Utah Opens 2008 Season with 25-23 Win at the Big House

QB Brian Johnson throws for 305 yards and a touchdown

Utah wide receiver Brent Casteel, left, rushes with the football pursued by Michigan defensive tackle Will Johnson (97) during the first half. (AP Photo/Tony Ding)
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Aug. 30, 2008

Final Stats

ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) - Rich Rodriguez's debut as Wolverines coach was spoiled when Utah's Brian Johnson threw for 305 yards and a touchdown and Louie Sakoda kicked four field goals, providing enough scoring to hold on for a 25-23 win over the Wolverines on Saturday.

Michigan, which was upset by second-tier Appalachian State to begin last season, lost consecutive openers for the first time since 1989-90.

Utah outscored the Wolverines 25-3 in the first half and took a 15-point lead into the fourth quarter, but had a punt blocked and fumbled to give Michigan a shot to come back.

Steven Threet, who replaced Nick Sheridan at quarterback, perfectly lofted a 33-yard pass to Junior Hemingway and Sam McGuffie ran for a score on the next drive to pull Michigan within two points midway through the fourth.

Threet's pass on the 2-point conversion was high and the next two drives ended on three-and-outs. Michigan's final drive with an incomplete pass on fourth down deep in Michigan territory.

Utah coach Kyle Whittingham is 5-3 against Bowl Championship Series schools and the latest such victory was an important first step in giving the Utes a chance to bust the BCS at the end of the season.