# 2007 Utah Utes football team

The 2007 Utah Utes football team represented the University of Utah in the 2007 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The team was coached by third-year head football coach Kyle Whittingham. The Utes played their homes games in Rice-Eccles Stadium.

## Preseason
### Recruiting

US college sports recruiting information for 2007 recruits :
| Name | Hometown | High school / college | Height | Weight | 40$^‡$ | Commit date |
| Griffin Robles QB | Spanish Fork, Utah | Spanish Fork HS | 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) | 210 lb (95 kg) | 4.86 | Jun 5, 2006 |
| Recruiting star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: N/A ESPN grade: 77 |||||||
| Corbin Louks QB | Danville, California | San Ramon Valley HS | 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) | 173 lb (78 kg) | 4.53 | Jan 15, 2007 |
| Recruiting star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: N/A ESPN grade: 72 |||||||
| Dallin Rogers TE | El Dorado, California | Union Mine HS | 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) | 200 lb (91 kg) | 4.85 | Aug 14, 2006 |
| Recruiting star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: N/A ESPN grade: 71 |||||||
| James Aiono DE | Murray, Utah | Murray HS | 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) | 225 lb (102 kg) | 4.9 | Jun 15, 2006 |
| Recruiting star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: N/A ESPN grade: 70 |||||||
| Jereme Brooks WR | League City, Texas | Clear Creek HS | 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m) | 165 lb (75 kg) | 4.45 | Feb 7, 2007 |
| Recruiting star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: N/A ESPN grade: 40 |||||||
| Brandon Burton CB | League City, Texas | Clear Creek HS | 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) | 170 lb (77 kg) | 4.5 | Feb 7, 2007 |
| Recruiting star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: N/A ESPN grade: 40 |||||||
| Louis Finner OG | Plano, Texas | Plano East Sr. HS | 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) | 295 lb (134 kg) | 5.39 | Aug 9, 2006 |
| Recruiting star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: N/A ESPN grade: 40 |||||||
| Nai Fotu ILB | Kahuku, HI | Kahuku HS | 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m) | 240 lb (110 kg) | NA | Feb 7, 2007 |
| Recruiting star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: N/A ESPN grade: 40 |||||||
| Mike Honeycutt CB | Highland, Utah | Lone Peak HS | 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m) | 165 lb (75 kg) | NA | Nov 28, 2006 |
| Recruiting star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: N/A ESPN grade: 40 |||||||
| Jamel King ILB | Murrieta, California | Vista Murrieta HS | 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) | 230 lb (100 kg) | 4.6 | Feb 7, 2007 |
| Recruiting star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: N/A ESPN grade: 40 |||||||
| Maurice Neal OLB | San Leandro, California | San Leandro HS | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) | 200 lb (91 kg) | 4.5 | Feb 7, 2007 |
| Recruiting star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: N/A ESPN grade: 40 |||||||
| Thor Salanoa CB | Honolulu, HI | Radford HS | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) | 170 lb (77 kg) | 4.66 | Jan 24, 2007 |
| Recruiting star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: N/A ESPN grade: 40 |||||||
| Derrick Shelby DE | Missouri City, Texas | Hightower HS | 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) | 200 lb (91 kg) | 4.6 | Feb 7, 2007 |
| Recruiting star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: N/A ESPN grade: 40 |||||||
| Lei Talamaivao DT | Rancho Cucamongo, California | Rancho Cucamongo HS | 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) | 270 lb (120 kg) | 4.7 | Jan 15, 2007 |
| Recruiting star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: N/A ESPN grade: 40 |||||||
| Justin Taplin-Ross S | Murrieta, California | Vista Murrieta HS | 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) | 185 lb (84 kg) | 4.6 | Feb 7, 2007 |
| Recruiting star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: N/A ESPN grade: 40 |||||||
| Westlee Tonga TE | Spring, Texas | | 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) | 220 lb (100 kg) | 4.6 | Feb 7, 2007 |
| Recruiting star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: N/A ESPN grade: 40 |||||||
| Reggie Topps CB | Monterey, California | North Monterey County HS | 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m) | 165 lb (75 kg) | 4.4 | Feb 7, 2007 |
| Recruiting star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: N/A ESPN grade: 40 |||||||
| Eddie Wide RB | Las Vegas, Nevada | Cimarron-Memorial HS | 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m) | 170 lb (77 kg) | 4.365 | Jan 14, 2007 |
| Recruiting star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: N/A ESPN grade: 40 |||||||
| Overall recruiting rankings: |||||||
| ‡ Refers to 40 yard dash Note: In many cases, Scout, Rivals, 247Sports, and ESPN may conflict in their listings of height, weight and 40 time. In these cases, the average was taken. ESPN grades are on a 100-point scale. Sources: "2007 Team Ranking". Rivals.com. |||||||

