Ludwig's task: Get QB Ratliff, U. offense set

Utah offensive coordinator Andy Ludwig is taking a philosophical approach to today's game at BYU.

"Every week, every game plan has its unique challenges, and this one is no different," Ludwig said as the Utes prepared to face the Cougars without starting quarterback Brian Johnson and top receiver John Madsen, who are injured.

"I don't have time to compare this situation to any other. I've just got to get the team, the offense, ready to go against a very good football team," Ludwig continued. "We're practicing well. We're focused and anxious to play."

Brett Ratliff, the junior college transfer who will fill in for Johnson, has apparently handled his new workload well in practice. Ludwig noted that the other players responded to him well.

Even so, it'll take more for Utah's new starter to succeed.

"There is no way taking one-third of the reps in practice this season can simulate what he's going to go through on Saturday when he takes the opening snap against the BYU Cougars," Ludwig said. "Now we're counting on him to draw back from his junior college experience as a two-year starter and things like that."

FOR THE RECORD: Utah senior Dan Beardall didn't get to attempt a field goal in last week's loss to New Mexico, leaving him in a tie with Andre Guardi for the school record for consecutive kicks made with 11.

Beardall, however, is more concerned with winning the game. And he wouldn't mind doing so in similar fashion to Utah's last visit to BYU, a 3-0 victory in 2003 when Bryan Borreson's 41-yard kick made the difference.

"It's on the highlight film we show in the locker room. That was a huge kick in conditions that weren't very good," Beardall said. "Hopefully this year it will be a little bit better and the conditions will be right. If it comes down to that, I feel like I'm ready to do it."

SPEAKER CITY: The Utes held their final practice at the indoor facility. They did so with speakers blaring crowd noise in an effort to simulate playing conditions at LaVell Edwards Stadium.

Whittingham said the 2001 game in Provo when BYU running back Luke Staley ran down the sideline was the loudest crowd noise he's ever heard — even louder than when the Utes played at bigger venues like Texas A&M or Michigan.

"You do your best. We get enough out of what we do here with the noise to accomplish our objectives," Whittingham said. "But no, you can't duplicate what that sounds like."

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