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Issue date: 9/6/07 Section: Sports

If everyone has a plan 'til they get hit, as the adage goes, one Utah football team needs a plan B.

The 2007 season doesn't project as a successful campaign for University of Utah football following their 24-7 loss to the Beavers of Oregon State. The Utes' sustained injuries at quarterback and running back during the game.

QB Brian Johnson suffered a separated shoulder before halftime and did not take another snap. Johnson completed eight of 13 pass attempts before the injury, including a 36-yard strike to junior WR Brent Casteel early in the second quarter to give the Utes a 7-0 lead. Johnson is expected to miss at least three games.

RB Matt Asiata broke both bones in his lower right leg and will miss the remainder of the season. Asiata, a sophomore transfer student from Snow College, was a candidate to lead the Utah rushing attack this season. He had four rushes for 16 yards before the injury.

The Utes kick off conference play Sept. 8 against Air Force. The Falcons were just 4-8 in 2006, but should give the shorthanded Utes a tough game. Utah will need a win to avoid a lengthy losing streak because the UCLA Bruins are next on the schedule, followed by a scrappy UNLV team that came from behind to beat Utah State University Thursday night.

Even if they fall to 0-4, the Utes can turn a new leaf Sept. 29 when USU comes to Salt Lake City. If they lose to Utah State, expect more losses on the Ute sideline-firings, not injuries.

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