Ute runner not himself lately

Quinton Ganther readily admits he hasn't been himself lately.

After rushing for 127 yards against Arizona and 104 in the Utah State game that followed, the Utah tailback has averaged just 60 yards in a stretch where the Utes have lost twice in three weeks.

"I haven't been in the swing of things a lot. A lot has been going on in my life besides football. I've let that take away from my productivity, and I can't do that," Ganther said. "I've got to be focused when I'm on the football field. When I'm off the field, that's when I can worry about the other things. I've been letting my team down the last few weeks, and I can't let that happen any more for us to be successful."

The senior is determined to help the Utes remain in Mountain West Conference championship contention.

As such, Ganther has a message for Utah followers disappointed with his recent performances.

"I would just like to apologize to Ute fans. They're here through thick and thin, and I haven't been giving them my all, and they've been giving me their all," he said. "I'd just like to say you'll see a different Quinton Ganther this week."

In last week's 31-17 loss at North Carolina, Ganther was benched for Utah's first three offensive series. The Utes managed just one yard of total offense without him. Though Ganther eventually contributed 55 yards on 11 carries, quarterback Brian Johnson wound up leading the Utes with 98 yards rushing.

"We need more production from the tailback position. There's no question about it when your leading rusher is your quarterback," said Utah coach Kyle Whittingham. "I guess that's OK once in a while, but you cannot let that become a trend."

Ganther is determined it won't be.

"I take full responsibility for that," he said. "These last few weeks I haven't been on my best game. I've got to get things right."

The powerful running back insists he thrives on such pressure.

"I've just got to get focused. I've recommitted myself to this team and making this a better team. Now I can't let myself down, nor my teammates," Ganther said. "The fans also mean a lot to me. When I'm not producing to where I'm supposed to be producing, then it's kind of a let-down for everybody. I take the blame for that. That's my fault."

Whittingham, too, is hopeful Ganther can return to his productive ways.