## Schedule

| Date | Time | Opponent | Site | TV | Result | Attendance |
| August 30 | 8:00 pm | at Oregon State* | Reser StadiumCorvallis, Oregon | FSN | L 7–24 | 40,409 |
| September 8 | 4:00 pm | Air Force | Rice-Eccles StadiumSalt Lake City | mtn. | L 12–20 | 43,454 |
| September 15 | 3:00 pm | No. 11 UCLA* | Rice-Eccles StadiumSalt Lake City | Versus | W 44–6 | 43,056 |
| September 22 | 8:00 pm | at UNLV | Sam Boyd StadiumLas Vegas | mtn. | L 0–27 | 23,180 |
| September 29 | 1:00 pm | Utah State* | Rice-Eccles StadiumSalt Lake City (Battle of the Brothers) | mtn. | W 34–18 | 41,884 |
| October 5 | 6:00 pm | at Louisville* | Papa John's Cardinal StadiumLouisville, Kentucky | ESPN | W 44–35 | 40,894 |
| October 13 | 1:00 pm | San Diego State | Rice-Eccles StadiumSalt Lake City | | W 23–7 | 40,898 |
| October 18 | 6:00 pm | at TCU | Amon G. Carter StadiumFort Worth, Texas | mtn. | W 27–20 | 25,391 |
| October 27 | 3:30 pm | at Colorado State | Sonny Lubick Field at Hughes StadiumFort Collins, Colorado | mtn. | W 27–3 | 16,718 |
| November 10 | 1:30 pm | Wyoming | Rice-Eccles StadiumSalt Lake City, | CSTV | W 50–0 | 42,477 |
| November 17 | 3:30 pm | New Mexico | Rice-Eccles StadiumSalt Lake City | mtn. | W 28–10 | 43,788 |
| November 24 | 12:00 pm | at No. 23 BYU | LaVell Edwards StadiumProvo, Utah (Holy War) | CSTV & mtn. | L 10–17 | 64,749 |
| December 20 | 7:00 pm | vs. Navy* | Qualcomm StadiumSan Diego (Poinsettia Bowl) | ESPN | W 35–32 | 39,129 |
| *Non-conference gameHomecomingRankings from AP Poll released prior to the gameAll times are in Mountain time |||||||

## Game summaries
### Oregon State

| | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Utes | 0 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 7 |
| Beavers | 0 | 7 | 10 | 7 | 24 |
The Utes and Beavers kicked off the 2007 college football season playing in the first game of the year. For the Utes, this game marked the long-awaited return of QB Brian Johnson, who sat out the 2006 on a medical red-shirt, and the debut of highly touted Junior College All-American transfer, RB Matt Asiata. Unfortunately, both Asiata and Johnson would suffer serious injuries that altered the season for the Utes. After only 4 carries, Matt Asiata's season ended when his leg was broken near the end of the 1st quarter. Brian Johnson threw a 36-yard touchdown pass to Brent Casteel to take the lead moments later, but was injured as well near the end of the first half suffering a separated shoulder that would take him out of the game and on to the sideline. Utah's offense was never able to put together a consistent drive and left their defense on the field for the majority of the game. Oregon State's offensive line and senior RB Yvenson Bernard took advantage of a fatigued Ute defense, racking up 165 yards rushing and 2 TDs on 29 carries.
Oregon State Leads Series: 9 – 4 – 1

### Air Force

| | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Falcons | 3 | 0 | 7 | 10 | 20 |
| Utes | 3 | 0 | 3 | 6 | 12 |
In the conference opener for both teams, Utah's injury woes would continue against the falcons as junior WR Brent Casteel suffered a torn ACL which ended his season while Air force accumulated 334 rushing yards and controlled most of the game. In the final moments, Utah found themselves down 20–12 on the Air Force 1-yard line. On 3rd-and-goal, Freshman RB Eddie Wide took a direct snap through the middle of the line only to be taken down for no gain. With time running down to under a minute to go the final chance to score came on 4th down. Darryl Poston took a hand-off to the right side of the line and was met by a swarm of Air Force defenders who stopped him just a couple feet short of the goal-line. Utah was handed their 2nd defeat of the season and began 0–2 for the first time since 2000.
Air Force Leads Series: 14 – 10 – 0

