SAN DIEGO — Alex Smith is eager for some redemption. The former Helix High School star, who grew up watching nearby San Diego State, returns to Qualcomm Stadium for the first time since a forgettable performance in his collegiate debut two years ago.
Hastily thrown into action by a desperate coaching staff in the sixth game of the season, Smith lost his redshirt year when called into duty. He was intercepted and sacked while completing 2-of-4 passes for 4 yards in a 36-17 loss to the Aztecs.
With a large contingent of family and friends expected to be on hand tonight (7 p.m., KJZZ, Ch. 14), Smith is looking forward to playing at home under better circumstances.
"It's a much different role on this team for myself compared to two years ago. And obviously a much different situation for this team," said Smith, who has developed into a Heisman Trophy candidate while quarterbacking Utah (7-0) to the top 10 of the Bowl Championship Series standings and both major polls. "It's completely different. Obviously a lot of growth has taken place for this team and for myself in the two years."
The Utes have become consistent winners under head coach Urban Meyer. They've won 11 straight games over two seasons and are in position to become the nation's first BCS buster. Smith has led the way. He currently leads the Mountain West Conference in pass efficiency (170.3) and total offense (278 ypg). Utah is scoring 42.6 points per game, second in the nation behind Boise State (44.1 ppg).
Though aware of the circumstances regarding Smith's homecoming of sorts, Meyer expects Smith to show the same consistency he's shown while going 16-1 as a starter.
"I think for Alex Smith this is just another day at work," Meyer said. "Sure, there's going to be a few more people he knows in the stands, but he's going to prepare as if it's in Salt Lake City, if it's in New Mexico, or if it's wherever."
San Diego state coach Tom Craft knows all about Smith and what to expect.
"Alex Smith is a very strong quarterback and he's a very bright young man," Craft said. "He's impressive and he fits very well in the system that they're running."
Utah, Craft continued, has physical wide receivers and an offensive line that will pose quite a challenge for his team's famed "Dark Side" defense. San Diego State's offense, playing without star running back Lynell Hamilton, who is recovering from a broken ankle this season, faces a test as well.
"Utah is very impressive on both sides of the ball," said Craft, who used nine freshmen in last week's loss to New Mexico.
One of the newcomers is quarterback Kevin O'Connell, who made his first collegiate start against the Lobos. He completed 16 passes for 165 yards.
Craft is high on his potential. He spends no time wondering what could have been had Smith stayed home.
"I'm tickled to death that he's having the experience that he is up in Utah," said Craft, who was hired in mid-December of Smith's senior year — after a month of inactive recruiting by the Aztecs. "If we had gotten here a little sooner and I had the chance to recruit him, I would have. I'm happy that he's doing well."
EXTRA POINTS: The all-time series between the Utes and Aztecs is knotted up at 11-11-1. Utah has won four of the past five meetings by an average of 18 points . . . Smith completed 17 of 22 passes for 273 yards and three touchdowns in last year's 27-6 win over San Diego State at Rice-Eccles Stadium . . . The Utes will be without starters Makai Aalona (offense) and Sione Pouha (defense). Both players are sidelined with knee injuries. They hope to return for the Nov. 6 game against Colorado State . . . This is San Diego State's homecoming game . . . Freshman Garrett Palmer handles kicking duties for the Aztecs. He tried to walk on at Utah last summer . . . For the first time in program history, the Utes play a second game as a top 10 team in both polls.
Utes on the air
No. 9 Utah (7-0, 3-0) at San Diego St. (2-5, 0-3)
Today, 7 p.m.
TV: KJZZ, Ch. 14
Radio: KALL, 700AM
E-mail: dirk@desnews.com