This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2010, and information in the article may be outdated.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.
At one point, Joe Phillips was just a walk-on trying to make Utah's squad. Now, the kicker is performing so well the Utes had to create a record category for him.
Phillips, a senior, is tied for the most consecutive made field goals in the nation by an active player, having made 17 in a row dating back to last year.
The streak ties him with Notre Dame's David Ruffer for the lead.
Phillips has been so accurate the Utes had to research which kickers had the longest streaks regardless of the season, and found Phillips' mark is the best.
Former star Louie Sakoda was 57 of 66 in his career, but never had a streak as long as Phillips' stretching more than one season.
Sakoda does have the record for most consecutive field goals made in a season, when he connected on 15 in a row in 2007.
Phillips could threaten that mark as he has improved in his accuracy from long distance this season. He is 7 of 8 from 40 yards out in his career, but is 2-for-2 this season, tying a career long with a 48-yarder at Wyoming.
Phillips credits Sakoda for helping him with his form, and still has a hard time considering himself at Sakoda's level.
"I don't think that Louie will ever be forgotten," he said. "He was a great kicker here and it's been an honor to follow someone that good."
Tracking the yards
CSU freshman quarterback Pete Thomas, who was 10-for-14 against UNLV for 233 yards, has Utah coach Kyle Whittingham wary of the big chunks of yards he had per attempt.
"He had about 15, and that is outstanding," Whittingham said. "It was a good defense and he did a nice job. It was a nice win."
Of note
Utah returner Shaky Smithson and offensive lineman Caleb Schlauderaff were named to Sports Illustrated's midseason All-America teams.