Utah Utes football notebook: Lobo coach offers praise

ALBUQUERQUE — Embattled New Mexico head football coach Mike Locksley had kind things to say about the 14th-ranked Utah Utes this week.

Before calling them a "real good team" with "tremendous speed" and two quarterbacks with the ability to lead, Locksley compared the Utes to previous opponents Oregon and Texas Tech.

The Ducks defeated the Lobos, 72-0, in the season-opener and the Red Raiders handed them a 52-17 setback last week.

"I think Utah is a combination of what we saw between Oregon and Tech," Locksley said.

Get out your calculators.

If Locksley is correct, then the Utes may be 53 1/2 point favorites.

Utah's largest margin of victory since Kyle Whittingham took over as head coach in 2005 was a 50-0 decision over Wyoming in 2007.

The second closest?

Victories over Utah State in 2006 (48-0) and 2008 (58-10).

THE LITTLE THINGS: Quarterbacks coach Brian Johnson said the Utes adhere to a philosophy for success.

"If you want to be a great team you have to do the little things right," he said. "Everything matters."

Besides paying attention in football-related activities, Johnson noted the importance of going to school and being on time.

"Every detail," he added.

EXTRA POINTS: Ranked Utah teams are 3-2 against New Mexico. The Utes prevailed in 2004, 2008 and 2009, but lost to the Lobos in 1994 and 2003. … Wynn made his starting debut against New Mexico last season, throwing for 297 yards and a pair of touchdowns. It was the best opening ever by a true freshman quarterback at Utah. … The Utes have lost their last two MWC road games (TCU, BYU). … Utah has not allowed a sack this season. … Junior linebacker Chaz Walker is tied for the national lead with 27 tackles. … The weather forecast for Albuquerque calls for sunny skies and 88 degrees.

e-mail: dirk@desnews.com