From Deseret News archives:
Utah Utes football: Team will soon start focusing on Michigan
For the Utes, Wednesday afternoon's practice was like a Monday practice during the season, getting acquainted with their opponent in a lighter practice, with a more grueling practice set for today. They'll taper off the next three days and then start all over again Monday.
"This afternoon was a transition day for us, like a Monday during the season," quarterback Brian Johnson said. "Tomorrow will be a grinder, like a Tuesday practice. It's similar to a practice week. The second round is next week. We get two shots at it."
After the last scrimmage of camp at the stadium in the morning, coach Kyle Whittingham was happy with the afternoon practice at McCarthey Field.
"It was a good transition," Whittingham said. "We've gone away from crossover drills working offense against defense and more into scout work to simulate the Michigan offense and defense. Our offense and defense see less of each other now."
Defensive captain Brice McCain said he has been studying Michigan since the end of last season and is excited that is the Utes' focus now.
GETTING HEALTHY: Things are getting much brighter on the injury front for the Utes.
"We're starting to get guys back and are on the upswing on getting those bumps and bruises healed," Whittingham said. "We're getting as healthy as we could hope to be right now."
After sitting out the morning scrimmage after bruising his thigh a couple of days ago, Brent Casteel was back in action for the afternoon practice. Darrell Mack, who had a sore foot earlier in the week, played in the scrimmage and practiced in the afternoon, and Matt Asiata is getting close to 100 percent.
Asiata told reporters he was "91 percent" and when Whittingham was told that, he jokingly said, "I'd say he's 92.5 percent" and added "hopefully we'll have no more setbacks with him."
The biggest concern is backup defensive tackle Aaron Tonga (knee), who Whittingham hopes to have back by Monday.
YOUNG BUCK: So why has former BYU All-American Jason Buck been hanging out with his son at Ute football practices occasionally this summer?
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