Ute Football Team Prepares for MWC Opener

Sept. 18, 2000

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QUICKLY

Utah (0-3, 0-0 MWC) kicks off its Mountain West Conference season against undefeated Air Force (2-0, 1-0 MWC) this Saturday in Rice-Eccles Stadium ... Game time is 5:00 p.m. ... It's "Homecoming" for the Utes, who will not play in Rice-Eccles Stadium again for almost a month (Oct. 21 vs. Colorado State) ... The Utah-AFA game is the ABC-TV Regional Game of the Week ... The game will be called by legendary announcer Keith Jackson ... Utah is 4-0 since 1990 on games televised by ABC ... The Utah-AFA game can be heard on KALL 910 (AM) radio and over the Internet (www.UtahUtes.com).

A BAD STREAK

Until last Saturday, Utah had not lost three straight to start a season since 1986. That team, coached by Jim Fassel, lost its first seven games. The longest losing streak under current head coach Ron McBride was four in a row in 1990. Under McBride, Utah has lost three straight four times (1990, 1993, 1997, 2000).

PRACTICE SCHEDULE

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, starting at around 3:30 p.m. The first three practices of the week will be held at the McCarthey Practice Fields. Thursday's practice will be in Rice-Eccles Stadium. Times could change. Call sports information director Liz Abel (581-3511) for daily schedule updates and interview requests.

BREAKING NEWS

Utah will likely change its starting running back this week against Air Force. Projected to start is one of two junior college transfers: Dameon Hunter (5-11, 231, Jr.) from Chaffey JC or Adam Tate (6-1, 230, Jr.) from Mt. San Antonio College. Sophomore D'Shaun Crockett (5-7, 186) started at running back vs. Arizona and Cal and senior Nick Morgan (6-0, 234) got the start vs. Washington State ... Sophomore Tevita Vakalahi, who was listed as the backup defensive tackle for Utah's first two games, has switched to the offensive line. Vakalahi, did not play in the first three games, but is expected to help an offensive line riddled by injuries. He will wear No. 72.

LAST WEEK

Utah got in a hole early against Washington State, falling behind 21-0 in the first quarter, and could never recover in a 38-21 loss. After WSU completely dominated the first quarter, Darnell Arceneaux hooked up with Cliff Russell for a 46-yard touchdown pass four minutes into the second quarter. Three minutes later, WSU struck back with seven, giving the Cougars a 28-7 halftime advantage. But Utah made it a game in the third quarter, starting with another Arceneaux to Russell TD pass, this one for 24 yards. Nineteen seconds later, Andre Dyson scooped up a Wazzu fumble and raced 30 yards into the end zone to narrow the gap to 28-21. The Utes went cold again in the fourth quarter, failing to score and giving up two more touchdowns. Arceneaux played the majority of the game before giving way to T.D. Croshaw in the final few minutes. Arceneaux competed 16-29 pass attempts for 219 yards and 2 touchdowns. Russell had his second 100-yard game of the year, catching eight balls for 131 yards and 2 touchdowns.

HEAD COACH RON MCBRIDE

Head Coach Ron McBride is 71-49 in his 11 years at the helm of the Ute program. He is one of just two coaches to win 60 football games at Utah. Utah has had seven straight winning seasons under McBride and just one losing season (1990, his first year). McBride's teams have averaged seven wins per year and have gone to five bowl games (2-3). His bowl wins were against Arizona, in the 1994 Freedom Bowl, and Fresno State, in the 1999 Las Vegas Bowl. He has won a share of two conference championships (1995 Western Athletic Conference, 1999 Mountain West Conference). Before accepting Utah's head coaching position in 1990, McBride served two previous stints on the Hill. He was Utah's offensive line coach from 1985-86 and its offensive coordinator from 1977-82. McBride is 4-3 against Air Force.

SERIES SHORTS

Air Force leads 10-6, but Utah has won 4 of the last 5 ... Prior to the head coaching tenure of Ron McBride, Utah had won just two games all-time against AFA (1957 and 1984) ... AFA has not won in Salt Lake City since 1991 ... Utah's last home win, in 1995, came in amazing fashion. Down 21-7 with less than a minute remaining in the game, the Utes charged back to win 22-21 ... An annual game from 1983-95, these teams didn't meet for the next three years due to different divisional affiliations in their former conference (the Western Athletic Conference) ... Utah won the renewal game last year, 21-15 in Colorado Springs ... Series is tied 4-4 in Salt Lake City.

GRIDBITS

Air Force had a "bye" last week. It is the fourth time in as many weeks that Utah has been matched against a team that didn't play the previous week ... Utah is 48-26-4 (.649) all-time in its Homecoming games ... This is the first time Air Force has been Utah's Homecoming opponent ... Utah is 0-2 in Rice-Eccles Stadium this year, 239-125-10 (.660) in all-time home games and 8-5 in its third year in Rice-Eccles Stadium ... Utah's all-time record is 518-386-28 (.575).

