Utah Utes football notebook: Utes open farewell tour with UNLV

SALT LAKE CITY — Saturday's game against UNLV is more than just the Mountain West Conference opener for the Utah Utes. It's also the start of what could be a farewell tour.

With Utah moving to the Pac 10 next season, chances are the Utes won't be playing any current MWC teams — with the exception of rival BYU — again for quite some time, if ever.

Utah coach Kyle Whittingham, though, isn't looking at it as a sentimental journey.

"It could be the last time we play a lot of guys. It's neither here nor there with us," he said. "We just go about our business and that's it. That's all you can do. You can't really be concerned with anything else."

COACHING TIES: When the Utes face UNLV Saturday, they'll see a few familiar faces on the opposing sideline. J.D. Williams, who was on the Utah coaching staff last season, is now the pass defensive coordinator and cornerbacks coach for the Rebels. Tight ends coach Brent Myers was a Utah assistant in 2003 and former Utah State head coach Brent Guy is now UNLV's recruiting coordinator and linebackers coach. Guy also coached against Utah last season while serving as Louisville's defensive coordinator.

DON'T ASK: Earlier in week, Whittingham made it clear where he currently stands on the topic of Utah reaching the Bowl Championship Series this season.

"That's absurd to talk about that at this point and time," Whittingham said. "We're one game into the season. We are still finding out who we are and what we're all about."

INJURY UPDATE: Junior linebacker J.J. Williams, who missed the Pitt game because of a foot injury, is still listed as questionable. However, based on progress this week, he could see action against UNLV.

"If he is ready on game day — whether or not he's practiced — he will play," Whittingham said.

Running back Sausan Shakerin is still out with a concussion and quarterback Jordan Wynn is day-to-day with a sprained thumb. Wynn declined to comment on his status after Wednesday's practice.

BIG DAY FOR BURTON: Despite a 5-inch height disadvantage, Utah cornerback Brandon Burton drew plenty of praise for his defense on Pitt receiver Jon Baldwin last week. He helped limit the Panthers' star to just four catches.

Whittingham credited Burton's timing and athleticism for making a difference. Burton finished with five tackles and two pass breakups.

"He's a great athlete. He's got great speed. He's got an excellent vertical jump," Whittingham said. "He plays the ball in the air very well and he's a big-time corner."

e-mail: dirk@desnews.com