Utah Utes football: Team aims to avenge '07 defeat

One of those leading the charge is Johnson, a rare two-time captain. The quarterback has overcome injuries to regain the form he showed earlier in his career.

In the first half of last week's game at Michigan, Johnson completed 15-of-23 passes for 253 yards and a touchdown. The offense had 313 yards at the break.

"He was very sharp and executed the offense extremely well. We put up over 300 yards of offense on a very good defense in one half of football." Whittingham said. "He was very productive in the first half and was just his old self."

And though things didn't go as smoothly in the second half, Utah held on to get the win. And that's what matters most to Johnson.

"The best thing about being 1-0 is you've got the chance to go 2-0," Johnson said. "It's a great, great way to start off a season."

UNLV coach Mike Sanford has studied the Michigan tape and is well aware of Johnson's abilities. He was Johnson's first offensive coordinator at Utah.

"I think he's kind of had some times in his career where he's had really good runs of playing well," said Sanford, who added that Johnson was tremendous against Michigan. "First of all, I think the world of Brian. I think he's an excellent quarterback. I think he's a smart guy. I take my hat off to him.

"He played a great game against a great opponent in a big-time venue," Sanford continued. "I think that's a tremendous accomplishment."

Even so, Johnson still has room for improvement.

"He was very good, but it's a game of two halves. I'm very pleased with the way he played and the position he put the football team in through the first half," Utah offensive coordinator Andy Ludwig said.

"But we have to play complete games. He knows that. We learned a lot from watching that game tape. You learn a lot."

And perhaps, things can get even better for the Utes.

On a roll

How Utah has fared since quarterback Brian Johnson came back from injury and regained his job as the starter.

Date Opponent Outcome

9/29/07 Utah State Won, 34-18

10/5/07 at Louisville Won, 44-35

10/13/07 San Diego State Won, 23-7

10/18/07 at TCU Won, 27-20

10/27/07 at Colorado State Won, 27-3

11/10/07 Wyoming Won, 50-0

11/17/07 New Mexico Won, 28-10

11/24/07 at BYU Lost, 17-10

12/20/07 Navy (Poinsettia Bowl) Won, 35-32

08/30/08 at Michigan Won, 25-23

Home opener

UNLV (1-0) at

No. 22 Utah (1-0)

Saturday, 6 p.m.

TV: The mtn.

Radio: 700AM