WHAT THEY DID: The Utes received a police escort to and from practice at Burleson High School, a 20-minute drive from the team's hotel in downtown Fort Worth. Several players participated in charity visits to local hospitals before the entire squad was treated to dinner at the Reata restaurant.

WHAT THEY SAID: "It's big time. There's no question about it. This is a great facility ... It's just like our stadium, only a smaller version. It's a great venue to practice at." — Utah coach Kyle Whittingham on Thursday's practice at Burleson High School, a facility with field turf, a huge scoreboard and a press box with suites.

WHAT'S NEXT: Whittingham, Eric Weddle and Tavo Tupola are scheduled to represent the Utes at a kickoff press conference at the Fort Worth Convention Center. They join the entire traveling party at a luncheon featuring ESPN's Lee Corso as the guest speaker. A pep rally is planned at Sundance Square in the evening.