This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2010, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Utah receiver DeVonte Christopher had a brace on his knee but participated in practice Monday. Linebacker Chad Manis (ankle) was on crutches and didn't participate. Out of the two, I'd say Manis is more crucial to the Utes' than Christopher because Utah has a lot more depth at receiver than at linebacker. Sophomore Boo Andersen is the only backup linebacker listed on the depth chart at rover, middle and stud. He has played in all eight games and has 22 tackles. Junior Jamel King, who played in the first four games, is still with the team but not participating due to personal reasons. He is the team's fastest linebacker running a 4.53 in the 40. Junior safety Greg Bird did a nice job against Air Force, but the Utes need a full-strength defense to handle TCU. As for matching TCU's speed, Utah coach Kyle Whittingham believes his team is just as fast as the Frogs. Last year it seemed like TCU had a decided advantage in that area, however, the Utes are rarely outclassed when it comes to footwork. Whittingham pinned the Utes' 55-28 loss last year on other deficiencies. "Team speed I feel like we match up in that category," he said. "But we got behind so quick, so early and by so much it was out of hand through the second quarter." Following Monday's practice, Whittingham fielded several questions on team fashion, given the new uniforms the Utes will wear Saturday and since it is a 'blackout' game with fans asked to wear black. Whittingham said he wasn't much of a fashion guy himself. Normally the players decide what combinations the team will wear. "I see it on game day and go, 'that looks pretty good,'" Whittingham said.
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