Utah senior cornerback Eric Weddle arguably is the Mountain West Conference’s most talented and versatile defensive player since safety Brian Urlacher dabbled at wide receiver for New Mexico in 1999.
The fourth-year starter in the Utes’ secondary lined up as a quarterback Saturday and ran for a 2-yard touchdown against San Diego State. He reappeared in the end zone 32 seconds later with a 30-yard interception return. He swiped three passes in the game, also scoring on a second 30-yard interception return.
Weddle took Walter Camp national defensive player of the week honors for his effort.
After the game, on the MWC’s own television network, The Mtn., the sideline reporter asked Utah coach Kyle Whittingham about “Chris” Weddle’s amazing game.
There’s longer-term frustration for Whittingham, however, than a sideline slip. The Utes’ game Saturday with No. 22 Boise State will be on widely distributed Versus (previously OLN), as will the Oct. 5 showdown with TCU and Nov. 11 Colorado State game. But the rest will be on The Mtn.
As for Weddle’s versatility, Whittingham said Tuesday on the MWC’s conference call: “If he played running back for us, he’d be the best running back in this league. He’d be the best wideout. Whatever he does, he’d be the best.”
Weddle had ample preseason magazine buildup, and the national weekly honor will help, but will the MWC’s television exposure be enough for postseason national honors?
Coaches are walking a diplomatic tightrope regarding the MWC’s new network, which still is not available in San Diego, Las Vegas or Fort Worth, or for satellite subscribers.
“It’s going to be a big stance in the long run, but for right now it’s a little frustrating,” Whittingham said. “Our recruits are having a hard time picking up our games. Kinks are being worked out. We have to live with the situation as it is now, but we foresee a not so distant future when it’s going to become a big positive for us.
“For right this moment it isn’t getting Eric the exposure I wish he could have, but there’s nothing we can do about that. We have to work through the process and get the TV package where it needs to be.”
San Diego State coach Chuck Long said he has faith it all will be worked out, but he’s concerned other conferences could use the TV card against the MWC in recruiting.
TCU’s sizable target
TCU coach Gary Patterson has said his Horned Frogs carry a big target after going undefeated in their inaugural MWC season. No one carries a bigger grudge than BYU, on the short end of a 51-50 overtime classic in 2005. BYU also has maintained TCU’s last touchdown was fumbled over the goal line, though it was upheld on instant replay.
“All I’ve heard is we won because of one play. The last time I looked, there were 51 points scored,” Patterson said.
BYU has an extra quibble for Thursday’s rematch: The Cougars are coming off a Saturday game, while TCU drew a bye. Then again, BYU’s 38-0 rout of Utah State was the closest thing to a bye.
BYU quarterback John Beck, who torched TCU for 517 yards passing last season, didn’t play Saturday – Jason Beck, no relation, was the starring QB – and remains in a cast because of a sprained ankle.
Go figure
Air Force’s 31-24 win at Wyoming continued the series of outstanding games between the Front Range rivals, yet it wasn’t on The Mtn. Always optimistic Wyoming coach Joe Glenn said it helped boost attendance in bad weather. This week’s Nevada-UNLV game, also a spirited rivalry, is on The Mtn. But it’s not available in Nevada. Looking ahead, the Oct. 12 CSU-Air Force game is on The Mtn. instead of nationally distributed Versus.
Natalie Meisler can be reached at 303-954-1295 or nmeisler@denverpost.com.
