Another Rebuilding Year? --How many more?

"Becoming champions means making the most out of the very worst".

The game started with a 3 and out.

It pretty much went down hill from there, with a slight break when Utah scored the first touchdown of the game.

But now, the damage is done. Asiata is out. After only having the chance to carry the ball a total of 16 yards. (they were impressive carries).

Johnson was out for over half the game with an injury, and we are still awaiting reports of his ability to return.

Our offense looked lackluster at best, even when we had all of our starters. Why does Andy Ludwig call such boring play calls? The offense has no fire to it at all. The Beaver defense read almost every play, and puched through our O-line, causing sack after sack.

If it wasn't for our Big-D, the game would have been much worse.

So, the question is can Utah build through the season? If coach Whitingham can cause it to happen -If he can go 11-1, 10-2, 9-3 or even 8-4, then the Utes will have accomplished a feat.

But I find it sad, and dissapointing, to say the very least, that we are one game into the season, and it already looks bleak -not from the loss, but from the lack of cohesion the team presented before Oregon State.

Their first appearance of the season made them look like #9 not #3 in the MWC. And it wasn't even close to championship football. Don't even talk about November (caugh).

Whit's record is now 15-11. And he has no championships. I am rooting for this guy and I think he deserves to win games and championships. I think he's really working hard to find solutions, and he's getting roughed up with all of the injuries already this seasons and in past seasons. But, remember when Meyer lost Rice in the Texas A&M game in 2003? When Alex Smith was born, and never looked back? Neither did the team. They became champions. Both that year and the next. And together, the teams broke barriers, records, and the BCS.

The A&M game could have set them back. The New Mexico game that year could have ruined them -the star running back was sidelined, and the team suffered their second season loss. (it would go on to be Meyer's last loss at Utah, as they went on a 14 game winning streak.) Who knows, had they allowed adversity to ruin the season, maybe Meyer would still be at Utah instead of coaching Florida to national championships. But becoming champions means making the most out of the very worst. And that's what the Utes did.

Can they do it again?

Does Whittingham have it in him to pull the team together, and help them step up to the plate? This season may determine that. This season may bring out that characteristic from the depths of what is Coach Whit.

I hope he does. We've got a long season ahead of us.

- Tijs Limburg