Utah Utes football: Lighter, leaner Asiata eyes big senior season

Utah's offense is picking up the pace.

"We're trying to speed things up, put more stress on the defense and snap the ball more times in a game," said head coach Kyle Whittingham, who acknowledged the Utes would like to run 80 offensive plays per game this season. They averaged about 70 a year ago.

"The more we can force the pace and force the tempo, the better," he explained.

A faster offense, which includes more no-huddle situations, has put a premium on conditioning — something Utah has long taken seriously.

Running back Matt Asiata took it upon himself, though, to make a good thing even better. The senior wanted to make the most of his final college season by improving his speed. In order to do so, he decided to shed some weight — dropping 10 to 12 pounds through summer conditioning and work with the team's strength and conditioning coaches.

"I feel a lot better. I feel lighter. I feel conditioned," Asiata said.

"With this fast-paced offense, you've got to be conditioned."

And as the Utes' featured back this season, the former Hunter High and Snow College star is willing to do anything he can to help the team.

Whittingham knows it.

Besides noting that the 5-foot-11, 221-pound Asiata is quicker and faster, Whittingham acknowledged he's also stepping into a senior leaders' role.

"He's stepped it up in that department," Whittingham said.

Asiata is expected to carry a heavy load this fall. He's no longer splitting time with Darrell Mack, who graduated. The duo combined for 1,248 yards and 15 touchdowns last season.

This time around, Asiata will be all alone as the primary back.

"I've got a lot on my plate," he said. "… But it feels great to know that I have a big role on this offense."

After breaking his leg in the 2007 season-opening loss at Oregon State, Asiata came back last season and ran for 707 yards on 146 carries. He scored 12 touchdowns.

Asiata's increased involvement carries added weight in terms of circumstances. The Utes are breaking in a new starting quarterback (Corbin Louks, Terrance Cain or Jordan Wynn) and Whittingham said a strong run game is as important as having a very good defense in easing the transition.