### UCLA

| | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| #11 Bruins | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 6 |
| Utes | 7 | 7 | 13 | 17 | 44 |
Having started the 2007 season 0–2, the Utes were off to their worst start since 2000, and with their starting QB, RB and star WR out to injury, their luck did not look like it was about to change against the #11 UCLA Bruins. The game started off with both teams scoring on their first possessions, Utah on a 53-yard touchdown pass from backup QB Tommy Grady to WR Marquis Wilson, and UCLA on a 45-yard field goal by Kai Forbath. The 2nd quarter was more of the same with Forbath kicking another 3 points onto the scoreboard for the Bruins from 52-yards out, and Grady finding RB Darrell Mack on a 12-yard touchdown pass just before the end of the 1st half.
Trailing 14–6 midway through the 3rd quarter it looked as though UCLA was about to get closer to the lead the Utes held when UCLA QB Ben Olson found a wide open Marcus Everett who looked to be on his way to the end-zone for a 52-yard touchdown reception. Ute safety, Robert Johnson caught up to Everett and hit him before he crossed the goal-line causing him to fumble the ball through the back of the end-zone for a touchback. "That really killed any momentum we had gained", said UCLA coach Karl Dorrell. The Utes took possession and dominated the rest of the game with the help of their defense forcing 5 total turnovers and keeping the Bruins scoreless throughout the 2nd half. RB Darrell Mack ended the game with 107-yards rushing on 19 carries, becoming the first Ute running back to rush for 100-yards in a single game since Quinton Ganther in the 2005 Emerald Bowl. This was the Utes' first win over the Bruins.
UCLA Leads Series: 8 – 1 – 0

### UNLV

| | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Utes | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Rebels | 3 | 10 | 0 | 14 | 27 |
Coming off of one of the biggest wins in school history, the Utes next faced UNLV. Utah's offense struggled the entire game turning the ball over 4 times and never scored, being shut-out for the first time since 1993. Like their match against Oregon State, the Ute defense was dominated by a strong Rebel running attack. UNLV RB Frank Summers rushed for 190-yards and 2 TDs on 29 carries leading the way to the Rebel's first win over the Utes since 1979.
Utah Leads Series: 11 – 2 – 0

### Utah State

| | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Aggies | 7 | 3 | 0 | 8 | 18 |
| Utes | 7 | 17 | 7 | 3 | 34 |
Utah State gave the Utes a scare, scoring first after Brian Johnson's pass to Jereme Brooks was taken away by James Brindley for an interception. Brooks would later redeem himself, catching his first career touchdown pass from Johnson, tying the game at 7 at the end of the first quarter. The Ute defense stopped the Aggies on their next possession, forcing them to punt. Derek Richards took the punt and returned it for a touchdown, the first punt returned for a score since Steve Smith against California in 2000. Utah would not trail again as Darrell Mack racked up 132-yards rushing and a TD on 26 carries. This victory marked the Utes' tenth straight against their oldest rival.
Utah Leads Series: 75 – 28 – 4

### Louisville

| | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Utes | 14 | 13 | 7 | 10 | 44 |
| Cardinals | 0 | 7 | 14 | 14 | 35 |
Utah Leads Series: 3 – 0 – 0

### San Diego State

| | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Aztecs | 0 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 7 |
| Utes | 3 | 6 | 14 | 0 | 23 |
Utah Leads Series: 14 – 12 – 1

### TCU

| | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Utes | 10 | 14 | 0 | 3 | 27 |
| Horned Frogs | 0 | 17 | 0 | 3 | 20 |
Utah Leads Series: 4 – 1 – 0

### Colorado State

| | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Utes | 14 | 6 | | 7 | 27 |
| Rams | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
Utah Leads Series: 52 – 22 – 1

### Wyoming

| | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Cowboys | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Utes | 10 | 30 | 3 | 7 | 50 |
Utah Leads Series: 48 – 31 – 1

### New Mexico

| | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Lobos | 0 | 0 | 10 | 0 | 10 |
| Utes | 0 | 14 | 7 | 7 | 28 |
Utah Leads Series: 30 – 17 – 2

