Utah Utes football: Guy makes his return to Utah

When Brent Guy was fired last year from Utah State, where he was the head football coach for four years, he left without a word.

He's still not talking — about Utah State, anyway.

After leaving Logan, Guy landed at Louisville, where he is one of six new coaches under embattled head coach Steve Kragthorpe.

Guy is the Cardinals' defensive coordinator, a position he held at Arizona State before becoming the USU head coach. He'll be back in Utah again this weekend when Louisville faces the Utes on Saturday evening at 5:30 p.m.

"It's been great so far," Guy told the Deseret News earlier this week. "This is a southern state and I'm from Texas originally, so I feel comfortable here."

When asked if he'll have any advantage defending a familiar opponent, Guy said no. He said it's an advantage only because Utah's offense is similar to several teams that play in the Big East Conference.

"Their offense is one we see a lot in the Big East Conference," Guy said. "We have to do a good job of stopping the run and controlling the passing game. Their quarterback is getting better every game and I expect him to play well."

However, Kragthorpe believes there is an advantages to having Guy as the defensive coordinator this week.

"I think it's an advantage because he's played against them each of the last four years." Kragthorpe said. "Brent has been there and has coached against them and knows their personnel a little bit."

Even if Guy doesn't agree with his coach, he does know from experience how tough it is to play against Utah.

"It's always tough to go play one of Kyle's teams," he said, speaking of Utes coach Kyle Whittingham. "I have a great deal of respect for Kyle. His teams are always tough and disciplined and play with great confidence. We'll have to deal with a packed stadium also."

The Cardinals play a 4-3 defense and are "relatively fast," according to Guy. He says his line is big, while the linebackers and defensive backs are average in size.

Guy said the key for his defense this week is to "not give up the big plays," something that has afflicted the Ute defense this year. Guy said that aside from giving up three big plays against Kentucky, Louisville would have won the game.

Louisville ranks 10th in the nation in total defense, allowing 223.5 yards per game, and is 12th in pass efficiency defense. The top tackler for Louisville is linebacker Jon Dempsey with 20 on the season, while defensive end William Savoy leads the team with two sacks.

Looking at the offensive side, the Cardinals' best all-around player may be a guy with a similar name to the defensive coordinator, Trent Guy.