Uncertain: OSU QBs, U. RBs

Utah and Oregon State have more than just a season-opening clash in common.

Kyle Whittingham said the Utes' starting tailback position is a lot like the situation the Beavers have at quarterback — undecided.

On Wednesday, Oregon State coach Mike Riley announced that sophomores Sean Canfield and Lyle Moevao would start the first and second quarters, respectively, against Utah because they weren't "separated enough" in camp.

A day later, Whittingham acknowledged the Utes are still searching for a starting tailback. Matt Asiata, Darryl Poston, Ray Stowers and Darrell Mack are still competing for the job.

"All those guys are getting their shot with the ones," Whittingham said. "Right now there is very little separation."

As such, there's a chance the Utes will continue the auditions right into Thursday's game in Corvallis.

"We're just going to start feeding guys the ball and whoever is most effective will be who gets the majority of the carries," Whittingham said.

Earlier in the week, he downplayed the situation.

"The key is not who the back is," Whittingham said. "But how the offensive line blocks, how the tight ends block — that stuff is far more important than who lines up at tailback."

The return of quarterback Brian Johnson should also be a factor. The junior, who missed all of last season while recovering from knee, surgery, is an effective passer and runner.

"I know Brian Johnson is going to make the run game better. That's his forte," Whittingham said. "He's a dynamic quarterback. He's athletic. He knows how to run that option as evidenced by 2005."

NUMBER SWITCH: Asiata wore jersey No. 32 throughout camp. This week, however, he switched to No. 4 — the number he wore at Hunter High and Snow College.

"I wore it growing up," he said.

ON THE AIR: Whittingham's weekly radio show kicks off Tuesday at Famous Dave's restaurant in Midvale (1116 E. Fort Union Blvd.). The program, which airs on KALL 700AM, and throughout the Utah Sports Radio Network, runs from 7-8 p.m. It'll also be broadcast online at www.UtahUtes.com. Fans in attendance can enter a drawing to win prizes. Got a question? E-mail Whittingham at askthecoach@utah.edu.

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E-mail: dirk@desnews.com