This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2010, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Forget the tight ends and Utah's deep lineup of receivers. When it comes to making plays, Utah receiver Jereme Brooks continues to be the Utes' best receiving option.
The senior had four catches for 77 yards and a touchdown in Saturday's 38-10 win over UNLV.
The only other Ute to have more than one catch was running back Eddie Wide, who had two for eight yards.
Brooks helped the offense find its rhythm when he and quarterback Terrance Cain hooked up for three passes for 67 yards in the second quarter, which included a 20-yard touchdown pass play.
The performance was similar to the 27-24 overtime win over Pitt when Brooks had five catches for 87 yards and two touchdowns.
"He is our go-to guy," Utah coach Kyle Whittingham said. "He is a steady, consistent player."
Brooks was helped in the season opener by sophomore DeVonte Christopher, who had eight catches for 155 yards and a touchdown.
However, Christopher had just one catch Saturday for eight yards and was one of seven players who had one reception against the Rebels.
"DeVonte didn't show up, but he is going to make his presence known this year," Whittingham said. "We threw 20 times, so there were not a lot of touches in the ball game."
In too long
Utah center Zane Taylor injured his knee in the closing minutes of the game. Although the injury isn't expected to be serious, Whittingham was lamenting having his standout center in the game when the outcome had been decided.
Whittingham wanted to sub out his starters, but left Taylor in the game when the Utes had the ball deep in their own territory.
"It's shame, but everything appears Ok," Whittingham said.
Punter Sean Sellwood, who had a 60-yard punt in the first half, left the game with an injury sustained when his punt was blocked in the third quarter.