For Utes sound from Monday’s practice with Brian Johnson, Brent Casteel and Kyle Whittingham, go to the 1280 The Zone sound section on the front page.............


Here is the release from the MWC naming Brian Johnson the offensive player of the week and Louie Sakoda the special teams player of the week:


COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Brian Johnson (Utah), Jerry Hughes (TCU) and Louie Sakoda (Utah) are Mountain West Conference Players of the Week for games through Aug. 31.  Johnson earns the Offensive Player of the Week honor, while Hughes garners the Defensive Player award and Sakoda receives Special Teams recognition. Sakoda collects his eighth career player of the week honor, while Johnson and Hughes capture their second and first career weekly accolade, respectively.

OFFENSIVE PLAYERS OF THE WEEK

BRIAN JOHNSON, UTAH

Senior, Quarterback, Baytown, Texas/Robert E. Lee HS

Brian Johnson helped lead Utah to a 25-23 season-opening win on the road at No. 24 Michigan.  The senior quarterback threw for 305 yards and a touchdown, while completing 21-of-33 passes. In the first half, Johnson completed 15-of-23 passes for 253 yards to help Utah build a 22-10 lead at the break. He led the Utes to a score on the first offensive series, highlighted by a 55-yard pass to Jereme Brooks, after Michigan had scored to take the early lead. Johnson helped Utah keep Michigan’s offense off the field via a 35:54-24:06 advantage in time of possession.

SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE WEEK

LOUIE SAKODA

Senior, Place Kicker/Punter, San Jose, Calif./Branham HS

Louie Sakoda accounted for 13 of Utah’s 25 points in the win at No. 24 Michigan. The senior place kicker/punter converted all four field goal attempts (28, 43, 41 and 53 yards) and tied his own school record for field goals in a game. His career-long 53-yard field goal in the third quarter proved to be the difference in the game.  With his efforts, Sakoda moved into second place in Utah’s record books for career made field goals (39). Sakoda also had an outstanding night punting, averaging 47 yards on six punts while placing three of those inside Michigan’s 15-yard line.  Three of his kicks went for 50 yards or more, including a long of 59 yards and a 52-yarder kicked from Utah’s end zone.


Here are some notes from the practice:

*Starting DT Kenape Eliapo is out 6-8 weeks with a foot injury. This is huge, considering that each practice through Fall, Coach Whitt adressed the lack of talent and especially depth along the inerior of the line. Whitt said that freshman DT Sealver Siliga, (6’3 325, Copper Hills HS) whom the Utes were going to redshirt, probably will have that removed and be in the rotation with Greg Newman, Lei Talamaivao, Dave Kruger and Aaron Tonga.

*S Robert Johnson did not practice due to a left hamstring injury suffered when he jumped up for the interception in the first quarter which was negated by Stevenson Sylvester’s questionable pass interference call. He says he’s day to day, but a source told me he is at best questionable and more likely doubtful for UNLV.

*James Brown’s “The Big Payback” was blarring through the speakers of the indoor facility when I arrived this afternoon. Also when the team broke the big team huddle at the end of practice they yelled “Big Payback”....Obviously the theme of the week after last year’s 27-0 loss in Vegas. I wouldn’t worry about letdown, like last year coming off the big UCLA win in this game. Coach Whitt has the theme going and has pasted quotes from UNLV RB Frank Summers and coach Mike Sanford saying the Utes didn’t play hard and didn’t want to hit or tackle at the end of last year’s game. Brian Johnson, who was no where near 100% when he entered the game in the 2nd half, said to me he is taking this game personally and wants to prove how good he is when healthy to the Rebels.

*In regards to penalties vs. Michigan, (15-137), Whitt said that many of the P.I. calls, (Sylvester, McCain 2,) were agressive man to man plays which the Utes teach. He said that Utah will continue to play that way. In regards to other calls, Whitt said it’s just a matter of cleaning up things and he isn’t overly concerned.

*Special teams play was emphasized heavily on Monday. Punt units worked overtime to prevent another block.

*Matt Asiata had 13 carries to Darrell Mack’s 8 Whitt said because although Mack played more snaps situations called for more run plays on Asiata’s turn in the game. He says it will be a game to game thing on who gets what carries.