on a 37-yards run.
Air Force
Utah defeated Air Force in overtime despite gaining fewer yards and having two turnovers to Air Force's one. Air Force also had the ball on offense for over 38 minutes while Utah only had the ball for 21 minutes. The win improved Utah's record to 6–1 (3–0 MWC) and dropped Air Force's record to 4–4 (3–2 MWC).
Running back Eddie Wide scored two of Utah's touchdowns. The first touchdown came during the first quarter after he recovered a Terrance Cain fumble and advanced the ball 44 yards. His second touchdown game during overtime on a 1-yard run. He finished the game with 121 yards rushing. Utah's other touchdown came on a 90-yard pass from Cain to David Reed
David Reed (American football)
-Baltimore Ravens:On December 13, 2010, against the Houston Texans, Reed scored his first NFL touchdown on a 103-yard kickoff return. The return set a new Ravens franchise record and his 233 kickoff return yards were also the second most in franchise history...
.
After the game, punter Ryan Sellwood was named the Mountain West Conference Special Teams Player of the Week. He averaged 48.1 yards on his eight punts. He also placed three punts inside the twenty-yard line, including one on the 3-yard line with 3:44 left in regulation and another at the 7-yard line with :20 left in regulation.
Wyoming
Utah Leads Series: 50 – 31 – 1Wyoming led most of the game, but Utah managed to outscore the Cowboys in the fourth quarter and get the win. The game dropped Wyoming's record to 4–4 (2–2 MWC
Mountain West Conference
The Mountain West Conference , popularly known as the Mountain West, is the youngest of the college athletic conferences affiliated with the NCAA’s Division I FBS . The MWC officially began operations in July 1999...
) and improved Utah's record to 7–1 (4–0 MWC).
Wyoming took a 10–3 lead with 4:56 to play in the second quarter when quarterback Austyn Carta-Samuels scored on a 30-yard pass-and-catch play from backup quarterback Robert Benjamin. That would remain the score going into halftime. Coach Kyle Whittingham
Kyle Whittingham
Kyle Whittingham is the head football coach of the University of Utah Utes. Prior to becoming the head coach at Utah, Whittingham served as Utah's defensive coordinator for ten seasons. He was named head coach of Utah after Urban Meyer left for the Florida Gators in 2004...
decided the team needed a "spark" so when the Ute offense took the field during the second half, freshman backup Jordan Wynn replaced Terrance Cain as quarterback. The move seemed to work as Utah scored two field goals on its first two possessions of the second half to cut Wyoming's lead to 10–9. Utah had its first lead of the game at the 7:35 mark in the fourth quarter when Wynn completed a 22-yard pass to receiver Jereme Brooks. Utah scored its final touchdown after Wyoming failed to convert on fourth down and turned the ball over on its own 9-yard line. Two plays later, Eddie Wide scored a touchdown on a 5-yard run.
After the game, the Mountain West Conference honored two Utah players as players of the week: Eddie Wide as Offensive Player of the Week and Defensive End Koa Misi
Koa Misi
-Miami Dolphins:On September 19, 2010—Misi's second career game in the NFL—he recovered a Brett Favre fumble in the endzone for a touchdown giving the Dolphins a 14-0 lead. Misi also had two tackles, helping the Dolphins to go 2-0 on the season.-External links:**...
as Defensive Player of the Week. Wide rushed for a career high 135 yards and also had a touchdown. He averaged 5.6 yards per carry and had his fifth consecutive game with 100 or more yards. Misi led the Utes with eight tackles (seven solo). He had two sacks
Quarterback sack
In American football and Canadian football, a sack occurs when the quarterback is tackled behind the line of scrimmage before he can throw a forward pass, or when the quarterback is tackled behind the line of scrimmage in the "pocket" and the intent of what he was going to do is unclear...
in the second half, during which the Utes prevented the Cowboys from scoring and held them to 74 yards of offense.