SMITH NOTES

* Wide receiver Steve Smith (5-8, 182, Sr.) was voted preseason Mountain West Conference Offensive Player of the Year.

* 4.35 40 speed and a 38" vertical jump.

* Averaging team-best 18.7 yards per reception.

* Second on team in receiving (10 catches for 187 yards).

* Leads league and is 19th in the nation in all-purpose yards per game (152.3).

* Utah's career leader in punt returns for a touchdown (4) tied the record first set by Erroll Tucker (4, 1984-85) on a 46-yard punt return vs. Cal on September 9.

* Has had 2 punt returns for touchdowns called back due to penalties (vs. California and WSU).

* Third all-time at Utah in career punt return yards (600). Needs 46 yards to move into a tie for second with Erroll Tucker (646, 1984-85). The school record is 892 by LaVon Edwards (1988-91).

* 41 career punt returns is seventh all-time at Utah. Smith needs 2 more to tie for sixth (43, Roland Solomon, 1975, 77-78) and 4 more to tie for fifth (45, Scott Robbins, 1969-71).

* Led Utah with 6 receptions for 80 yards vs. California.

* 200 all-purpose yards vs. California.

* 3 punt returns for 57 yards and 1 TD vs. Cal.

* Leads 2000 Utes in punt returns (12-105-1 TD) and kickoff returns (8-165).

* Ranks fourth in MWC in kickoff returns (20.63 ypr).

* As a junior last year, made all-conference team as both receiver (second team) and specialist (first team).

* Averaged 78.2 yards per game receiving in 1999-second in MWC and eighth all-time at Utah.

* Career-best 131 yards vs. San Diego State.

* Led conference in all-purpose yards per game (140.5 ypg) in 1999.

* Led conference and fifth in nation in punt return average (17.1 ypr).

* Set school mark for most punt return yards in a season (495 in 1999).

CLIFF'S EDGE

* Wide receiver Cliff Russell (5-11, 180, Jr.) is the fastest Ute in 20 years (4.25 electronically timed 40).

* Leads conference and ranks 9th in the nation in receiving yards per game (105.7).

* Tied for third in the nation (2nd in the MWC) in receptions per game (7.0).

* Leads Utah with 21 receptions for 317 yards (15.1 ypr) and 2 TDs.

* 317 receiving yards is most in MWC.

* Fourth in the MWC in all-purpose yards per game (105.67).

* 10 receptions for 141 yards vs. Arizona.

* 8 receptions for 131 yards and 2 TDs against Washington State.

* Career-best game was against Wyoming in 1999 (6 catches for 155 yards and 1 TD).

RUNNING THE SHOW

After employing two quarterbacks in its first two games, Utah stuck with Darnell Arceneaux (6-1, 198, Sr.) for the vast majority of last week's game with Washington State. Arceneaux played well, completing 16-29 passes (1 interception) for 219 yards and 2 touchdowns. He also led all Utah rushers with 44 yards on 9 carries (4.9 ypc). Late in the game, with Utah trailing by 17 points, Arceneaux sat out after bruising his knee and shoulder. He was replaced with T.D. Croshaw (6-1, 182, Sr.), who started the first two games before giving way to Arceneaux in both. Arceneaux has started at least part-time since his freshman year and is 11-3 as the starter. He had a career-best 266 yards against San Diego State in 1999. Through three games, Arceneaux has completed 41-76 (54%) pass attempts for 515 yards (171.7 ypg) and 2 TDs (4 picks). His pass efficiency rating is 109.03. He is also Utah's leading rusher (30-107 yards). The injury-prone Arceneaux has missed games in last two years with these ailments: sore lower back, lacerated hand, mid-foot sprain, flu, strep throat and concussion (all in 1999), broken finger and dislocated shoulder (1998). Croshaw is 4-3 as a starter (includes the 1999 Las Vegas Bowl, where he was injured in the first quarter). He is 0-2 as the starter this year, getting the loss against Arizona and Cal. Croshaw's best game was against Colorado State in 1999, when he had 241 passing yards. This year, Croshaw is 16-46 (35%) for 235 yards (78.3 ypg) and no TDs or interceptions. His pass efficiency rating is 77.7.

HOLY KAUTAI

* Linebacker Kautai Olevao (6-2, 267, Sr.) is a preseason first-team all-conference selection and is on the Butkus Award Watch List.

* 16 total tackles (5.3 tpg).

* 3 tackles for loss (22 yards).

* 7 tackles (1 for loss) against Washington State.

* 2 tackles for loss (19 yards) and 1 sack (12 yards) against Arizona.

* First-team all-conference in 1998 and `99.

* Has started since his freshman year.

