Utah Utes, Utah State football: An even dozen

Utah coach Kyle Whittingham said the Utes' 35-17 win over Utah State was "something we can build on."

Besides extending the nation's longest winning streak to 15 games (dating back to 2007) and defeating the Aggies for the 12th consecutive time, the 19th-ranked Utes opened the season with several success stories.

Running back Matt Asiata, quarterback Terrance Cain and David Reed headlined an offense that netted 519 yards.

Asiata was a workhorse, touching the ball on 38 of Utah's 80 offensive plays. The senior rushed for 156 yards and two touchdowns.

"That's going to be all season long," said Whittingham, who acknowledged that Asiata is going to be Utah's guy. "He wants the ball and we're going to get it to him."

Cain, who just learned he would be starter two days ago, completed 20-of-30 passes for 286 yards and a pair of scores.

"All things said I think he was pretty darn good in his debut," Whittingham said.

Cain, a junior-college transfer who prevailed in a camp battle with true freshman Jordan Wynn for the starting job, drew a lot of praise from his teammates.

"Outstanding," said Reed, the leading receiver with 10 catches for 172 yards and a touchdown.

Asiata said Cain was "calm, humble and kept his poise."

Aside from one big play, Utah's defense also had a good outing. The Utes stopped the Aggies on third down in all 12 situations they faced.

Whittingham said the efficiency compensated for three turnovers.

"Utah played a great game. They made plays and we didn't," said Utah State coach Gary Andersen. "That's what made the difference in the game."

USU jumped out to a 3-0 lead when Chris Ulinski capped the game's opening drive with a 29-yard field goal. The Aggies moved into scoring position when Diondre Borel connected on a 48-yard pass to wide receiver Stanley Morrison.

Utah's first offensive series got off to a good start when Cain teamed with David Reed on an 8-yard pass. The second play, however, ended with a fumble by Asiata and a recovery by USU's Bobby Wagner on the Utah 27-yard line.

The Aggies, though, failed to capitalize on the situation. They eventually came up empty when a 48-yard kick by Ulinski sailed wide right.