New Mexico
Utah Leads Series: 32 – 17 – 2Utah put up over 550 yards of offense in the first start by quarterback Jordan Wynn. Wynn was a true freshman and became the third true freshman quarterback to start for Utah since 1972 when the NCAA reinstated eligibility for freshman. He passed for 297 yards and two touchdowns, but had one interception. The win improved Utah's record to 8–1 (5–0 MWC) and dropped New Mexico to 0–9 (0–5 MWC).
Eddie Wide rushed for 145 yards, a new personal best, in his sixth consecutive 100-yard rushing game, which is a new Utah record. Sausan Shakerin also added 100 yards rushing. Receiver Jereme Brooks had six catches for 135 yards and a touchdown.
TCU
Utah Leads Series: 5 – 2 – 0ESPN held its two hour College GameDay show from outside TCU's Amon G. Carter Stadium
Amon G. Carter Stadium
Amon G. Carter Stadium is an open-air football stadium on the campus of Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, Texas. It is the home stadium of the TCU Horned Frogs football team. It was named after Amon G...
to promote the day's college games—including the TCU–Utah game. The program aired live starting at 8:00 AM MT
Mountain Time Zone
The Mountain Time Zone of North America keeps time by subtracting seven hours from Coordinated Universal Time, also known as Greenwich Mean Time, during the shortest days of autumn and winter , and by subtracting six hours during daylight saving time in the spring, summer, and early autumn...
.
With the 55–28 win over the Utes, the Horned Frogs took sole position of first place in the Mountain West Conference, improved their record to 10–0 (6–0 MWC), and dropped Utah to 8–2 (5–1 MWC). The Utah defense struggled against TCU and allowed them to amass 549 yards of total offense and 32 first downs.
Utah fell behind for good late in the first quarter. After Utah tied the game at 7–7, TCU scored 28 straight points to take a 35–7 lead with 11:40 remaining in the second quarter. TCU took advantage of Utah mistakes during their scoring run. TCU took a 14–7 lead and then on the ensuing Utah possession, Greg Burks for TCU blocked Sean Sellwood's punt. Six plays later, TCU took a 21–7 lead. TCU also intercepted quarterback Jordan Wynn and returned the ball 15 yards for a touchdown. The rest of the game, the teams traded scores with Utah scoring 21 more points and TCU scoring 20.
After the game, the MWC named TCU sophomore linebacker Tank Carder as its Defensive Player of the Week. Carder had nine tackles during the game, including one for a loss, and an interception that he returned for a touchdown.
San Diego State
Utah Leads Series: 16 – 12 – 1The Utes scored a touchdown on four of their first five possessions on their way to a 38–0 halftime lead. Utah did not score the rest of the game, but still had a 31 point victory over the Aztecs, who got on the board late in the 4th quarter. The victory improved Utah's record to 9–2 (6–1 MWC) and dropped San Diego State to 4–7 (2–5 MWC).
Receiver Jereme Brooks had seven catches for 100 yards and a touchdown, and David Reed
David Reed (American football)
-Baltimore Ravens:On December 13, 2010, against the Houston Texans, Reed scored his first NFL touchdown on a 103-yard kickoff return. The return set a new Ravens franchise record and his 233 kickoff return yards were also the second most in franchise history...
added six catches for 89 yards. Running back Eddie Wide led the Utes in rushing with sixteen carries for 84 yards and two touchdowns. Safety Joe Dale also had a touchdown when he intercepted Aztec quarterback Ryan Lindley's pass and returned it 30 yards to the end zone.
The MWC named Dale its Defensive Player of the Week. In addition to his defensive touchdown, he also recorded five tackles, including one for a loss, and a pass breakup. Three of his tackles were solo tackles.
BYU
Utah Leads Series: 53 – 34 – 4In the second overtime game in series history, BYU defeated Utah 26–23. The game improved BYU's record to 10–2 (7–1 MWC) and dropped Utah's record to 9–3 (6–2 MWC). The game was the final regular season game for both teams. BYU finished second in the MWC and Utah finished third.
