Johnson doesn't argue with MWC award snub

Brian Johnson wasn't surprised. When the Mountain West Conference released its all-conference teams earlier this week, the Utah quarterback wasn't included. The junior wasn't even honorable mention.

"I didn't play well this year. I don't think that's really any surprise," Johnson said of the omission. "We won games and that was the biggest thing. As long as we kept winning I was fine with that."

Johnson, who was on the all-conference preseason team, led the Utes to seven consecutive victories after coming back from a shoulder injury early in the season.

Utah won seven of the eight games Johnson started and finished. His game-management skills drew praise from the coaches as the Utes bounced back from a 1-3 start to finish 8-4 and earn an invitation to the Poinsettia Bowl.

Johnson's statistics, however, were vastly different than in 2005, when the starter finished fourth in the nation in total offense with 337 yards per game.

Before suffering a season-ending knee injury, the sophomore had racked up 2,892 yards passing and 487 yards rushing.

Johnson also played in 10 games this year but tallied far fewer yards — 1,621 passing and 81 rushing.

"There's really nothing to be angry about," Johnson said in regard to all-conference recognition. He was a second-teamer in 2005. "Just look at the numbers. They weren't even close to what I did two years ago."

It's a product, he acknowledged, of not being completely healthy in 2007. Johnson separated his throwing shoulder against Oregon State and has yet to fully recovery from it. A couple of months' rest when the season is complete should do the trick.

Getting back to form is Johnson's aim and so, too, is regaining all-conference status as a senior.

"Definitely. I think it'll be some added motivation next year," he noted. "Without question."

As for the upcoming Poinsettia Bowl, Johnson said he's feeling good after getting a little rest after the BYU game. He resumed practice this week. Head coach Kyle Whittingham remarked that Johnson's passes had zip and he looked sharp.

ALL-AMERICAN HONORS: Defensive lineman Paul Kruger has been named a second-team Freshman All-American by both the Sporting News and Scout.com. Kruger, of Orem (Timpanogos High), played in all 12 games, starting the last 10 at right end. An honorable mention all-MWC selection, Kruger's 53 tackles led the MWC's freshman defensive linemen.