A star was born in Utah's 44-6 victory over UCLA Saturday.
Sophomore safety Robert Johnson made quite an impact in his first start for the Utes.
Besides making six tackles in the upset, he intercepted Bruins quarterback Ben Olson twice and forced a fumble that bounced out of the end zone for a touchback instead of a touchdown before the game was out of reach.
All the success, though, didn't leave Johnson satisfied.
"It was real beautiful, but it wasn't my best," he said. "I was making plays, but I didn't make the big plays like I was supposed to."
Johnson is still smarting over a near interception in the first quarter.
He believes it should have been returned for a touchdown.
Turns out, the Utes didn't need it — Johnson made up for it and then some by game's end.
Utah's first victory of the season featured several standout performances — answering head coach Kyle Whittingham's call for "heroes" to step forward.
Johnson was inserted into a starting role after a stellar showing seven days earlier in limited action against Air Force.
"Looking at film from last week, it was apparent we needed Robert Johnson on the field today," Whittingham said. "Johnson gives us a true free safety."
The 6-foot-3, 185-pounder brings plenty of athleticism to the position. He was a football and track star at Fremont High and Southwest College in Los Angeles, earning honorable mention All-America honors at the latter.
After Utah's injury-plagued 0-2 start to the season, Johnson was part of a reorganized starting defense that was unveiled Saturday. Senior Steve Tate was moved to strong safety, while junior Koa Misi and redshirt freshman Paul Kruger made first starts on the defensive line.
"We put some different guys out there," Whittingham said. "And it all clicked."
In handing UCLA its worst nonconference loss since a 42-3 setback to Nebraska in 1984, Utah's defense tallied five sacks, three interceptions and two fumble recoveries.
"The season is just beginning," Johnson said. "And it's going to be all upside now."
Optimism is plentiful as the Utes (1-2) enter Saturday night's Mountain West Conference game at UNLV.
The offense and special teams also shined in the victory over UCLA. Quarterbacks Tommy Grady and Corbin Louks, a true freshman making his collegiate debut, combined to complete 19 of 33 passes for 264 yards and four touchdowns.
Eight receivers caught passes, including true freshman Dallin Rogers. The tight end teamed with Louks on a 12-yard scoring strike.
The offensive star, however, was tailback Darrell Mack. The junior scored three touchdowns — two receiving and one on the ground — to lead the way. He ran for 107 yards, becoming the first Utah running back to reach 100 yards since Quinton Ganther rushed for 120 in the 2005 Emerald Bowl win over Georgia Tech.
"I was ready," Mack said. "We had to establish the running game early. That was most important."
On the special teams front, kicker Louie Sakoda had a strong outing. He made five PATs and three field goals, including a career-long 47-yarder. Sakoda's punting helped Utah establish superior starting field position (by nearly 25 yards) in the game. Four of his five punts pinned UCLA inside the 20-yard line.
Whittingham praised the Utes for coming together and playing as a team.
The surprisingly lopsided outcome has given the program a much-needed shot of confidence entering the final nine games of the season.
"We believe we'll win every game," Grady said. "We practiced hard this week, then came out today and executed."
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