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The University of Utah Athletics
#PrepareU: @Utah_Football Washington State Week, Day 2
9/23/2014 12:00 AM | Football
Sept. 23, 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 hit practice field for first time to get ready for Saturday's Pac-12 opener against Washington State.
Practice Summary
? After a typical Monday after a Saturday game of weight lifting, film study and conditioning, Utah was in full pads on Tuesday for the first practice of Washington State week (Saturday at 6 p.m. MT / Pac-12 Networks). The no-contact workout was held at the Eccles Center Practice Facility.
? The Utes began preparing for the Homecoming game against the Cougars by focusing on all three phases of the game: offense, defense and special teams.
Practice Highlights ...
? Media viewing (final 20 minutes) started with 1-on-1's for the linemen in the north end, while the first and second teams conducted 7-on-7 drills in the south end and the special teamers worked individually.
? Full-squad special teams work highlighted the next segment of practice, while the quarterbacks, running backs and wide receivers perfected their routes on air.
? Utah wrapped up its workout with full-team live work with the first and second teams alternating for four series.
From Coach Whittingham ...
? Whittingham pleased with today's effort in the first 'tough Tuesday' practice of the season. (Due to scheduling of the first three games - a Thursday contest, followed by 10 days between games and the bye week - this was Utah's first conventional game week of the season.)
? Whittingham said Washington State is dangerous and that the Cougars have a lot of weapons, starting with their quarterback, Connor Halliday, who is throwing for nearly 500 yards a game this season.
? Whittingham said the keys for the defense would be to hold up in coverage, get pressure on the quarterback and make sure the Utes get their hands up in the throwing lanes to not let Halliday get comfortable in the pocket.
? He indicated that the Utes can't go to sleep completely on the Cougars' run game because they had two or three long runs in last season's game so the defense will stay honest.
? He said the weather delay at Michigan was the first in-game delay he had ever experienced.
? Whittingham emphasized that film work is the 'key to success.'
Post-Practice Impressions from the Ute Players ...
Cornerback Eric Rowe
? He praised Coach Sharrieff Shah has worked with him a lot because they know he doesn't have a lot of time to get in the mindset of a corner.
? Improved on man coverage since transitioning to cornerback from safety.
Punter Tom Hackett
? Hackett said he couldn't take credit for the special teams' success for the Utes so far this season because each one of his teammates has played a critical part.
? He said he really hasn't been punting too long and hopes to continue getting better.
#PrepareU Extras ...
? Former Ute Robert Johnson was at today's practice with his son, Aeden.
? The Utes signed posters and visited with a local youth football team after practice.
The crowd loves @gionnipaul! https://t.co/hbYU2WucbP
-- Utah Football (@Utah_Football) September 24, 2014 "I love home games, Rice-Eccles is the best" @DrizzyDrezz_6 at the @UtahCoachWhitt show with @espn700bill pic.twitter.com/OR7asVtc31
-- Utah Football (@Utah_Football) September 24, 2014 
Players Mentioned
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