Utah Utes football: Asiata helped Utes grind out win

SALT LAKE CITY — It had been almost a year (24 days shy, to be exact) since Utah running back Matt Asiata suffered a season-ending knee injury while scoring a touchdown in a win over Louisville at Rice-Eccles Stadium.

In Thursday's 27-24 overtime victory over Pittsburgh, Asiata made quite a comeback. The senior, who was granted an NCAA extension to play another year, ran 15 yards on his first carry. The two-time team captain went on to finish with a team-high 65 yards on 16 carries.

"It was great. It couldn't happen to a better person," said Utah coach Kyle Whittingham. "Matt is an inspirational guy on this football team. He's a team leader and to see him come out and have success, we're hoping for that for him the whole year long."

Asiata was especially effective in overtime. He carried the ball five consecutive times, gaining 16 yards, to move the Utes into position for a game-winning 21-yard field goal by Joe Phillips.

"It was nice having him back," said quarterback Jordan Wynn, who noted that Asiata just kind of grinded out the final yards. "I thought he played very well throughout the game."

Utah's two-headed running back attack, which included 47 yards from Eddie Wide, proved successful against Pitt. The Utes outgained the Panthers by 40 yards on the ground.

Asiata was happy to contribute.

"I appreciate being blessed to be out here again," he said. "Not too many guys get a chance to play. Fortunately, I get that chance and I'm going to make the most of it."

Asiata acknowledged he's going to "take one step at a time." He was excited to play Thursday night and wasn't worried about re-injuring his knee.

"If I do, I'm going to play scared and hesitate," Asiata said. "I try not to think about it too much. I just play full out and just stay positive. And that's it."

On Utah's final drive, Asiata was called on repeatedly to secure the victory. His powerful arms protected the ball from Pitt's defense. The Panthers tried to punch it out, but Asiata said he had a good grip on it.

"It's crunch time. When the coaches need me to do something, I'm going to do it," he explained. Protecting the football is the main goal, the main focus for a running back. No fumbles, just pound the ball in and let Joe Phillips kick it in."

Asiata acknowledged it was a fun experience to be called upon down the stretch.

"He's a strong kid and he understands all the situational aspects of football," Whittingham said. "He did a great job in that four-minute drill."

Wynn agreed. He added that no one was going to jar the ball away from Asiata with the game on the line.

"I was following him every play just in case, but he was holding on with both hands. There was no way you were prying that out," Wynn said. "He's not going to lose it, especially in a situation like that where ball security is emphasized. There's no way he's going to give it up."

Utes' MWC opener

UNLV (0-1) at Utah (1-0)

Saturday, 2 p.m.

Rice-Eccles Stadium

TV: The mtn. Radio: 700 AM

e-mail: dirk@desnews.com