Utah Utes football: Coaches, players say BYU game is in the past

SALT LAKE CITY — As satisfying as Saturday's 54-10 win at BYU was, the Utah Utes are determined to put it in the rear-view mirror — even in a bye week.

"We watched the film today, made the corrections, put it behind us and came out (to practice) with nothing but the Washington Huskies on our mind," said Utah coach Kyle Whittingham. "We're done with that football game. It's behind us and we're moving forward."

The Utes' next game is Oct. 1 at home against Washington.

Linebacker Trevor Reilly acknowledged the team was on "Cloud Nine" over the weekend, but is now looking ahead.

Whittingham re-emphasized it when asked about it again near the end of his post-practice media availability.

"We're just moving forward," he said. "That game is behind us."

TOUGH SLATE: After this week's bye, the Utes' inaugural Pac-12 campaign concludes with nine straight games without a break. The lone out-of-conference encounter is Oct. 15 at Pittsburgh. The Pac-12 dates include home games against Washington, Arizona State, Oregon State, UCLA and Colorado. Road trips feature journeys to California, Arizona and Washington State.

"This is very challenging," Whittingham said. "We're excited about the challenge."

PLAY IT AGAIN: Plenty of eyes were rolling when the Utes were running sprints at the end of practice. That's because Johnny Cash's "Ring of Fire" was blaring over the speakers, over and over again.

"They hate it. It just ticks them off and gets them in the right frame of mind," Whittingham said.

INJURY UPDATE: Whittingham noted that offensive lineman Tony Bergstrom and tight end Jake Murphy, who suffered knee injuries in the BYU game, will not practice this week and updates on their availability for Washington won't be known until Monday.

EXTRA POINTS: Whittingham and the entire full-time coaching staff will be out on the road recruiting this weekend. Planned destinations include Texas, California, Arizona and a "heavy duty" in-state effort. ... "No comment" was all Whittingham had to say about the controversial hit by BYU safety Travis Uale on Utah wide receiver DeVonte Christopher. ... Standing-room only tickets remain for the Washington game.

Pac-12 expansion WALNUT CREEK, Calif. — The Pac-12 issued a statement regarding expansion Tuesday night.

"After careful review we have determined that it is in the best interests of our member institutions, student-athletes and fans to remain a 12-team conference," said commissioner Larry Scott. "While we have great respect for all of the institutions that have contacted us, and certain expansion proposals were financially attractive, we have a strong conference structure and culture of equality that we are committed to preserve. With new landmark TV agreements and plans to launch our innovative television networks, we are going to focus solely on these great assets, our strong heritage and the bright future in front of us."

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