BYU held a 20–6 lead entering the fourth quarter. Utah scored 14 fourth quarter points to force overtime, but their comeback fell short. After Utah managed a field goal in overtime to take a 23–20 lead, BYU was given possession of the ball. BYU took advantage, and quarterback Max Hall
Max Hall
Max Hall is an American football quarterback for the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League. He was signed by the Cardinals as an undrafted free agent in 2010. He played college football at BYU.-Early years:...
connected to tight end
Tight end
The tight end is a position in American football on the offense. The tight end is often seen as a hybrid position with the characteristics and roles of both an offensive lineman and a wide receiver. Like offensive linemen, they are usually lined up on the offensive line and are large enough to be...
Andrew George for a 25-yard touchdown reception and the victory.
Utah scored five field goals during the game, which proved costly as they were unable to score more points from their forays into scoring position. Kicker Joe Phillips made all five of his field goal attempts.
After the game, BYU quarterback Max Hall criticized Utah and its fans. He said, "I don't like Utah. In fact, I hate them. I hate everything about them. I hate their program, their fans. I hate everything. It felt really good to send those guys home." When asked for a clarification and if he really hated Utah, he continued, "I think the whole university and their fans and the organization is [sic] classless. They threw beer on my family and stuff last year and did a whole bunch of nasty things. I don't respect them and they deserved to lose." During the game, Hall had 12 completions out of 32 pass attempts for 134 yards. He had two touchdown passes and no interceptions.
The MWC named Joe Phillips its Special Teams Player of the Week. His five field goals were 39, 21, 31, 40 and 29 yards long, respectively. His 40 yard kick came with 29 seconds left in the fourth quarter and sent the game into overtime.
Poinsettia Bowl: Utah vs. California
Cal Leads Series: 4 – 3 – 0Utah defeated California 37–27 in the Poinsettia Bowl for their ninth consecutive bowl victory. The win improved Utah's record to 10–3 (6–2 MWC) and dropped California to 8–5 (5–3 Pac-10). Utah has the longest bowl winning streak in the country and is tied for the second longest streak of all time. Florida State holds the record with eleven consecutive bowl victories from 1985 to 1996. The win improved Utah's bowl record to 12–3 (.800).
California built a 14–0 lead about midway through the first quarter, but Utah was able to recover with 27 straight points. Running back Shane Vereen scored the first touchdown of the game off of a 36-yard rush. The next play from scrimmage, Eddie Young intercepted a Jordan Wynn pass and returned it for a touchdown. Utah responded with an eight-play, 30 yard touchdown drive when Wynn completed a 6-yard pass to tight end Kendrick Moeai. The drive got started when Shaky Smithson
Shaky Smithson
Antoine "Shaky" Smithson in an American football wide receiver for the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League. He was signed by the Packers as an undrafted free agent in 2011...
returned the kickoff 61 yards to the 30 yard line. Utah scored 17 points in the second quarter to take a 24–14 halftime lead.
The second half started as a defensive struggle until Utah sacked Kevin Riley
Kevin Riley
Kevin Riley is a former American football quarterback for the California Golden Bears. He played for California from 2007-2010.-High school:...
and Riley fumbled the ball on the California 14-yard line. California held Utah to a field goal attempt; Joe Phillips connected on the 29-yard field goal. California responded on the next possession with a six-play, 77-yard touchdown drive. Vereen scored his second touchdown of the night on a 1-yard run.
Utah scored its final points on the night when linebacker Stevenson Sylvester
Stevenson Sylvester
Stevenson Ellis Sylvester is an American football inside linebacker for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League.-Early years:...
returned an interception 27-yards for a touchdown. The pass had been tipped by Sylvester's teammate, safety Robert Johnson
Robert Johnson (safety)
Robert Johnson is an American football safety for the Tennessee Titans of the National Football League, who is currently a member of the practice squad. He was drafted by the Titans in the fifth round of the 2010 NFL Draft. He played college football at Utah. Following final cuts Johnson was...
