PAT GRAHAM
AP Sports Writer
A game later and Fresno State coach Tim DeRuyter is still no closer to finding a replacement for Derek Carr.
DeRuyter alternated between quarterbacks Brian Burrell and Duke transfer Brandon Connette in a 52-13 loss to No. 14 USC last weekend, but neither really stood out.
So, he’ll open up the audition again Saturday at Utah, hoping one of them can effectively lead this high-octane offense.
DeRuyter was fair against the Trojans, with each of his QBs receiving seven drives. And while both led the Bulldogs on a TD drive, they were also turnover-prone.
Burrell was 11 of 19 for 92 yards and one interception. In contrast, Connette finished 7 of 17 for 68 yards with three interceptions.
“Until somebody establishes that they can make those plays on a consistent basis, and take care of the football, we’ll probably play both,” DeRuyter said.
That’s what Utah is banking on anyway, drawing up schemes for both QBs. After all, Burrell and Connette are listed on the depth chart as co-starters as they try to fill in for Carr, who’s now the starter for the Oakland Raiders.
“The numbers weren’t necessarily indicative of how good of players they are,” said Utah coach Kyle Whittingham, whose team opened the season with a 56-14 victory over Idaho State. “The USC secondary is really active and the front is really tough. That’s a tough matchup for most teams in the country. We expect to see both and we’ll prepare accordingly.
“They’re an athletic team even though they didn’t fare very well against the Trojans. They do have very good players. They certainly have all of our attention and all of our respect.”
All of the Bulldogs’ attention will be centered on stopping Utah quarterback Travis Wilson, who played last week for the first time since November when a concussion nearly derailed his career. Wilson finished 13 of 18 for 265 yards and a touchdown before sitting out the second half with a big lead. He also ran for another score.
“His numbers were excellent,” Whittingham said. “He put the ball where it needed to be and made some great runs. That touchdown run where he dove into the end zone shows right there that he has no apprehension when running the football. He’s completely confident in what he’s doing.”
Things to watch as these two former Western Athletic Conference rivals meet again for the first time since the 1999 Las Vegas Bowl:
BOUNCING BACK: Since DeRuyter took over in 2012, the Bulldogs have not lost back-to-back games. They lost three regular season games his first season and rebounded the next week to win by an average of 31.7 points. Last season, after their only loss, they recovered to knock off Utah State 24-17 in the Mountain West Championship game. “You don’t have the luxury of feeling sorry for yourself,” DeRuyter said. “We can’t ease into this season. Got to get going now.”
OFF TARGET: Fresno State had just 160 yards passing against USC, the first time under DeRuyter the team has failed to throw for at least 200 in a game. With Carr running the offense last season, the Bulldogs averaged a nation-leading 394.8 yards.
FEET OF CLAY: Senior Kaelin Clay returned a punt for a 46-yard TD in his Utah debut. He was just warming up as he later brought back a kick 100 yards for a score. He played at Mt. San Antonio College in Walnut, California, in 2013. “He’s a big play guy, that was very apparent when he touched the ball,” Whittingham said.
MR. AUTOMATIC: Utah kicker Andy Phillips converted eight extra points against Idaho State and is now 49 of 49 in his career. The former U.S. ski team member also is 17 of 20 in field-goal attempts in his career.
SPREADING THE WEALTH: The Utes had six different receivers haul in passes against Idaho State. Junior Kenneth Scott returned to the field after missing a good portion of last season with an injury. He had four catches for 57 yards and a TD. “Great to have him back,” Whittingham said.
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