The University of Utah football team closes out spring practice Saturday morning with a scrimmage at Rice Stadium.
The Utes have come a long way from their traditional Red-White or Alumni games of the past. Instead of an actual game, the Utes will participate in a "situational scrimmage" from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Some statistics will be kept, but there'll be no winners or losers.Like most colleges, Utah has gotten away from a regular game for several reasons. There's always that worry that spies from Utah State or Idaho State (Utah's first two opponents this fall) will be watching or that some top-flight players will get injured if it's too serious.
Speaking of injuries, the Utes have had a few during spring drills. Three players, including starting quarterback Mike McCoy, have undergone surgery.
McCoy had his first rib on his right side removed to relieve pressure on a pinched blood vessel. The operation took care of a problem that surfaced soon after last year's Freedom Bowl. McCoy expects to be throwing again by July and back to full strength for practice in August.
Also, wide receiver Xavier Tisdol suffered a broken ankle and offensive lineman Tim Todd has his right knee scoped. A few other players were kept out of practice because of injuries suffered last season.
Ute coach Ron McBride has been pleased with his team's progress during the four weeks of spring drills.
"On the defensive side of the ball we have really come together and the players, as a whole, have really improved," said McBride. "I'm really pleased that in the areas where we have had some concerns the players are starting to solve those problems."
On offense, Ute coaches have taken a close look at the backup quarterbacks, who have gotten extra attention with McCoy out for most of the spring. The battle for No. 2 between Ryan Shea, Brandon Jones and Ryan Hawkins, will continue into the fall.
Running backs Rob Hamilton and Charlie Brown have performed well and solidified starting spots heading into the fall.
Besides the scrimmage, there will be a recruiting talk by coach McBride in the Crimson Club room from 9 to 10 a.m., a photo and autograph session with Ute players from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and a tailgate party in the west parking lot from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m.