Some more writeups for everyone
Some more writeups for everyone
Since replacing Urban Meyer, Kyle Whittingham has repeatedly said there will be more similarities than differences with the Utes. Same goes, he said, for making his head coaching debut in tonight's season opener against Arizona at Rice-Eccles Stadium (6 p.m., ESPN).
"The feeling hasn't been different, but the routine has. It's such a departure from what I was used to as defensive coordinator. It's definitely different," Whittingham said. "But as far as the anxiety and the stress level, it doesn't feel different to me at all."
Whittingham, however, is surrounded by change. He and new defensive coordinator Gary Andersen are the only full-time coaches still on the staff from last season.
Player personnel is also significantly different. Alex Smith is gone. So, too, are Morgan Scalley, Paris Warren, Steve Savoy, Chris Kemeoatu, Sione Pouha, Marty Johnson and other contributors.
The Utes, who have won 16 consecutive games over two seasons, will have six new starters on both offense and defense, as well as an inexperienced kicker and punter.
Despite the differences, Arizona coach Mike Stoops expects to face schemes similar to those Utah present in a 23-6 win in Tucson last year ? particularly from the Utes' offense.
"We're expecting a lot of shotgun formation and a lot of what they did last year," said Stoops, who expects Utah offensive coordinator Andy Ludwig to work some of his Oregon schemes into the mix as well. "I guess we'll find out as the game goes on, but we're prepared for both."
Smith's early departure to the NFL elevated 18-year-old sophomore Brian Johnson to the starting quarterback job. Whittingham said no one else in camp even came close to challenging Johnson.
"Brian Johnson has answered every bell," Whittingham said. "The only thing we can't construct is the game itself."
Having talented senior Quinton Ganther in the backfield should ease the transition. Coaches believe he's capable of rushing for 1,000 yards this season. Veteran receivers John Madsen and Travis LaTendresse provide an additional layer of experience for the offense, as do linemen Jesse Boone, David Dirkmaat and Tavo Tupola.
Whittingham is especially eager, though, to see how Utah's new players respond in a game situation. Wide receivers Brent Casteel and Brian Hernandez have big-play potential. Casteel is a redshirt freshman, while Hernandez is a junior college transfer.
"It's definitely exciting for us," Hernandez said of playing his first Division I game before a national audience on ESPN. "It's a chance for us to show the country what we can do."
Utah's defense is also eager to play. The Utes have continually found ways to reload over the years. This season should be no different.
"Our defenders will continue to swarm to the football like they always do," Whittingham said. "We have what I view as the best players in the league in lineman Steve Fifita, linebacker Spencer Toone, safety Eric Weddle and cornerback Ryan Smith."
Special teams have been a source of concern, but Whittingham is hopeful everything has been worked out.
"There's a lot of excitement on the part of the players and coaching staff to get this season under way," he said. "Like every team in the country, we're tired of hitting each other. We're ready to line up and play somebody."
Enter Arizona. The Wildcats went 3-8 last season but finished the year with a 34-27 upset win over nationally ranked rival Arizona State. Early in the season they dropped close decisions to Wisconsin (9-7) and Washington State (20-19) Senior tailback Mike Bell is a Doak Walker Award candidate, while defensive backs Darrell Brooks and Antoine Cason are on the Thorpe Award watch list.
"We're very aware that Arizona is coming in with an excellent football team," Whittingham said. "This is the second year under coach Stoops' system and they're coming off a big win at the end of the season against Arizona State. We'll have our hands full."
