Two hundred and fifty-one days after being hired, U football coach Urban Meyer may finally have a good idea what kind of team he’s going to be putting on the field this fall.
The Utes held a private scrimmage Tuesday afternoon that brought a close to a rigorous training camp.
Not that the team is ready for prime time just yet, of course.
The team begins its regular practice schedule Wednesday as it begins preparation for its season opener Aug. 28 against Utah State.
“We’ve covered everything, every situation we could come up with,” Meyer said. “And [practice] is going better. I feel like we’re in good physical shape. We have had a couple of injuries that should be fine by the 28th. Right now we are focused 100 percent on Utah State.”
It’s been a long, hard run since the end of the 2002 season, as the team has gone through a coaching change, a philosophical and physical overhaul and the installation of a radically different offensive system.
And now, the Utes are just eight days away from the moment of truth.
“Some days we show signs of almost being there, other days we show signs that we’re a long way away,” Meyer said. “Everyone’s always enamored with this new offense, but what matters is the players’ performances. Whatever kind of formation we have-empty backfield, two backs, whatever it is-we’ve just got to execute and perform well. The offense overall has been pretty perceptive. We’re ready to go-we’ve just got to worry about our execution.”
While the coaching staff has admitted that the receiving corps has a long way to go, the team is happy with its running game, which promises to still be the focal point of the offense throughout the upcoming season.
Marty Johnson, who began last year as the starter before going down with a torn ACL against Indiana, is considered by many to be the favorite to seal a starting spot. But he has been nursing an injured foot lately, and Brandon Warfield, who filled in with 985 yards rushing last season, has been taking full advantage of the opportunity.
In the team’s first fall scrimmage, Warfield ran for 77 yards on 13 carries. Johnson’s injury is not serious and he is expected back on the practice field soon.
As for who will line up with the starting unit, Meyer doesn’t consider it too pressing an issue.
“While Marty Johnson’s been hurt, Brandon Warfield has been fantastic,” Meyer said. “But it doesn’t matter who starts-they’re both going to play.
During the first scrimmage, the team’s passing game showed signs of life as well, marching 65 yards to paydirt on three plays on its opening possession behind junior quarterback Brett Elliott.
Elliott and sophomore Alex Smith combined to complete 7 of 18 passes for 140 yards and a pair of touchdowns, but each tossed an interception as well. Former starter Lance Rice struggled, going 4-15 for 58 yards.
Tuesday’s final scrimmage was closed to both the media and the public. With the starters at quarterback and tailback still yet to be announced, the coming week leading up to Meyer’s Utah debut promises to be interesting.