Sept 1, 2001

Stats

By TIM KORTE
AP Sports Writer

SALT LAKE CITY - Walk-on Marty Johnson ran for 95 yards and Adam Tate added 76, each scoring a touchdown as Utah beat Utah State 23-19 in the opener for both teams Saturday night.

Ryan Kaneshiro connected on field goals of 37, 21 and 33 yards as the Utes beat the Aggies for the fifth straight year. Afterward, Utah coach Ron McBride climbed the drum major's stand and led the band as it played "Utah Man."

The Utes seized control with a 20-point second quarter and the game wasn't as close as the score suggested. Utah State scored two late touchdowns, including one on a 64-yard punt return by Roger Fernandez as time expired.

Utah rushed for 213 yards and threw for 147 as the quick-read offense installed by new coordinator Craig Ver Steeg made its debut. But the results were mixed and the Utes will need a better effort next week at Oregon.

While Johnson broke free on a 67-yard run to set up his 4-yard TD, sophomore quarterback Lance Rice missed two sure TDs by twice overthrowing wide-open Cliff Russell near the end zone.

The Utah defense, which ranked 10th nationally last season, turned in another strong effort, holding Utah State's Emmett White in check.

White, who last season set an NCAA record with 578 all-purpose yards in one game, was held to 81 rushing yards, 11 receiving yards and 17 return yards as the Utes kicked away from him most of the night.

Utah didn't miss starting guard Ed Ta'amu, suspended for two games for his role in an Independence Day fight outside his home. Johnson left with bruised ribs in the fourth quarter and his status for next week was unknown.

The Aggies, playing as an independent this season for the first time since 1977, hurt themselves with two fumbles, one of them leading to a late first-half field goal by Kaneshiro.

Jose Fuentes also threw three interceptions, including one that ended a scoring threat on Utah State's first second-half possession. Antwoine Sanders made the catch for Utah at the 8 and returned it 52 yards to the Utah State 40.

The Utes led 20-6 at halftime after scoring twice in the last 30 seconds of the second quarter.

Kaneshiro made a 21-yard field goal with 24 seconds remaining. After Utah State's Tony Walker fumbled the ensuing kickoff, Kaneshiro added a 33-yarder with four seconds on the clock.