* Utah's 1998 Defensive MVP.

DYSON'S CORNER

* Preseason all-conference cornerback Andre Dyson (5-10, 175, Sr.) is on the Jim Thorpe Watch List.

* 4.31 electronically timed 40 yard dash and 34" vertical jump.

* Mountain West Conference Defensive Player of the Week (Sept. 9) returned an interception 58 yards for a touchdown vs. California and had 11 tackles and 3 pass breakups.

* Has two career TDs off interceptions, which is second most in school history. The school record is 3, held by several people.

* 34 career pass breakups is second most all-time at Utah (record is 42 by Sean Knox, 1987-90 and LaVon Edwards, 1988-91).

* Has 2 touchdowns this year (1 an interception return and 1 a fumble return).

* Tied for Utah's scoring lead (12 points).

* Tied for Utah's tackle lead with 25 (17 solo).

* Leads Utes with 5 passes defended (4 pass breakups, 1 interception)

* 2 tackles for loss (4 yards).

* Second-team all-conference in 1999.

CHASIN' JASON

* Freshman Jason Kaufusi (6-3, 250), Utah's starter at open end, is an early candidate for MWC Freshman of the Year honors.

* Tied for Utah's tackle lead with 25 (8.3 tpg).

* Leads Utes in tackles for loss with 6 (20 yards).

* Also has 1 sack for 7 yards.

* 2 pass breakups and 3 hurries.

* Career game against Cal (9 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 2 hurries).

* 8 tackles, 2 for loss (8 yards), 1 pass breakup and 1 hurry vs. WSU.

OFFENSIVE INFO

* The offensive line continues to work around injuries. Currently, two starters are sidelined: Center Steve McKane suffered an injury to his kneecap three days before Utah's game with Washington State and could miss up to four weeks. Right guard Sam White is scheduled for future knee surgery. He is currently an "emergency situation" only player.

* Michael Richardson, Utah's most versatile offensive linemen, was assigned two numbers (90/56) prior to the season. Lucky thing. Richardson, Utah's starting tight end to open the season, is now its starting right guard.

* Freshman Dustin McQuivey, who started at right guard in place of the injured Sam White in game two, is now Utah's starting center.

* Offensive lineman Joe McCullum missed the first three games with a broken foot but should be available this week.

* Junior college transfer Adam Tate (6-1, 230, Jr.), who couldn't begin practice until right before the season while his paperwork was processed, saw his first NCAA action against WSU. Tate rushed 6 times for 37 yards (6.2 ypc).

* Against WSU, juco transfer Dameon Hunter (5-11, 231, Jr.) rushed 5 times for 24 yards (4.8 ypc) and Nick Morgan (6-0, 234, Sr.) had 6 carries for 38 yards (6.3 ypc) in his first start.

DEFENSIVE DATA

* Sophomore Garrett Smith was Utah's nominee for MWC defensive player of the week. Smith had 11 tackles, 3 tackles for loss (9 yards) and 1 hurry.

* Andy Bowers started at base end, but Garrett Smith also saw time there for the first time this year. Replacing Smith at tackle in those cases was Lauvale Sape.

* Free safety Jason Potter tied his career high with 12 tackles vs. Washington State despite playing on a badly sprained ankle. Potter, Utah's third-leading tackler with 22, expects to play against Air Force.

* Utes have 5 total sacks, all from different players.

* Utes have 24 tackles for loss, led by Jason Kaufusi's 6 and Garrett Smith's 5.

SPECIAL TEAMS

* Junior kicker Golden Whetman is 1 of 7 in field goal attempts. Whetman's only made field goal was a 46-yarder against Arizona.

* Whetman has 3 touchbacks on 10 kickoffs.

* Whetman is also Utah's punter and has 14 punts for 548 yards (39.1 yards per punt) with a long of 54. He has laid 3 punts inside the 20.

* Junior Ryan Kaneshiro, Utah's starting kicker in 1998, missed his first field goal attempt in two years against Washington State. It was from 39 yards out.

* Steve Smith is Utah's leading return man. He has 12 punt returns for 105 yards (8.8 ypr) and 1 TD and 8 kickoff returns for 165 yards (20.6 ypr).

* Patrick Dyson has 5 kickoff returns for 99 yards (19.8 ypr).

* Thomas Fortune is Utah's top tackler on special teams (4).

