From Deseret News archives:

Mack knocking on elite door

Published: Thursday, Nov. 8, 2007 12:12 a.m. MST
 |  E-MAIL | PRINT | FONT + - 
Darrell Mack can join some elite company Saturday when the Utes host Wyoming. The junior tailback is on the verge of becoming just the ninth 1,000-yard rusher in University of Utah history.

Mack needs just 102 yards — 10 below his season average — to reach the milestone against the Cowboys.

Though the Utes are focused on trying to win their sixth consecutive game, they do appreciate Mack's impending accomplishment.

"He's done a great job as our No. 1 tailback," offensive coordinator Andy Ludwig said. "I think having a 1,000-yard rusher is important. It establishes a lot of personality within the offensive unit."

Mack is closing in on a mark that hasn't been reached since 2005 when Quinton Ganther ran for 1,120 yards. The other Utes to reach four-figures rushing include Carl Monroe (1,507 in 1982), Dameon Hunter (1.396 in 2001), Mike Anderson (1,173 in 1998), Del Rodgers (1,127 in 1981), Keith Williams (1,076 in 1991), Eddie Lewis (1,018 in 1985) and Eddie Johnson, who did it twice (1,046 in 1984 and 1,021 in 1986).

"We've had some good backs come through here and it looks like Darrell is in that company," Utah coach Kyle Whittingham said. "And that's pretty good company."

Story continues below
Mack, who was pulled out of a planned redshirt year when Matt Asiata broke his ankle in the season opener, currently leads the Mountain West Conference in rushing with 112.2 yards per game.

Utah is 6-0 this season when Mack runs for 100 or more yards. He has tied a school record by meeting the mark in five consecutive games — all wins.

"Total yardage is not as big of a factor as us establishing the run game the last six or seven games," Whittingham said. "It's a nice accomplishment for Darrell. We've been running the ball efficiently ever since he got the opportunity."

After seeing limited action against Air Force, Mack became Utah's starting tailback the next week against UCLA. He's kept the role ever since.

Mack is now approaching a milestone — 1,000 yards.

"That's kind of the benchmark for a very productive season out of the tailback," Whittingham said.

It won't be easy to reach this week, though. Mack will need to single-handedly top the average yards the nation's 18th-ranked rushing defense allows. The Cowboys are giving up only 100.9 yards per game on the ground.

If it's this week or next, quarterback Brian Johnson said it'll be quite an accomplishment for Mack.

"It's huge. It's huge for the offensive line. It's huge for Darrell. It's huge for our offense," he added. "He's doing such a good job running the ball. It'll be huge when he gets it."

Recent comments

The last 2 games solidified this argument. Unga couldnt break 100 vs...

mack vs Unga | Nov. 8, 2007 at 11:48 p.m.

Yep, you called it regarding the Wyoming team gearing up to beat...

Re: Re: WYO | Nov. 8, 2007 at 5:30 p.m.

I can't believe BY-Who fans are saying Unga is better than...

Mack Attack!!!!!! | Nov. 8, 2007 at 4:40 p.m.

Image

Runningback Darrell Mack needs just 102 yards against Wyoming on Saturday to reach a 1,000-yard milestone — a rare feat in Utah history.

previousnext

Latest comments

RSL regroups, dominates 2nd half

Amazingly grueling game. 120 min. . . + PKs. . .on turf. . .when both teams...

Real Champions

From Miami FL to Utah, enjoy it! I'm glad you defeated those LA fakers. This...

Eric, Government health care doesn't have to worry about turning a profit...

Broncos make Aggies pay

"I was at the game last night and I was unimpressed. My wife and I were...

Conversations about religion are okay - telling people who are not members of...

Excellent letter... While Sarah Palin is not necessarily my candidate of...

The whole show should have been rated R. It was disgusting. The American Idol...

If you don't like the parade, don't watch it! And the gays show no more...

Are parents and government that naive to think or expect day care to mean...

Spoken like a true Orwellian. Evil is good and good is evil. How is...

Advertisements