This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2010, and information in the article may be outdated.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.
The Utah Utes go into the Dec. 22 Las Vegas Bowl against Boise State not only without their starting quarterback, but also without their starting left tackle.
The situation sounds unfortunate for the No. 20 Utes, but offensive lineman Sam Brenner, who is expected to start in place of injured John Cullen, said he is up for the task of protecting quarterback Terrance Cain as well as Cullen could have.
Brenner, a 6-foot-3, 300-pound sophomore, filled in for Cullen and has played in every game except against Air Force.
"I feel really confident I can step in and play," he said. "I was in at the end of the BYU game and did OK, and I have a lot of time to prepare and watch film. By the time you watch so much film, you feel like you know everything about the guy across from you."
Other than filling in for Cullen against the Cougars, most of Brenner's experience has come on special teams and in the closing minutes of blowout wins. Still, Utah coach Kyle Whittingham has liked what he has seen from the young player.
"He is as tough as nails and is very competitive," Whittingham said. "He's very versatile and has played several positions for us and is a smart player."
As valuable as his backup experience is, starting a game is a different responsibility, Brenner acknowledged. That responsibility is even greater knowing that the Utes can't afford to let Cain get hurt, since his backup is inexperienced freshman Griff Robles.
"The left tackle, that is like the money spot," he said. "You always do your best to protect the quarterback and keep them out of harm's way. I haven't given up a sack this year and I know I am about to play a lot more snaps, but I want to keep that going."
Brenner and the rest of the players along Utah's offensive line pride themselves in giving up just eight sacks in 2010. But they will face their biggest challenge of the season in the final game of the year, since Boise State leads the nation in sacks per game, averaging 3.75.
Even with a new guy at quarterback and a new starter at left tackle, the Utes feel they can hold their own.
"Sam is a competitor, and we have a lot of confidence he can step up," center Zane Taylor said. "We know we are going up against one of the best defenses in the nation, but we've had a long time to get ready and it shouldn't be an issue."
Having Cain taking the snaps instead of Jordan Wynn won't be an adjustment, either, lineman Tony Bergstrom said.
"We know that he is more of a running threat, which is kind of nice. It adds another dimension," Bergstrom said. "Otherwise, we don't notice much of a difference. We know they don't have any real weak points in that defensive line, and we have a our work cut out for us. It should be a good matchup."
Twitter: @lyawodraska —
Las Vegas Bowl
P Boise State vs. Utah
Wednesday, Dec. 22, 6 p.m.
TV • ESPN
Tickets • Visit http://www.utahtickets.com or call 801-581-UTIX (8849). —
Boise State defense By the numbers
Avg. per game Rank
Total defense* 259.3 yards 4
Scoring defense 13.6 points 4
Sacks 3.75 1
Tackles for Loss 8.3 2
Third-down efficiency 52 of 176 4