### Brigham Young

| | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Utes | 0 | 0 | 3 | 7 | 10 |
| Cougars | 0 | 3 | 3 | 11 | 17 |
This rivalry game, unofficially dubbed "The Holy War," is typically the most anticipated conference game for each of these two teams. In 2006, the rivalry was ranked in the Wall Street Journal as the 4th best college football rivalry game in the country.
The game was largely a defensive struggle until the last few minutes of the fourth quarter. The Utes took the lead 10–9 when Darrell Mack scored the first touchdown of the game with just 1:34 left. On the ensuing possession, however, BYU converted on fourth and eighteen from their own 12 with a 49-yard pass from Max Hall to Austin Collie. Harvey Unga made the game-winning touchdown run with 38 seconds remaining, and Austin Collie caught a pass in the back of the end zone for a two-point conversion, putting the Cougars up 17–10. Unga became BYU's first freshman running back to gain 1,000 rushing yards in a season. This was also Collie's 6th game for over 97 yards receiving. BYU racked up 424 offensive yards to Utah's 244. Unga was named the MWC Offensive Player of the Week, and freshman kicker, Mitch Payne, was named MWC Special Teams Player of the Week making 3 of 4 field goals.
Utah Leads Series: 52 – 33 – 4

### Navy

| | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Utah | 0 | 7 | 14 | 14 | 35 |
| Navy | 0 | 10 | 7 | 15 | 32 |
Utah started this game looking for their seventh straight bowl win since 1999. They did just that, led by Quarterback Brian Johnson, who threw and ran for a touchdown to lead the Utes to a 35–32 win. He finished the day going 20–25 for 226 yards and the two touchdowns. Running back Darrell Mack ran for 76 yards on 22 carries and 2 touchdowns. The Midshipmen were led by Quarterback Kaipo-Noa Kaheaku-Enhada who went 7–14 for 122 yards, 2 touchdowns and just 1 interception. Fullback Eric Kettani carried the ball 12 times for 125 yards and 1 touchdown. Utah struck first on a 5-yard Mack run in the 2nd quarter. The Midshipmen then proceeded to score 17 straight points with 11:52 to play in the 3rd quarter. The Utes then struck back with three straight touchdowns including Brian Johnson's 19 yard scramble with 12:47 to go in the fourth quarter to make it 28–17 in favor of the Utes. Kaheaku-Enhada then hooked up with Shun White for a 10-yard pass that made it 28–25. Mack then had a 1-yard run to make it 35–25 with 1:27 to play. Kaheaku-Enhada then found Zerbin Singleton with 00:57 to play to make it 35–32. Navy then converted the onside kick. Utah safety Joe Dale then intercepted Kaheaku-Enhada to seal the Ute win.
Utah Leads Series: 1 – 0 – 0

## The Beehive Boot

"The Beehive Boot, which signifies instate football supremacy, was conceived in 1971. The authentic pioneer boot is awarded annually to the Utah school with the best record against its instate NCAA Division I foes. The schools who compete for the boot are Utah, Brigham Young and Utah State. In its 32-year history, the Beehive Boot has been awarded to Utah 10 times (1978, 1988, 1993, '94, '95, '99, 2002, 03, 04, and 05)."
2007 Battle for the Beehive Boot :
| Date | Home | Road | Site | Result |
| September 29, 2007 | Utah | Utah State | Rice-Eccles Stadium • Salt Lake City, Utah | W 34-18 |
| November 24, 2007 | Brigham Young | Utah | LaVell Edwards Stadium • Provo, Utah | L 17-10 |
| Records |||||||
| Utah | Utah State | BYU | Notes | |
| 1-1 | 0-1 | 1-0 | BYU and Utah State will not compete against each other this year | |

