By Bryan ChouinardIf you build it, they will come To say that Ute fans are excited about this year's season opener would be an understatement. As of Friday, only 500 tickets remained for Thursday's clash...

"Proud. Courageous. Strong." The Gaelic tattoo that garnishes Zane Beadles' left arm defines everything about him8212;his personality, work ethic and family life.

With the start of the football season just one week away, the Utes' defense is beginning to look and feel like a championship team's should, despite a few injuries that occurred during training camp.

Utah ranked in both Coaches and AP polls,newly assigned co-captain Koa Misi out with a back injury, fall camp comes to a close

After releasing the depth chart that put true freshman Jordan Wynn as the No. 1 quarterback, Whittingham narrowed his search for a starter down to two but has stressed that no decision has been made.

Former starting quarterback contender Corbin Louks announced Tuesday that he intends to end his time in Salt Lake City and continue his football career at the University of Nevada.

There are numerous challenges that face the Utah coaching staff, even before the season starts. With only four returning starters coming back on offense and seven on defense, Whittingham and his coaching staff have the task of replacing Paul Kruger, Sean Smith, Freddie Brown and Brent Casteel, not to mention quarterback Brian Johnson.

Head coach Kyle Whittingham said he believes that while a starter has not been named, the offense is coming together nicely. "When I think back to last fall, we may be further ahead offensively then we were then. Only time will tell but we're doing a nice job."

Some expected the experience of Corbin Louks would win the junior the job, while others thought junior college standout Terrance Cain would have the edge, but it was true freshman Jordan Wynnwho topped the chart released this week.

The football team is right in the thick of its summer training program, which consists of early-morning conditioning and afternoon weight-training sessions.