Utah quarterback Brian Johnson hasn't forgotten about last year's season-opener, when a shoulder injury sidelined him in the first half of a 24-7 loss at Oregon State.
The senior vividly recalls running the option and having a 300-pound nose tackle land on him. Johnson managed to complete a pass on the next play, but then he couldn't lift his arm back up.
"It was tough to swallow at first because it affected the way I played the rest of the year," Johnson said. "But at the same time, you've got to realize it could have been a lot worse than it was. I was able to finish the season, play, get some wins and help my team."
Johnson missed two complete games before returning for the second half of a loss at UNLV. He reclaimed his starting job the next week and Utah has gone 13-1 since. Johnson said his evolution as a veteran player has made the biggest difference.
As such, Johnson's not spending a lot of time dwelling on last year. He's firmly focused on tonight's rematch between the 15th-ranked Utes (5-0) and upstart Beavers (2-2) at Rice-Eccles Stadium.
"You can't get caught up in the past and have revenge on your mind the entire time," said Johnson, who felt he was playing well when the injury occurred. "You've got to go out there, play well, execute and realize this is a different season, a different team than last year."
This time around, Oregon State is coming off a 27-21 upset win over No. 1-ranked USC.
Even so, Johnson's primary focus is on not turning the ball over and getting Utah's offense on track.
"We just need to go out there and play consistent — not have the peaks and valleys that we've had in the first couple of games of the season," said Johnson, who'll face a completely different Oregon State front seven than he did a year ago.
Another big difference is Utah's offensive personnel. Running back Matt Asiata, who was also hurt (broken leg) last season in Corvallis, is now part of a one-two punch with Darrell Mack. Asiata has 320 yards rushing this season and Mack has 319.
"It's great balance. I think it's nothing but positive for us to have those two guys playing the way that they are right now," Johnson said. "It's unreal. Those guys do an unbelievable job. It wasn't an easy situation for either one of them.
"They've bought into the concept and it's paying dividends," he added.
Oregon State coach Mike Riley knows all about the Utes. He said his team has got to get ready for the biggest game of the year.
"We are looking forward to a very, very tough game against Utah," Riley explained. "We've got a pretty good picture of what their program is about."
The praise goes both ways.
Utah coach Kyle Whittingham said it was "no fluke" that Oregon State defeated USC.
The Beavers pose several areas of concern for the Utes, including a massive offensive line and freshman running back Jacquizz Rodgers, who ran for 186 yards and two touchdowns against the Trojans.
"Obviously we face a very stiff challenge," said defensive coordinator Gary Andersen. "As far as a conventional running game, no question this is our biggest test."
Utes on air
Oregon State (2-2) at No. 15 Utah (5-0)
Thursday, 7 p.m.
TV: Versus
Radio: 700AM
E-mail: dirk@desnews.com