"I'm pretty sure there will be a balance in there," Mack added.

"Whoever gets in there needs to just make the most of the opportunity they have. Because that's what it's all about."

It's an approach Asiata has taken. After suffering a season-ending leg injury in last year's season opener, the junior was happy to make it though this one.

"I'm real happy we got the win, and I'm real happy that we got the first game out of the way," Asiata said as the 22nd-ranked Utes prepare for Saturday's home opener against UNLV. "It's pretty exciting for me as an individual to just go out and play as hard as I can."

Ludwig noted that it fired up the entire team.

"It was great to get him out there," Ludwig said. "He's worked so hard in his rehab."

Asiata and Mack, who considers himself healthier than he's ever been at Utah, are both at full strength after overcoming minor injuries in camp.

"It's nice. They're both healthy," Whittingham said. "We feel like we're going to have a great 1-2 punch all season long assuming we can keep them healthy and that's where we are heading."

Asiata believes the 1-2 punch can work.

"We've just got to communicate and play together as a team," he said.

Ludwig knows it won't be easy, especially with two competitors battling for one spot.

"You can't please both guys. They've just got to work through it," he said. "They're team players. They get along fine.

"They just both want the ball, and you can't blame them," Ludwig added. "You want guys like that. You want players that want the ball."

All things considered, it's a good thing for Utah.

"It's a positive having two players of that caliber at the same position," Ludwig said. "They are competitive guys. They both want the ball. They both want the yardage. So it's a win-win."

EXTRA POINTS: Whittingham said safety Robert Johnson (hamstring), left tackle Zane Beadles (knee) and backup quarterback Corbin Louks (shoulder) will be "game-time decisions" ... Sophomore Chad Manis has been getting the No. 2 quarterbacks reps in practice this week ... Freshman Tony Bergstrom and senior Corey Seiuli have been getting No. 1 reps in practice in case Beadles isn't able to play ... The Utes will have a closed (no media) practice at Rice-Eccles Stadium today.

Home opener.

UNLV (1-0) at No. 22 Utah (1-0)

Saturday, 6 p.m.

TV: The mtn.

Radio: 700 AM

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E-mail: dirk@desnews.com