Utah Utes football notebook: Seniors finish with 17 straight home wins

Utah safety Robert Johnson was happy his final game at Rice-Eccles Stadium was a success.

That, however, doesn't mean he walked off the field completely satisfied.

"I didn't want it to come to an end. (But) it has to," said Johnson, who was one of 23 seniors honored in pregame ceremonies. "The fans have been amazing. The University of Utah is amazing and everybody here treated me with respect. I had fun while I was here and I wish I could do it more. I wish I had one more year."

Johnson joined Zane Beadles, Joe Dale, Tatum Drecksel, Kenape Eliapo, Junior Fonua, Kepa Gaison, Ben Hendy, Robert Johnson, Justin Jones, Chris Joppru, Aiona Key, Koa Misi, Trevor Moss, Viliamu Nau, John Peel, David Reed, R.J. Stanford, Ray Stowers, Stevenson Sylvester, Ben Vroman, Elijah Wesson, Tyler Williams and Mike Wright in completing their home-game careers in the 38-7 victory over San Diego State.

A notable exception during the senior gathering was Matt Asiata. The running back suffered a season-ending knee injury against Louisville and is contemplating petitioning the NCAA for another year of eligibility.

MILESTONE FOR REED: With six catches for 89 yards, Reed wound up becoming the sixth player in team history to top 1,000 yards receiving in a season. He now has 1,019.

HOME, SWEET HOME: The Utes extended their winning streak at home to 17 games. It's the third longest active run in the nation, trailing only Oklahoma (29) and Boise State (24).

Utah is just one win away from equaling BYU's Mountain West Conference record streak of 18 straight wins at home (2006-08).

The Utes have now posted back-to-back undefeated seasons at home for the first time since 1947-48.

RESPECT: SDSU coach Brady Hoke insists his team wasn't unprepared to face the Utes.

"Our guys were ready to play. But we played a tremendous football team," he said after the Aztecs officially became bowl ineligible with their seventh loss in 11 games. "Utah is an awfully good team. They have been cultivating that for a couple of years. They are well coached and play hard."

EXTRA POINTS: Saturday's attendance was 44,991. Utah's season-ending average of 45,155 per game is the second highest in school history ... Sylvester led the Utes with nine tackles ... Eddie Wide needs 82 yards at BYU Saturday to become the 11th rusher in U. history to reach 1,000 yards in a season ... Scouts from the NFL's Baltimore Ravens, Jacksonville Jaguars, Minnesota Vikings and New Orleans Saints attended the game.

e-mail: dirk@desnews.com