COLLEGE FOOTBALL REPORT : WEEKDAY UPDATE : SAN DIEGO STATE : Utah’s Coach Worried About Utes
Utah Coach Ron McBride said Tuesday he’ll be less concerned with the Aztecs in this weekend’s game than he will be with his own team.
“I think the key for us is not San Diego State,” McBride said. “The keys for Utah are right here in Salt Lake City. If it was two years down the road and we were a little more mature, I could tell you exactly what the keys are. Now, they’re within our own program.”
Utah (3-5, 1-4 in the Western Athletic Conference), in the midst of a rebuilding year under first-year coach McBride, has been up and down. The Utes started with two victories, including a 35-29 verdict at Minnesota, but then lost four in a row. They were soundly beaten by Air Force last week, 52-21. The Aztecs defeated Air Force on Sept. 29, 48-18. It was SDSU’s last victory.
Free safety Johnny Walker, who has been out for four weeks with an injured ankle, returned to practice Tuesday at about 75% speed. He will be available for Saturday’s game, but sophomore Damon Pieri will start. . . . Tom Flores, Seattle Seahawk general manager and former Raider coach, was at Tuesday’s practice scouting. . . . Injury report for the Utah game: offensive lineman Judd Rachow (knee) is out, cornerback John Louis (shoulder sprain) is doubtful, and offensive lineman Derek Sang (cervical strain) and cornerback Clark Moses (stomach flu) are questionable; and defensive lineman Jason Swaney (hip flexor) is probable.
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