## 2007 Utah Utes
### Roster

Wide receiver
 2 Marquis Wilson – Junior
 3 John Peel – Junior
 5 Brent Casteel – Junior
11 David Cravens – Freshman
12 Sam Ewalefo – Freshman
16 Brian Hernandez – Senior
19 Ben Macey – Freshman
21 Mychal Robinson – Freshman
26 Derrek Richards – Senior
81 Bradon Godfrey – Junior
82 A.J. Reilly – Freshman
85 Jereme Brooks – Freshman
86 Mike Hicken – Freshman
87 Collin Robinson – Freshman
88 Freddie Brown – Junior
Tight end
45 Colt Sampson – Junior
48 Matt Sims – Senior
80 Chris Joppru – Sophomore
83 Ben Hendy – Junior
84 Peter Tuitupou – Freshman
84 Brad Clifford – Freshman
89 Dallin Rogers – Freshman
Offensive line
57 Tyler Williams – Junior
62 Michael Steckling – Freshman
63 Kyle Gunther – Senior
64 Mike Lehr – Freshman
65 Dustin Hensel – Junior
66 Robert Conley – Junior
68 Zane Beadles – Sophomore
69 Jason Boone – Senior
70 Jordan Nelson – Freshman
71 Walter Watts – Freshman
72 Caleb Schlauderaff – Freshman
73 Daniel Bukarau – Freshman
74 Corey Seiuli – Junior
76 David Astle – Freshman
77 Zane Taylor – Freshman
78 Louie Finner – Freshman
Quarterback
 3 Brian Johnson – Junior
 8 Chad Mannis – Sophomore
12 Kyle Bowen – Freshman
15 Tommy Grady – Senior
19 Corbin Louks – Freshman
Running back
 4 Matt Asiata – Junior
 6 Darrell Mack – Junior
 9 Darryl Poston – Senior
20 Jake Cook – Freshman
21 Trevor Moss – Sophomore
24 Ray Stowers – Junior
36 Eddie Wide – Freshman
40 Zac Eldridge – Freshman
Defensive line
11 Paul Kruger – Freshman
13 Alex Puccinelli – Senior
41 Koa Misi – Sophomore
42 Nai Fotu – Freshman
43 Lei Talamaivao – Freshman
49 Ryan Taylor – Senior
56 Greg Newman – Junior
58 Matt Black – Freshman
90 Kerrick Shelby – Freshman
91 Casey Sutera – Senior
92 Kenape Eliapo – Sophomore
93 Martail Burnett – Senior
94 Gabe Long – Senior
95 Neli A'asa – Freshman
96 Nano Tonga – Junior
97 Isley Filiaga – Sophomore
98 Aaron Tonga – Junior
99 Zeke Tuinei-Wily – Sophomore
Defensive back
 1 Brice McCain – Junior
 2 Lisiate Leota – Junior
 4 Sean Smith – Sophomore
 6 Nick Morrell – Freshman
 7 RJ Rice – Junior
 8 Elijah Wesson – Sophomore
12 Joe Dale – Sophomore
15 Nick Liefting – Freshman
17 Robert Johnson – Sophomore
18 Josh Broughton – Junior
21 Damilyn Tanner – Junior
23 Mookie Murphey – Freshman
24 Chaz Walker – Freshman
25 R.J. Stanford – Sophomore
27 Brandon Burton – Freshman
28 Steve Tate – Senior
29 Justin Jones – Sophomore
31 Deshawn Richard – Junior
33 Chris Jones – Freshman
34 Tysen Clements – Freshman
36 Tyler Cahoon – Freshman
Linebacker
10 Stevenson Sylvester – Sophomore
14 Kyle Brady – Senior
19 Matt Martinez – Freshman
20 Mike Wright – Sophomore
22 Malakai Mokofisi – Senior
37 Loma Olevao – Senior
38 Toby Titus – Freshman
44 Joe Jiannoni – Senior
46 Justin Taplin-Ross – Freshman
47 Kevin Freestone – Sophomore
48 Troy Bunting – Sophomore
50 Nate Empey – Sophomore
51 Jamel King – Freshman
52 Vilisoni Kotobalavu – Freshman
53 Mo Neal – Freshman
54 Christian Cox – Sophomore
55 Tatum Drecksel – Sophomore
59 Kepa Gaison – Sophomore
Long snapper
39 Clint Mower – Junior
60 Scott Coleman – Junior
Kicker / Punter
30 Ben Vroman – Junior
35 Louie Sakoda – Junior
59 Mike Langston – Freshman :

## Statistical Leaders

Passing :
| Player | COMP | ATT | Pct. | YDS | TD | INT | QB Rating |
| Brian Johnson | 111 | 162 | 68.5 | 1160 | 8 | 5 | 138.8 |
| Tommy Grady | 57 | 114 | 53.6 | 662 | 4 | 3 | 105.1 |
Rushing :
| Player | ATT | YDS | YPC | TD |
| Darrell Mack | 254 | 1126 | 5.0 | 6 |
| Ray Stowers | 35 | 215 | 6.1 | 1 |
| Corbin Louks | 17 | 90 | 5.3 | 1 |
Receiving :
| Player | REC | YDS | YPC | TD |
| Derrek Richards | 37 | 413 | 11.2 | 1 |
| Bradon Godfrey | 33 | 337 | 10.2 | 0 |
| Brian Hernandez | 28 | 302 | 10.8 | 0 |
Tackles :
| Player | Solo | Asst | Total |