Utah's backfield won't be very crowded the rest of the year

Utah coach Kyle Whittingham said running back John White needs to be getting more carries after the senior had just 11 carries for 44 yards against UCLA. However, it sounds like if White is going to increase his 69-yard average a game, he's going to have to do it on his own. Whittingham said the Utes will stick to the one-back schemes they've used lately as they transition to the spread. Originally the Utes had planned to use two-back sets extensively this season with White, backup Kelvin York and some of the tight ends lining up in the backfield. Last year White benefited from the play of Shawn Asiata, a 6-foot, 253-pound fullback who did a tremendous job springing White. This year the Utes don't have such a player, particularly since fullback Max Moala has been injured and hasn't played in the last two games. However, Whittingham didn't seem concerned Monday that White couldn't be successful on his own. "It's just a matter of getting the ball in his hands more," he said. "He has a good yards per carry average (3.9) but he's just not getting enough carries. Kelvin has been a bright spot and we need to get the ball in his hands more as well." - Lya Wodraska