INJURY REPORT

Player, Pos.       Injury/Status/GMStan Moleni, LB    Achille's (surgery)/out for season/3Ben Allison, TE    chest wound (gun shot)/out/3Sam White, OL      knee/out/2Steve McKane, OL   knee/out/1Jason Potter, DB   ankle/questionable/0Thomas Fortune, RB shoulder/questionable/0Brandon Dart, DB   ankle/probable/0Joe McCullum, OL   foot/OK/3

RED ZONE REPORT

Utah Offense Times at or inside 20: 8 Touchdowns: 1 Field Goals: 0 Scoring percentage: 12.5% TD percentage: 12.5% Utah Defense Times opponent at or inside 20: 7 Touchdowns: 4 Field Goals: 2 Scoring percentage: 86% TD percentage: 57%

AIR FORCE PREVIEW

Undefeated overall (2-0) and in MWC (1-0) ... Wins were against Cal State Northridge (55-6) and Brigham Young (31-23) ... Took last week off ... Lead the nation in total offense (543.5 ypg) ... Head Coach Fisher DeBerry is 128-69-1 in 17 years at AFA and 8-5 against Utah (3-4 vs. McBride).

THIS GAME LAST YEAR

Utah trailed 3-0 at halftime in a game played on a frigid, snowy October 16 day in Colorado Springs, but would roar back under quarterback Darnell Arceneaux to snatch a 21-15 victory. T.D. Croshaw got the first start of his career, but it was Arceneaux who came in and engineered both Utah scoring drives. Steve Smith scored all three Utah touchdowns, one on a 61-yard punt return, and two on pass receptions from Arceneaux. The defense relinquished 407 total yards to Air Force's option, but not many counted. Kimball Christianson had 17 tackles to lead Utah.

MCBRIDE SAYS

"All games count, but this one counts a lot more since it is a conference game. We have to turn this thing around. I met with all of the players individually on Sunday and discussed what's going on with them. We can't change this until we know what the players are thinking ... There were a few positives from our game last week. I thought the offensive line really improved and the run game showed some good signs. The play of the defense in the third quarter was positive ... Defending against the Air Force offense is all about discipline. We have a player on the scout team who can do a good job running Air Force's option. (Walk-on) Kawika Casco was an option quarterback as a high school player in Hawaii. He's quick and strong and will do a good job."

WATCH OUT!

Two Utes have been named to preseason "Watch Lists" for annual national awards. Kautai Olevao is one of just 11 candidates making a second appearance (there are 70 total prospects) on the prestigious Butkus Award Watch List. The Butkus Award, which honors the nation's top linebacker, will trim its watch list to 10 on October 19. Andre Dyson is one of 40 players named as preseason candidates for the Jim Thorpe Award, which honors the nation's top defensive back.

OH BROTHER

Utah has two sets of brothers starting on this year's team. Junior Doug Kaufusi and freshman Jason Kaufusi are starting on the offensive and defensive lines, respectively. Seniors Andre and Patrick Dyson both start in Utah's defensive backfield. Andre and Patrick are the younger brothers of former Ute and current Tennessee Titan starting wide receiver Kevin Dyson. Another brother pair also plays, although doesn't start for Utah: twins Josh and Jeremy Lyman.

SEVENTH TIME AROUND

Senior safety Brandon Dart is in his seventh year at Utah. He was granted a rare two-year extension to his NCAA career prior to last season, which was ended prematurely due to knee surgery. The repeat senior has had three season-ending knee surgeries, one season-ending foot injury and one season-ending back injury since coming to Utah. His injury time line: 1994, back injury, September 1995, knee surgery (lateral collateral ligament), 1996, recurring left hamstring strain, August 1997, first degree concussion and surgery for torn ACL (left knee), August 1998, foot sublexation, September 1999, right hamstring strain, October 1999 surgery for torn ACL (right knee).

UTES PICKED TO WIN MWC

At the Mountain West Conference Football Preview, held August 1 in Las Vegas, Utah was picked to defend its conference title by both the coaches and the media. The Utes received four first-place votes from the coaches and 17 from the media. Colorado State was picked second in both polls, gathering three and 10 first-place votes, respectively. Ute senior receiver/returner Steve Smith was named the preseason MWC Player of the Year. He was also a preseason first-team wide receiver and kick returner. Joining Smith on the preseason all-MWC first team were: junior offensive lineman Doug Kaufusi, senior offensive lineman Sam White, senior linebacker Kautai Olevao and senior defensive back Andre Dyson. Utah had more first-team picks (six) than any other team.

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QUICKLY

A BAD STREAK

PRACTICE SCHEDULE

BREAKING NEWS

LAST WEEK

HEAD COACH RON MCBRIDE

SERIES SHORTS

GRIDBITS

SMITH NOTES

CLIFF'S EDGE

RUNNING THE SHOW

HOLY KAUTAI

DYSON'S CORNER

CHASIN' JASON

OFFENSIVE INFO

DEFENSIVE DATA

SPECIAL TEAMS

INJURY REPORT

RED ZONE REPORT

AIR FORCE PREVIEW

THIS GAME LAST YEAR

MCBRIDE SAYS

WATCH OUT!

OH BROTHER

SEVENTH TIME AROUND

UTES PICKED TO WIN MWC

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