Utah Strategy and Personnel
by Sports Xchange
QB Brian Johnson -- Johnson must do a better job preparing for the halftime adjustments made by the opposing defense. Michigan took him out of his game in the second half. As a senior, he has enough experience to help execute the Utes coaches halftime -- or second half -- tweaks.
RB Matt Asiata -- Asiata rewarded the coaching staff's faith in him with a 77-yard effort against Michigan on 13 carries. He should find running lanes against a UNLV defense that doesn't figure to have as many athletes.
K/P Louie Sakoda -- Sakoda was wondering whether he did anything wrong to get a PAT and a punt kicked last week. The protection figures to be the cause, and the two-time MWC Special Teams Player of the Year should benefit from extra work in practice by the unit.
? ROSTER REPORT:
? --DT Kenape Eliapo broke his foot against Michigan and will be out six to eight weeks. Sophomore Lei Talamaivao is expected to start in his place. The Utes also could take the redshirt off true freshman Sealver Siliaga for depth.
? --LT Zane Beadles suffered a sprained knee against Michigan and is questionable for the conference opener.
? --S Robert Johnson suffered a hamstring injury in the opener and is questionable for the UNLV game.
? --Backup QB Corbin Louks injured a shoulder against the Wolverines, and his status also is questionable for week two.
? --TE Brad Clifford likely will miss his second straight game with a hip flexor.
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