McBride likes what he sees

He no longer coaches the Ute football team, but that doesn't mean Weber State's Ron McBride isn't smiling.

Not only are things looking good in his new job, even his old one is paying dividends.

His guys are still playing on Sunday.

Today's NFL conference championship games include four former Utes, all of whom played for McBride. Consequently, it doesn't take much to get him going on the subject. Although he has two recruiting visits today around game time, he says he'll be stealing glances at TV screens wherever and whenever possible.

"It's awesome," said McBride. "I couldn't be happier. These were guys who prepared for the next level. They knew how to compete and did what you need to do to get there."

Check the rosters of today's games and you'll see Utes everywhere. The Carolina Panthers feature offensive tackle Jordan Gross, a three-year veteran who has started every game since he entered the league.

"I'd have said before he went pro that he would be playing 14 or 15 years in the league if he didn't get hurt," said McBride. "The guy just understood about great practice habits. He did everything the right way."

The Denver-Pittsburgh match-up includes a pair of Utes in six-year NFL running back Mike Anderson and Steelers' guard Chris Kemoeatu.

Though Kemoeatu , a sixth-round pick, has been on the inactive list, Anderson could be a major factor after carrying for 1,014 yards and 12 touchdowns this season. He missed the 2004 season with a groin injury.

"First time I saw Mike work out," said McBride, "I said, 'This guy is really something.' He had natural hands, a natural change of directions, natural power — you could tell by the way he moved that if he played like he looked, you'd have a real special guy."

This from a player who skipped high school football because his coach wanted him at offensive guard, rather than tailback. Instead, Anderson opted to play drums in the marching band.

So he has that as a backup.

If football ever fails, he can always go to work for Paul Shaffer on "Late Night."

But the most intriguing situation today is between Carolina receiver Steve Smith and Seattle cornerback Andre Dyson, who could be paired against one another.

"You know Andre's going to want to cover Steve and you know he wants to prove he's better," said McBride.