Point made

Urban Meyer doesn't have much use for nonsense.

When it comes to coaching the University of Utah football team, the 40-year-old is pretty much all business.

Silly things, such as inquiries about his opinion of the Bowl Championship Series or the possibility of a 12-0 season, are often met with a cold stare, a clenched jaw and a terse reply.

It's classic Clint Eastwood. "Dirty Harry" kind of stuff.

Despite a growing list of accolades, including national coach of the year honors from The Sporting News, it's hard to go ahead and make Meyer's day. Utah's 10-2 record, complete with a national ranking as well as Mountain West Conference and Liberty Bowl titles, doesn't quite cut it. He's looking for more.

And one day in training camp, Meyer got it — courtesy of senior linebacker Corey Dodds.

"This summer was crazy. Last summer, we were kind of like 'Man, we're getting worked so hard. Man, I can't believe we are working this hard. Why are they working us this hard? I've never been worked like this,' " said Dodds. "This summer we're working harder and we're kind of like 'Are we working hard enough? Do you think we're going to be as good as we're supposed to be? Are we working as hard as we need to, to be as good as we want to be?'

"Those kind of questions I get from people. That just shows the character. They want to be the best."

The comments were music to Meyer's ears.

"It comes down to attitude, chemistry and a senior walking off (the practice field) telling you that they want to work harder," Meyer said. "I'm glad Corey Dodds said that. It just made my day."

Before practice each day, Meyer has the Utes run a dozen 20-yard dashes at full speed. It's proven to be quite a gauge for the program he and his staff are building. Unlike last season, he added, there is no moaning or complaining.

"That is a great sign," Meyer said. "That's the sign of a team that has focused. They're not worried about how many periods we are going in practice. I haven't heard that one time. Last year, it seemed like people would say, 'Why are we doing this?' Now they know why we're doing it."

It's an evolution, of sorts — played out daily on an intense level. Dodds said there's no time to rest on past laurels.