Defending Rodgers will be a challenge, in more ways than one.

"Obviously he's a real quick back and he's able to use his size and speed to his advantage — especially since he's got such a big offensive line," Newman said. "He has a real low center of gravity, so you've got to tackle him low. If you arm tackle him, he's going to break right through it. So you've got to be real disciplined, do your best to stay centered and get the best position you can on the guy."

Rodgers averages 112.2 yards per game. Utah's defense, however, has yet to allow any opposing runner to reach 100 yards this season. UNLV's Frank Summers had the most with 87.

Defending the run

Utah enters Thursday's game against Oregon State ranked fifth in the nation in rushing defense. The Utes are giving up just 60.2 yards per game on the ground. They're also fifth in the nation in total defense.

Game . . . Opponent, rushing . . . Top opponent rusher

Michigan (W, 25-23) . . . 25 attempts, 36 yards . . . Minor, 4-21

UNLV (W, 42-21) . . . 35 attempts, 129 yards . . . Summers, 23-87

Utah State (W, 58-10) . . . 25 attempts, 27 yards . . . Borel, 11-23

Air Force (W, 30-23) . . . 42 attempts, 53 yards . . . Lumpkin, 12-36

Weber State (W, 37-21) . . . 23 attempts, 56 yards . . . Smith, 18-68

Utes on the air

Oregon State (2-2) at No. 15 Utah (5-0)

Thursday, 7 p.m.

TV: Versus

Radio: 700AM

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E-mail: dirk@desnews.com