. The Bears scored one more touchdown, but failed to score the two-point conversion
Two-point conversion
In American and Canadian football, a two-point conversion is a play a team attempts instead of kicking a one-point convert immediately after it scores a touchdown...
for the final 37–27 score.
Wynn was named the Offensive MVP
Most Valuable Player
In sports, a Most Valuable Player award is an honor typically bestowed upon the best performing player or players on a specific team, in an entire league, or for a particular contest or series of contests...
for the game. He completed 26 of his 36 pass attempts for 338 yards. He had three touchdown passes, but also one interception. Sylvester was named the Defensive MVP. In addition to his defensive touchdown, Sylvester finished with eight tackles, five of which were solo tackles. He also assisted in a tackle for a loss and had a pass breakup. With a 39-yard catch in the fourth quarter, receiver David Reed
David Reed (American football)
-Baltimore Ravens:On December 13, 2010, against the Houston Texans, Reed scored his first NFL touchdown on a 103-yard kickoff return. The return set a new Ravens franchise record and his 233 kickoff return yards were also the second most in franchise history...
broke school records for catches in a season (81) and receiving yards in a season (1,188). Reed had six catches for 103 yards during the Poinsettia Bowl.
Roster
Defensive Backs
Defensive End
Defensive Tackle
Kickers/Punters
Linebackers
Long Snapper
Offensive Line
Quarterbacks
Running Backs
Tight Ends
Wide Receivers
|
Awards
Six Utah players were named to the 2009 MWC Football All-Conference Team first team: wide receiver David ReedDavid Reed (American football)
-Baltimore Ravens:On December 13, 2010, against the Houston Texans, Reed scored his first NFL touchdown on a 103-yard kickoff return. The return set a new Ravens franchise record and his 233 kickoff return yards were also the second most in franchise history...
, running back Eddie Wide, offensive lineman Zane Beadles
Zane Beadles
-External links:**...
, defensive lineman Koa Misi
Koa Misi
-Miami Dolphins:On September 19, 2010—Misi's second career game in the NFL—he recovered a Brett Favre fumble in the endzone for a touchdown giving the Dolphins a 14-0 lead. Misi also had two tackles, helping the Dolphins to go 2-0 on the season.-External links:**...
, linebacker Stevenson Sylvester
Stevenson Sylvester
Stevenson Ellis Sylvester is an American football inside linebacker for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League.-Early years:...
, and defensive back Robert Johnson
Robert Johnson (safety)
Robert Johnson is an American football safety for the Tennessee Titans of the National Football League, who is currently a member of the practice squad. He was drafted by the Titans in the fifth round of the 2010 NFL Draft. He played college football at Utah. Following final cuts Johnson was...
.
Two players were named to the second team: Caleb Schlauderaff
Caleb Schlauderaff
Caleb Schlauderaff is an American football guard for the New York Jets of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the sixth round of the 2011 NFL Draft...
and Zane Taylor, both on the offensive line. Four players were given Honorable Mention: placekicker Joe Phillips, punter Sean Sellwood, defensive lineman Sealver Siliga, and linebacker Mike Wright.
Beadles was named to several All-American teams recognized by the NCAA to determine "consensus All-Americans". The Football Writers Association of America
Football Writers Association of America
The Football Writers Association of America is one of the organizations whose College Football All-America Team is recognized by the NCAA...
named him to its first team All-American team. The Walter Camp Football Foundation
Walter Camp Football Foundation
The Walter Camp Football Foundation is one of the organizations whose College Football All-America Team is recognized by the NCAA. The organization also presents various awards.-Awards:*Walter Camp Player of the Year*CT Player of the Year...
named him to its second team. Sporting News named him to its third team.
NFL Draft
Utah had six players taken in the 2010 NFL Draft2010 NFL Draft
The 2010 NFL Draft was the 75th annual meeting of National Football League franchises to select newly eligible football players. Unlike previous years, the 2010 draft took place over three days, at Radio City Music Hall in New York City, with the first round on Thursday, April 22, 2010, at 7:30 pm...
