Utah Utes football: Two-thirds of the way through a perfect 12-0 season

It's two down and one to go for Utah coach Kyle Whittingham's segment-oriented approach to the season.

The 12th-ranked Utes enter the final third of the campaign without a loss. They followed early wins over Michigan, UNLV, Utah State and Air Force with victories over Weber State, Oregon State, Wyoming and Colorado State.

"We were able to sweep the midseason phase of it," Whittingham said. "Now we go for the final phase, and we've got a tough November."

Utah has a bye this weekend before returning to action on Saturday at New Mexico. The balance of the schedule includes home games against nationally ranked TCU (Nov. 6) and BYU (Nov. 22) as well as a road date at San Diego State (Nov. 15).

"It's going to be a challenging November for us," said Whittingham, whose squad is in position to secure a Bowl Championship Series berth and an outright Mountain West Conference championship if they can sweep the final segment.

The Utes, however, insist they aren't looking that far ahead. Whittingham said it's "absolutely critical" for them to stay focused. It's one of the main factors, he added, for Utah's success.

"We are where we're at because of the ability to take things one week at a time," Whittingham explained. "I know it's an old, worn-out cliche. But it's never more applicable to our football than it is right now."

Utah enters the final stretch of the season ranked in the MWC's upper echelon (top four) in rushing offense (184 ypg), pass efficiency (147.9 rating), total offense (407.5 ypg), scoring offense (39.0 ppg), rushing defense (85.9 ypg), passing defense (178.1 ypg), total defense (264 ypg) and scoring defense (18.6 ppg). On special teams, All-American kicker/punter Louie Sakoda leads the league in field goals (1.88 per game) and scoring (10.0 ppg). He's third in punting with a 43-yard average.

The statistical data reflect a consistency that has the Utes off to an 8-0 start for the third time since 1994.

"I think we've improved as a team. I think we played well in spurts in the first third of the season. And in the second third of the season, I think we played a little better. We kept getting better and I think that was a huge positive for us," said quarterback Brian Johnson.

"Now I think we finally get a chance to take a rest, take a look back and see what we need to improve on for the final drive. So hopefully we can get that done."