Utah quarterback Alex Smith, offensive lineman Chris Kemoeatu and safety Morgan Scalley have each been named to watch lists for Football Writers Association of America awards.

"That's great for our program," said head coach Urban Meyer. "I think it just reiterates what we've said all along; that on a good football team great things can happen."

• Smith is a candidate for the Davey O'Brien Award, presented each year to the nation's outstanding quarterback. The junior passed for 2,247 yards and ran for 452 in leading the Utes to a 10-2 mark that included a conference championship, a victory in the Liberty Bowl and a spot in the national rankings. Utah was 9-1 with Smith as its starter.

• Kemoeatu, a 6-foot-4, 338-pound senior, is a candidate for the Outland Trophy, which honors the nation's top interior lineman. The two-year starter was honorable mention all-conference last season.

• Scalley was named to the Nagurski Award watch list. The Nagurski Award is given to the nation's outstanding defensive player. Scalley, a senior who made 73 stops last season, is Utah's top returning tackler. He played in all 12 games in 2003 and scored a touchdown in the Liberty Bowl victory over Southern Mississippi.

"The people who were nominated are very deserving," said Meyer. "But they realize they are surrounded by great players."

Another preseason accolade, this one ticketed for the team, is expected next week at the Mountain West Conference football meetings in Las Vegas. The defending league champions will most likely be tabbed to finish first in both coaches and media polls to be released July 22.

The Utes open the 2004 campaign Sept. 2 at home on ESPN against Texas A&M.

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E-mail: dirk@desnews.com