For those craving a college football fix this spring, look no further than the sixth-annual Red-White game tomorrow at Rice-Eccles Stadium at 1 p.m.
The scrimmage is the last practice for the Utes before they head into the offseason and will be preceded by a MUSS game at 11 a.m. and an Alumni game at 11:50 a.m. After the Red-White game, the U football team will be available to sign autographs. Admission for all events is free.
Down a quarterback
Utah backup quarterback Corbin Louks will sit out the annual Red-White game as a precautionary measure for a concussion he suffered in April 11 scrimmage.
Louks had shown plenty of promise this spring having taken the majority of the snaps while starter Brian Johnson nursed his ailing shoulder. In the Utes’ latest scrimmage, Louks rushed the ball seven times for 100 yards and a touchdown.
“We were planning on expanding his package for this fall, and what he did this spring only solidified that decision,” Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham said. “What he’s got to do this fall is improve his throw game.”
Louks sitting out means more snaps for third- and fourth-string quarterbacks Chad Mannis and DeVonte Christopher on Saturday. Johnson will lead both offenses through the first quarter, then Manis will take the reins for the white team and Christopher will direct the red team’s offense.
“Those guys are very different-style quarterbacks,” Johnson said. “They’ll both be exciting and ready to go out and make some plays, so it’ll be fun to watch. I’m excited to watch them and see what they can do.”
All quarterbacks will be off limits to tackles.
Which Ute is that?
Fans who attend the scrimmage Saturday have the chance to get familiar with a number of the younger Utes as the majority of the starters are being held out either because of injuries or as a precautionary measure.
“The thing about this spring is that we have a lot of post-surgical guys that just aren’t quite ready for full contact,” Whittingham said.
In addition to Louks on the offensive side of the ball, runningbacks Matt Asiata and Darrell Mack will also sit out the game as a preventative measure. Joining them on the sidelines will be wide receiver Brent Casteel, who is returning from a season-ending knee injury from a year ago.
On the defensive side of the ball, projected line starters Paul Kruger, Greg Newman, Koa Misi and Kenape Eliapo will sit out. Additionally, linebackers Stevenson Sylvester, Mike Wright and defensive back Robert Johnson will not be in action.
“It’s tough to get a completely accurate reading as to where we’re at with so many guys that can’t go live,” Whittingham said. “But I think with the guys that are working and going full speed are looking pretty strong.”
In the White corner…
Former Ute Consensus All-America and current San Diego Chargers defensive back Eric Weddle was recently named head coach of the White team for tomorrow’s scrimmage.
Weddle will get some help from a number of current U assistant coaches, including defensive coordinator Gary Andersen.
Leading the Red team in the scrimmage will be Utah strength coach Doug Elisaia. He will assisted by offensive coordinator Andy Ludwig, among others.
Both coaches will have to deal with scrimmage-specific rules. There won’t be any punt or kickoff returns in the game. Punts will be placed at the spot where the ball comes to rest and the teams will start their opening drives from the 35-yard line. The other big difference from normal rules will be the score. If either team gets a 10-point lead, the other team will maintain offensive possession until the deficit is trimmed to single digits.
Notes: The White team might be in trouble when it comes to field goals and PATs, as it did not draft any kickers. Kickers Louie Sakoda and Ben Vroman will take turns place-kicking for the Red team.
Tyler CobbFor the sixth year in a row, Rice-Eccles Stadium will host the Red-White football game tomorrow at 1 p.m.