"It's good for those kids because you're a sprained ankle away or a busted helmet away from that happening in a football game. So it was a good opportunity," he explained. "I felt like we flew around the football. One thing I didn't like was we didn't get turnovers.

That has to be an emphasis."

Andersen, however, was pleased overall. He especially liked how the No. 2s competed against the No.1s.

"It gives them a little bit of a reality check to say, 'Hey, I've got to get better,'" he said.

Continued improvement is Utah's aim entering the final week of practices.

"Spring ball is a process. Some days you're on and some days you're off," said Johnson. "You've just got to try and remain consistent. We came out today and did a nice job."

Whittingham said his team's second spring scrimmage featured much cleaner execution and better production on offense. The defense, he added, is also on track.

"We had some success and they had some success," noted Andersen, who credited Johnson for being sharp and crisp at quarterback.

"That's what you'd like to see in spring ball."

The Utes will practice three times next week before wrapping things up with the annual Red & White Game Saturday at the stadium.

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E-mail: dirk@desnews.com