U.'s Ratliff says he's still having fun

Despite the roller-coaster ride, Brett Ratliff is having fun as Utah's starting quarterback.

"That's what football is all about," he said, "the ups and downs and how you react from the wins and the losses."

Ratliff is currently on a high. He threw a pair of touchdown passes in last week's 20-7 win over TCU. Five days earlier, the senior captain suffered through a miserable performance in a 36-3 loss to Boise State — completing 5-of-21 passes for 30 yards with three interceptions.

"I was definitely low after the Boise State game," Ratliff said. "But it was nice to have a short week and come out and perform like I did — just to get past what happened the week before."

Ratliff was 19-of-32 for 223 yards against the Horned Frogs. He also rushed for a team-high 64 yards.

"It was a great job by him and the entire football team on that short turnaround to get things headed back in the right direction," said Utah coach Kyle Whittingham. "Any great athlete wants the opportunity — as quickly as possible — to redeem himself from a bad performance.

"I think that was the case. The short turnaround worked to our advantage in that respect."

Following the game, Ratliff told reporters he was back to where he needs to be. Nothing changed after reviewing game film over the weekend.

"I'm totally confident in what we're doing as a team and the way things are going," Ratliff said. "I'm totally confident in the team's chemistry right now and the attitude of the team."

The Utes (4-2, 2-0), he explained, played with great passion and excitement — elements that were lacking over previous games.

"We found that and we're definitely going to progress off it," said Ratliff, who has guided the Utes to six victories in his eight games as a starter.

Of particular note entering Saturday's game at Wyoming is his 3-0 mark against Mountain West Conference opponents — adding San Diego State and TCU to last year's win over BYU.

"I've played well in the conference games and I've just got to keep it going," Ratliff said. "It's my goal every week to just keep improving."

Offensive coordinator Andy Ludwig credits Ratliff for his approach to each game.

"He does a super job preparing week in and week out," Ludwig said. "I think his game is on the move right now. So we're anxious to get to Laramie and play this game."

The Cowboys (2-4, 1-1) could pose a great challenge to Ratliff's run of perfection within the league. They held Boise State's high-powered offense to just 17 points last month.

"They've been in close games all year. I know that they're going to be a great defense," Ratliff said of Wyoming. "But I have confidence in our offense that we'll be able to move the ball."

---

Utes on the air

Utah (4-2, 2-0-) at Wyoming (2-4, 1-1)

Saturday, 1 p.m.

War Memorial Stadium

Laramie, Wyo.

TV: The mtn.

Radio: 700AM

---

E-mail: dirk@desnews.com