Winless Utes fight to stay positive

0 Comments | Deseret News (Salt Lake City), Sep 13, 2007 | by Dirk Facer Deseret Morning News

Utah captains Kyle Gunther, Joe Jiannoni, Brian Johnson and Steve Tate are determined to lead the Utes back to more prosperous times. The 0-2 start isn't sitting well with anyone in the program.

"They're doing a nice job keeping things positive, keeping guys focused and leading by example," head coach Kyle Whittingham said. "That's the primary function of a leader -- to set the bar."

The captains, along with the team's leadership committee, recently met to regroup as the Utes prepare for Saturday's game with 11th-ranked UCLA at Rice-Eccles Stadium.

"We're trying our best," said Tate, who noted that the team has had good practices this week and is looking forward to facing the Bruins.

The Utes, he added, have got to play their best ball offensively and defensively.

An abundance of injuries, including five that are season-ending, have made things more difficult.

"Pretty much what I'm trying to do is just keep things positive - - try to get everybody on the same page and let them know that everything's going to be all right," Jiannoni said. "We've just got to win a game. I think everybody's starting to get down and stuff."

Jiannoni hasn't even thought about the possibility of starting the season 0-3.

"I'm thinking about us being 1-2 at this point. I think (UCLA) is beatable. I think we can beat them," Jiannoni said. "I have a really good feeling we're going to play our best football, give them a game and hopefully come out with a victory."

Johnson, who is sidelined with a shoulder separation, said the real battle is internal.

"We've just got to come out every day and work. Nobody's going to feel sorry for you. Nobody really cares what happens to you," Johnson said. "It's just the results, based on the world we live in. You've got to come out and find a way to try and get some wins."

Gunther maintains a proper approach is necessary as well.

"You've got to keep doing things right. That's one thing, since I've been here, that Utah has always done," Gunther said. "We've always practiced hard, we've always lifted hard and we always have a good game plan. We were ready for (Air Force). We just didn't execute."

Earlier in the week, Whittingham said his team's issues were related to game day and not in practices or preparations.

Gunther is adamant about maintaining consistency.

"You've got to keep your head in it," he said.

As for the mounting injuries, Gunther insists the adversity is something the Utes must overcome.

"If you can't fight through it in football you're not going to be able to fight through it in life," he noted.

Setting the tone is something the captains vow to do. Gunther is hopeful the energy and enthusiasm he shows will energize his teammates. The captains, he continued, need to lead the way. Things will eventually kick in.

"It's not like we're getting blown out here," Gunther said. "You've just got to keep it as positive as you can. You've got to focus on the positive things. You can't dwell on the negative things."

EXTRA POINTS: Utah's defensive front will likely feature starting ends Martail Burnett and Paul Kruger as well as tackles Greg Newman and Kenape Eliapo. Alex Puccinelli is expected to be in the rotation at end, while Koa Misi and Lei Talamaivao are slated to be in the mix at tackle ... Quarterback Tommy Grady, who grew up near UCLA, said he considered joining the Bruins after opting to transfer from Oklahoma. He wound up at Utah instead ... The Utes are scheduled to practice at Rice-Eccles Stadium today.

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No. 11 UCLA (2-0) at Utah (0-2)

Saturday, 3 p.m., Rice-Eccles Stadium

Radio: 700AM TV: Versus