— setting a school record. The players taken were:
| Player | Position | Round | Pick | NFL Club |
| Koa Misi Koa Misi -Miami Dolphins:On September 19, 2010—Misi's second career game in the NFL—he recovered a Brett Favre fumble in the endzone for a touchdown giving the Dolphins a 14-0 lead. Misi also had two tackles, helping the Dolphins to go 2-0 on the season.-External links:**... |
Defensive end Defensive end Defensive end is the name of a defensive position in the sport of American and Canadian football.This position has designated the players at each end of the defensive line, but changes in formations have substantially changed how the position is played over the years... |
2 | 40 | Miami Dolphins 2010 Miami Dolphins season The 2010 Miami Dolphins season was the organization's 41st season in the National Football League and 45th overall. The Dolphins are entering the 2010 season coming off a third place finish in the AFC East 7–9-Staff Changes:... |
| Zane Beadles Zane Beadles -External links:**... |
Offensive tackle | 2 | 45 | Denver Broncos 2010 Denver Broncos season The Denver Broncos season was the franchise's 41st season in the National Football League, the 51st overall and the 10th playing their home games at INVESCO Field at Mile High... |
| Robert Johnson Robert Johnson (safety) Robert Johnson is an American football safety for the Tennessee Titans of the National Football League, who is currently a member of the practice squad. He was drafted by the Titans in the fifth round of the 2010 NFL Draft. He played college football at Utah. Following final cuts Johnson was... |
Safety | 5 | 148 | Tennessee Titans 2010 Tennessee Titans season The 2010 Tennessee Titans season was the team's 41st season in the National Football League, their 51st overall and their 14th season in Tennessee... |
| David Reed David Reed (American football) -Baltimore Ravens:On December 13, 2010, against the Houston Texans, Reed scored his first NFL touchdown on a 103-yard kickoff return. The return set a new Ravens franchise record and his 233 kickoff return yards were also the second most in franchise history... |
Wide receiver Wide receiver A wide receiver is an offensive position in American and Canadian football, and is the key player in most of the passing plays. Only players in the backfield or the ends on the line are eligible to catch a forward pass. The two players who begin play at the ends of the offensive line are eligible... |
5 | 156 | Baltimore Ravens 2010 Baltimore Ravens season The 2010 Baltimore Ravens season was the 15th for the team in the National Football League and city of Baltimore, Maryland, and the 13th to host home games at M&T Bank Stadium. They played in the NFL's American Football Conference North Division... |
| Stevenson Sylvester Stevenson Sylvester Stevenson Ellis Sylvester is an American football inside linebacker for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League.-Early years:... |
Linebacker Linebacker A linebacker is a position in American football that was invented by football coach Fielding H. Yost of the University of Michigan. Linebackers are members of the defensive team, and line up approximately three to five yards behind the line of scrimmage, behind the defensive linemen... |
5 | 166 | Pittsburgh Steelers 2010 Pittsburgh Steelers season The 2010 Pittsburgh Steelers season was the team's 78th season as a professional sports franchise and as a member of the National Football League and the eleventh season under the leadership of general manager Kevin Colbert and the fourth under head coach Mike Tomlin... |
| R.J. Stanford R.J. Stanford Raymond "R. J" Perry Stanford is a cornerback for the Carolina Panthers. While playing for the Utah Utes he started at cornerback and at nickelback and played in 51 of 52 total games during his career, the lone exception being his college debut as a true freshman in 2006... |
Cornerback Cornerback A cornerback is a member of the defensive backfield or secondary in American and Canadian football. Cornerbacks cover receivers, to defend against pass offenses and make tackles. Other members of the defensive backfield include the safeties and occasionally linebackers. The cornerback position... |
7 | 223 | Carolina Panthers 2010 Carolina Panthers season -Coaching staff:-Preseason:The Panthers preseason schedule was announced on March 31, 2010.-Regular season:-Week 1: at New York Giants:The Panthers began their season at New Meadowlands Stadium for an NFC duel with the New York Giants. In the first quarter, Carolina got the stadium's very first... |