Quarterback
Both quarterbacks are coming off strong performances in their respective season openers. Where the separation comes into play is the opponent. U quarterback Brian Johnson sliced and diced the Michigan secondary, and UNLV quarterback Omar Clayton picked apart Utah State. Johnson’s performance proved that he has fully recovered from an injury-prone past. His 253 first-half passing yards was an ideal start. He could barely miss, hitting slant after slant and threading the ball through trouble. Clayton tossed for three touchdowns, but this will be a tough game for him to outdo a seasoned and talented quarterback.
Edge: Utah
Running back
This has been everyone’s favorite topic of discussion. It has been beaten to death already, no doubt. However, the justification for concern is certainly understandable. UNLV back Frank Summers had a historic day against the U defense, en route to a 27-0 thrashing in Las Vegas. Summers, a big, strong, yet quick tailback at 5 feet 11 inches and 230 pounds, will look to pound the ball against the U defense early and often. The Utes have a pair of punishers lined up in the backfield. Matt Asiata an Darrell Mack, who will continue to share snaps, are brutal north-south runners who, as the center official learned in the Big House, can obliterate anyone who waltzes into their path.
Edge: Even
Wide receiver
Brian Johnson’s entourage was on full display against Michigan. Johnson had six different receivers play a big part in dismantling the Wolverine secondary. The likes of Bradon Godfrey, Freddie Brown and Brent Casteel hauled in nearly everything in the first half. The fleet-footed Jereme Brooks snagged a third-and-19 pass from Johnson to race down for a 55-yard completion. One can only imagine what kind of arsenal Johnson would have if Aiona Key was part of his repertoire right now. For UNLV, they have immense size at the wide receiver position. Not one of their starting wideouts is shorter than 6 feet 1 inch, most notably senior Casey Flair who is currently No. 5 on the UNLV career reception leader board. Flair, as well as Ryan Wolfe, have been deemed “points of focus” by head coach Kyle Whittingham.
Edge: Utah
Offensive line
Which offensive line of the Utes will show up? The first half version or the second? After keeping the All-Americans of Michigan at bay the entire first half, the second was a very different story. Johnson was under constant pressure and was hurried early and often. Offensive lineman Zane Beadles remains questionable for Saturday after experiencing a sore knee against Michigan. The UNLV front five have combined to make 38 starts and have not one starter under 290 pounds.
Edge: UNLV
Defensive line
The Utes have the two Tasmanian devils on the ends in Paul Kruger and Koa Misi, but the injury of defensive tackle Kenape Eliapo, with a broken foot, will leave the door open for someone and make an immediate impact. Lei Talamaivao will start in his stead, but keep an eye on Aaron Tonga and Kruger’s younger brother Dave, who could step in. Kruger tallied nine tackles, while Misi had five in the season opener. The Rebel defensive line is young and big. They have one starter who has made more than one collegiate start in Martin Tevaseu. Timpanogos High School product Thor Pili will be starting for UNLV at the defensive end position.
Edge: Utah
Linebacker
Each of the Utes’ three linebackers brings something different to the table. Stevenson Sylvester is the all-around star; Mike Wright is the middle linebacker leader; and almost everyone knows what Nai Fotu does8212;destroy. This trio of linebackers compliments one another extremely well and gels on the field. The trio of Rebel linebackers, which features veteran juniors Jason Beauchamp and Starr Fuimaono, will be looking to corral the U offense and should see plenty of opportunities this weekend.
Edge: Utah
Secondary
There were mostly positives to be taken from the secondary after the Michigan game. The only negative came on the injury front. Starting free safety Robert Johnson suffered a hamstring injury, and, despite taking part in some light practicing, it is unknown if he will suit up against UNLV on Saturday. Joe Dale and Sean Smith had strong games for the Utes, shutting down the Michigan offense often. Ute fans will remember cornerback Quinton Pointer, who picked off a pass in last year’s game, alongside veteran safety Daryl Forte, who has made 20 career starts. Utah gets the edge because of its experience and performance last week.
Edge: Utah
Special teams
If you pit Louie Sakoda against either Kyle Watson or Ben Jaekle, it’s a no-brainer. After a 4-for-4 field goal performance at the Big House, including a career-best 53-yarder, the All-American Sakoda is showing up on national radars. After averaging 47 yards on six punts, Sakoda could also be mentioned above Rebel punters Brendon Lamers or Dack Ishii. On returns for the Utes, it was a sketchy day in Ann Arbor. Jereme Brooks fumbled the first punt of the game, which led to a Michigan touchdown. After John Peel was thrown into the fire, he did a good job tracking down fair catches, but almost gave up a potentially game-changing fumble. Michael Johnson, not the track star, but rather the punt/kick returner for UNLV will be hard to keep under wraps.
Edge: Utah
Coaching
This is the ultimate grudge match for Whittingham. Although he might not admit it, he would like nothing better than to stuff Summers and keep former offensive coordinator, now Rebel head coach, Mike Sanford’s mouth sealed shut. Sanford sounded off against the U defense after last season’s game, stating the Ute defenders were avoiding tackles on Summers. The Utes are coming off a huge road victory and will need to keep their heads in the right direction coming back to Rice-Eccles Stadium. Whittingham will fire up the troops, but will keep a level head and avoid last year’s debacle.
Edge: Utah