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The University of Utah Athletics
#PrepareU: @Utah_Football Michigan Week, Day 2
9/16/2014 12:00 AM | Football
Sept. 16, 2014
Keep checking UtahUtes.com all season for a behind-the-scenes look at some of the University of Utah football team's preparations.
? The Utes were in full pads on Tuesday for the first practice of Michigan game (Saturday at 1:30 p.m. MT / ABC or ESPN2). The workout was held at Rice-Eccles Stadium with a 'touch tackling' policy enforced.
? Utah concentrated on its special teams execution and shored up assignments on both sides of the ball.
Practice Highlights ...
? The media viewing period (final 20 minutes) started with the punt team working from midfield, while the 'skill positions' worked on techniques during individual drills.
? Red zone 7-on-7 drills then began from the 12-yard line.
? The Utes then shifted their attention on field goals, starting with Andy Phillips taking five attempts from various distances and sides of the field, including a nice long-range conversion from midfield. Jon Halliday followed with an identical regimen.
? Practice concluded with the wide receivers, tight ends and running backs running routes and catching passes from the quarterbacks 'on air' on the north side of the field.
From Coach Whittingham ...
? Utah Head Coach Kyle Whittingham said preparation for the Michigan game on the practice field got off to a good start today. He commented that the team had a lot of energy.
? When getting ready to play on the road, Whittingham said the team will prepare well and approach the game by concentrating on getting better. He said the team understands what road trips are all about.
? On Gionni Paul being inserted into the starting lineup at linebacker, Whittingham said Paul is in good shape and showing no ill effects of not having played in an official game in two years. He also cited that Paul practiced with the team throughout all of last season and has an instinct that can't be coached.
? On Dres Anderson and Kenneth Scott, Whittingham said they just need to keep doing what they're doing to be successful against Michigan. He elaborated that they can't press things and force the issue.
? Whittingham reiterated that the offense is in control of the tempo of the game.
Post-Practice Impressions from the Ute Players ...
Linebacker Gionni Paul
? On how he spent the time he was injured, Paul said he's been working on his conditioning and studying his playbook. He said he won't have to make any big adjustments to get up to game speed. When asked if there would be any 'rust,' on Saturday, Paul said, "No sir. I was born ready."
? Paul said he circled Sept. 20 on his calendar as a target date to return to the lineup at Michigan in the 'Big House.'
Offensive Tackle Jeremiah Poutasi
? On Michigan's defensive front four, Poutasi said he wasn't surprised to see they were a big, physical and talented group, but said Utah matched up well with them.
#PrepareU Extras ...
? After training was complete, the Utes visited, signed autographs and played catch with members of a local little league football team that was invited to watch practice.
Just over 3 days, Ute fans! #GOUTES pic.twitter.com/Urix0so7Ca
-- Utah Football (@Utah_Football) September 17, 2014 
Players Mentioned
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