Upcoming Event: Football versus Idaho on September 3, 2026
Football
vs Idaho
.png&width=31&height=31&type=webp)
The University of Utah Athletics
Quotes from Kyle Whittingham's Weekly Press Conference
10/27/2008 12:00 AM | Football
Oct. 27, 2008
Opening Statement:
Going back to CSU for a minute, I thought we played our most complete game of the season. On offense we were able to be very productive with over 500 yards. It was a positive offensive display and we spread the ball around. I thought Brian (Johnson) and the offensive line played well. It's what we have been looking for this season and we will continue to build on that. We played well on defense and special teams were solid as well. It was almost two weeks ago but it was a good effort and another positive step towards the goals we want to accomplish.
The bye week was productive. We got the travel squad guys healed and refreshed while keeping them sharp. We had light practices Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday and we will be able to get some guys back for our upcoming game this Saturday. The developmental squad got some good work in four hard practices. We also spent some time recruiting and got caught up there. That is obviously the lifeblood of our program.
We go to New Mexico this weekend. It's historically a tough place to play. We were in very similar circumstances in 1994. We had the exact same record and were ranked close to where we are now and got beat. Two years ago we built a halftime lead and let it slip away. We have to stay focused. Our mind is on New Mexico, that is the task at hand. As long as we continue that approach, week-by-week and game-by-game, I think we will play well.
On the challenges of playing at New Mexico:
A lot of it is Coach Long. He is a competitive, tough, hard-nosed football coach, and his teams personify his personality. Ever since he has been there his teams have played a physical brand of football. They are one of the more athletic teams in the conference. Whatever the reason, New Mexico has been a team we have had some great battles with over the years.
They are a run-first team. They are running the ball better than anyone in the conference in terms of yards per carry and defending the run effectively. Anytime you can do that you are going to be in every game. They lost their quarterback early in the season, which was a big blow. Rodney Ferguson is leading the conference in rushing. That is their forte and you have to stop him if you're going to have a chance to beat them.
Defense is their bread and butter. Coach Long is a defensive guy from way back. It hasn't changed much in the last 15 years - a high pressure scheme, 3-3-5, get after the quarterback. They play man-to-man in the secondary, although they are playing more cover 2 this year. They will beat you with defense and control the clock with the run game.
On injuries:
Kenape Eliapo has been doing very well and been practicing. We will know by Wednesday if he will be available or not. It will be a big plus if he is back - that is the area we've been the thinnest in this season with those early hits. That will be a big plus.
On improvements that Utah needs to make:
Our turnover margin has been so-so all year long. That is something that we need to improve upon. We need to be on the plus side of that ledger. Where we come out in turnover margin is No. 1 in my mind.
On being undefeated and ranked:
It's a positive for our players and program to be recognized. But it's still early. We have four games to go. Are we where we want to be? Sure. But we have some tough games on the horizon. The recognition we have received is a plus for the program, no doubt. We're not oblivious to it, but our focus is on our upcoming opponent.
Players Mentioned
DL
/ FootballCrimson Corner with Bill Riley - College football analyst Yogi Roth
Wednesday, May 06
Crimson Corner with Bill Riley - Utah Football Head Coach Morgan Scalley
Wednesday, April 29
Crimson Corner with Bill Riley - Utah Football legend Brian Johnson
Friday, February 20
Utah Football Head Coach Morgan Scalley Introductory Press Conference | 1.06.25
Tuesday, January 06