Utah Utes football notebook: Reed caps career with school records

Utah receiver David Reed had plenty of reasons to celebrate after Wednesday's 37-27 win over California in the Poinsettia Bowl. The senior capped his career with a couple of school records — most catches in a season (81) and most receiving yards in a season (1,188).

The individual accolades, however, were secondary to Reed.

"That just came along with being part of this great program — great coaches, great organization, great everything," he said.

Reed, who finished the game with six catches for 103 yards, expressed more excitement about the team's accomplishment.

"The bowl victory is amazing. I can't believe that I got two bowl victories in my career here," he said. "It's amazing. I'm so happy to be part of this."

SENIOR FINALE: While injured running back Matt Asiata announced his intentions to seek a medical hardship and another year of eligibility from the NCAA, Utah's 23 other seniors completed their careers with the program on Wednesday.

The graduating class includes: Reed, 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, R.J. Stanford, Ray Stowers, Stevenson Sylvester, Ben Vroman, Elijah Wesson, Tyler Williams and Mike Wright.

"I couldn't picture a better way to go out. This senior class and these guys have meant everything to me," Beadles said. "All the work and everything I put in is for these guys on this team. So to be able to go out on top like this is awesome."

ELITE EIGHT: Running back Eddie Wide finished with just 37 yards on 21 carries, but it was enough to cap the eighth best rushing season in Utah history. The junior finished the season with 1,069 yards.

ROJO THE INTERCEPTOR: Senior safety Robert Johnson recorded his sixth interception of the season. His 13 career picks rank him No. 5 in school history.

ANOTHER 10: The victory gave the Utes their fifth 10-win season. Previous double-digit campaigns came in 1994 (10-2), 2003 (10-2), 2004 (12-0) and 2008 (13-0).

EXTRA POINTS: Safety Joe Dale injured his shoulder in the second half and did not return ... The announced attendance was 32,665, the second-lowest in the five-year history of the Poinsettia Bowl ... A plane flew over the stadium with a banner that read: "We won. You lost. You are classless" ... Call it their Poinsettia Bowl look. As was the case in 2007, the Utes donned white jerseys and red pants ... Mountain West Conference commissioner Craig Thompson attended the game.

e-mail: dirk@desnews.com