Ute Football Team Receives Bowl Desitnation Sunday

Nov. 29, 2004

SALT LAKE CITY -

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A few notes on Utah football follow. For the complete release, please download the accompanying PDF document.

RANKING WRECKERS

The 2004 Utes have been ranked in the Top-25 for 14 straight weeks in the A.P. and 15 straight weeks in the coaches' polls, which breaks the old school record set in 1994 for both consecutive and total weeks in the two polls. The 2004 Utes are ranked in the top 10 in both polls for a seventh-straight week--also a school first.

Alex Smith FOR HEISMAN

Utah junior quarterback Alex Smith (6-4, 212), a Davey O'Brien finalist and Heisman Trophy semifinalist, ranks second in the nation this week in passing efficiency (174.9) and points responsible for (20.7). Smith, who has steered Utah to the best start and the best national ranking in school history, leads Heisman quarterback contenders Jason White of Oklahoma, Matt Leinart of USC, Jason Campbell of Auburn and Aaron Rodgers of Cal in the following categories: Pass efficiency (174.9), touchdown to interception ratio (7:1), fewest interceptions (4, tie), total touchdowns (38), total offense (289.7 ypg) rushing (51.2 ypg) and rushing touchdowns (10). He is second in that group in passing TDs (28), passing yards (2,624) and passing yards per game (238.5).

MWC HONORS UTES

Utah swept the top honors in the Mountain West Conference, with junior quarterback Alex Smith winning Offensive Player of the Year, senior defensive back Morgan Scalley earning co-Defensive Player of the Year honors, and Urban Meyer capturing his second straight Coach of the Year award. Smith and Scalley were unanimous first-team selections after making the second team a year ago. They were joined on the 2004 all-MWC first team by sophomore receiver Steve Savoy, senior offensive lineman Chris Kemoeatu, junior defensive lineman Steve Fifita and senior defensive lineman Sione Pouha. Senior wide receiver Paris Warren, a first-team selection in 2003, headed a quartet of Utes named to the second team this year. The others were senior running back Marty Johnson, junior offensive lineman Jesse Boone and sophomore defensive back Eric Weddle. Five Utes won honorable mention all-conference honors: senior offensive lineman Makai Aalona, junior running back Quinton Ganther, senior linebacker Tommy Hackenbruck, senior punter Matt Kovacevich and junior linebacker Spencer Toone. The all-MWC teams are voted on by the league coaches and media members.