View from the hill

For Utah to reach the top of the Mountain (West), they'll need to take some critical steps along the way:

• Maintain a course that led to season-ending wins over BYU and Georgia Tech in 2005.

• Defeat UCLA in the opener. It could spark a 3-0 start and provide momentum entering MWC play.

• Identify a running back capable of following Quinton Ganther's footsteps and reaching 1,000 yards.

• Make the right call at quarterback in terms of sustained leadership and success.

• Overcome a difficult scheduling stretch featuring games with Boise State and TCU over five days.

• Win the home games, especially with projected contenders TCU and BYU coming to town.

• Follow Eric Weddle's lead. The all-American candidate is determined to blaze a trail to the top.

• Be in position to capitalize on having three of its final four MWC games at home.

• Replace graduated stars like Steve Fifita, Jesse Boone, Spencer Toone, Travis LaTendresse and Ganther.

• Get in the end zone more often. An inability to do so cost the Utes a couple of games in 2005.

QUARTERBACKS

Brett Ratliff, 6-4, 224, Sr.

Tommy Grady, 6-7, 235, Jr.

Kevin Dunn, 6-3, 220, Fr.

PEAKS: A spirited competition in camp concluded with Ratliff edging Grady for the starting job in the opener against UCLA ... Ratliff is 2-0 as a starter after stepping in and guiding the Utes to wins over BYU and Georgia Tech ... Grady is a highly touted transfer from Oklahoma.

VALLEYS: Brian Johnson, who led the MWC and ranked fourth in the nation in total offense (337 yards per game), opted to redshirt to complete recovery from a serious knee injury ... Can Ratliff continue his late-season magic? ... Grady hasn't played in a game since 2004. Will there be any rust on the hinges?

RUNNING BACKS

Mike Liti, 5-10, 215, Jr.

Darryl Poston, 5-11, 200, Sr.

Darrell Mack, 6-0, 216, So.