SALT LAKE CITY — If ever a case could be made for those who lurk in the shadows, just beyond the reach of the stage lights, it came Saturday in Utah's 38-10 win over UNLV. Terrance Cain, previously known as the backup to Jordan Wynn, made his 2010 debut.
He should probably start referring to himself as "associate starting quarterback."
On a lesser note, Nick Marsh came on when starting punter Sean Sellwood was hurt on a blocked kick, finishing with three punts, two of which carried for respectable yardage.
So here's to the reserves, who are often unnoticed until the moment an 11-19 goes out — police talk for "immediate backup required."
"Those guys have to be as as invested and as committed as everybody else," said Ute coach Kyle Whittingham, "because like we know, they're one snap away from being the guy."
At issue this week was the matter of Cain replacing Wynn, who sprained his throwing thumb in last week's game against Pitt. Though Wynn finished and Cain never played, soon it was clear the Utes' would need to adjust. Monday, Wynn could barely move the thumb.
This sort of thing happens all the time, of course. But when it's the quarterback, it always becomes a big public deal. Such was the case with the Utes. They started Cain against UNLV, which was no surprise. Yet in a way, Cain is putting the coaches in a delicious quandary.
The man's 8-1 as a starter.
What better statistic than that?
Thing about Cain is that he's not bad. He moved the Utes and got decent numbers, last year, too, but they just didn't score the way the coaches wanted. So midway through the eighth game, against Wyoming, Whittingham went with Wynn, who had a better arm and a knack for finding the end zone.
Fast forward to this season. Wynn owned the starting job, with Cain in the wings. But to his credit, Cain didn't whine, complain or pout. Sure enough, second game into the season he got his call, and responded with a respectable 13-for-20 passing, no interceptions, 207 yards and two touchdowns.
His high point was a 55-yard pass to Shaky Smithson to give the Utes a 24-3 lead.
"I felt great," said Cain. "Coach was telling us all week, be prepared, be prepared, be prepared."
Prepared?
Cain looked like he knew everything about the Rebels except their PIN numbers.
In a way, Whittingham could hardly be in a better spot. He has his starter, Wynn, who has better big play capability. But he also has Cain, who has the patience of, well, Job. That's a gift for Whittingham. Having a good backup is a luxury not everyone enjoys. Springsteen had his E Street Band, Frodo had Samwise. Holmes had Watson, and restaurants have the Brownie Delight when they're out of New York cheesecake.
The Utes have Terrance Cain.
The backup issue became even more notable, Saturday, when Sellwood had a punt blocked; he exited nursing a bad ankle. Marsh, the starting kickoff man, easily slid over to to assume punting duties, too. His first try was 43 yards, the second 45. He shanked his third try, but by then the outcome was academic.
The good news for the Utes is twofold. First, they have a cupcake schedule for the next few weeks, with games against New Mexico and San Jose State, followed by a bye.
Wynn won't really have to take off his warmups until the Oct. 9 game at Iowa State if he doesn't want. Which gets to the real point: For now the Utes are in good hands. If they're smart, they'll let Wynn get as much R&R as he wants, then bring him back when the road gets rougher.
Meanwhile, Whittingham should sleep well.
Few things are as luxurious as knowing that while the clerk is out, someone is still tending the shop.
e-mail: rock@desnews.com