Quarterback
Much of the Utes’ success this season will hinge on whether or not quarterback Brian Johnson stays healthy. In 2005, the dual-threat junior averaged 337 total yards per game to rank fourth in the nation. On the other side of the field, Oregon State head coach Mike Riley has announced that he will play both Sean Canfield and Lyle Moevao in the home opener against Utah. Canfield, who is the prototypical throwing quarterback, will start the first quarter and Moevao, who is more of an option threat, will start the second.
Edge: Utah
Running Backs
Oregon State senior Yvenson Bernard is the poster boy of the team. The nimble running back has rushed for more than 1300 yards in each of the last two seasons and is a legitimate pass-catching option out of the backfield. Meanwhile, the Utes have yet to name a starter and will likely go with a running-back-by-committee similar to last season. Utah coach Kyle Whittingham has said that senior Darryl Poston and Snow College (Utah) transfer Matt Asiata will both get carries against the Beavers.
Edge: Oregon State
Receivers
Utah’s receiving corps is one of the strongest and deepest areas of the team and has a little bit of everything. Seniors Derrek Richards and Brian Hernandez are sure-handed ball catchers. Juniors Brent Casteel and Marquis Wilson are playmakers who are a threat to score every down. Freddie Brown and Bradon Godfrey are tall, athletic players who can go up and get it. The Beavers’ best wide receiver and Biletnikoff Award candidate, Sammie Stroughter, left the team last week to deal with personal matters and it is uncertain whether or not he will play against Utah.
Edge: Utah
Offensive Line
The Beavers lost both of their starting tackles to graduation, one of whom was all-conference Adam Koets. Despite the losses, Oregon State does retain three linemen who helped running back Yvenson Bernard average 100.5 rushing yards per game a season ago. The Utes, on the other hand, have done quite a bit of reshuffling on the line this offseason thanks to a season-ending injury to starting left tackle Jason Boone. Sophomore Zane Beadles will end up filling in for Boone at left tackle and junior Corey Seiuli will start at Beadles’ old position, left guard.
Edge: Oregon State
Defensive Line
The loss of former Utes Kelly Talavou and Paul Soliei was initially thought to be devastating, but new talent has emerged to fill the void. Senior defensive tackle Gabe Long, who transferred from USC, is expected to have a breakout season, and the Utes have some of the best defensive ends in the Mountain West Conference. Similarly, the Beavers are dealing with the loss of two starters. Senior tackle Curtis Coker recorded two sacks last season and is expected to take a bigger role this year.
Edge: Utah
Linebackers
Middle linebacker Joe Jiannoni leads a squad that is loaded with talent and composed entirely of seniors. Outside linebackers Kyle Brady and Malakai Mokofisi return after recording more than 45 tackles apiece last season. Sophomore Stevenson Sylvester will also contribute to the Utes this season. The Beavers also have the luxury of an all-senior linebacking corps. They are lead by middle linebacker Joey LaRocque, who recorded 98 tackles last season.
Edge: Even
Secondary
It’s no secret that the defensive backfield is one of the Utes’ biggest weaknesses. New starting corner back Sean Smith has some big shoes to fill in replacing All-American Eric Weddle. Smith has loads of athleticism and good size, but lacks game-time experience. Sophomore Joe Dale has stepped in at strong safety and made huge strides this summer, but it remains to be seen whether or not he’ll pan out on game day. Oregon State also lost its biggest playmaker in strong safety Sabby Piscitelli, but retains the rest of the secondary from a season ago.
Edge: Oregon State
Special Teams
The Utes’ Louie Sakoda was named the Mountain West Conference co-Special Teams Player of the Year last season and is expected to compete for both the Ray Guy (best kicker) and Lou Groza (best punter) awards this season. Sakoda averaged 44 yards per punt last season and made 80 percent of his field-goal attempts. On the other side, the Beavers’ Alexis Serna was a force to be reckoned with last season, hitting 22 of 29 field goals. Oregon State also boasts one of the best return men in the PAC-10 in Gerard Lawson. Last season, Lawson averaged 27 yards per kickoff return and ran one back for a touchdown.
Edge: Oregon State
Coaching
Now in his third season at the helm of Utah football, head coach Kyle Whittingham is looking to improve upon his 15-10 overall record. Whittingham’s defensive philosophies will be put to the test tonight as he faces one of the best running backs in the nation. Oregon State head coach Mike Riley is in his seventh season as head coach. On his watch, the Beavers have steadily improved year after year, with the pinnacle being last season when OSU went 10-4.
Edge: Even