Utah Utes football: Sugar Bowl is still top priority for Ludwig

NEW ORLEANS — Utah offensive coordinator Andy Ludwig made it clear before accepting a similar post at Kansas State. He wanted to help coach the Utes in the Sugar Bowl against Alabama.

Utah coach Kyle Whittingham and Kansas State coach Bill Snyder agreed.

"They both said absolutely that's the thing that needs to be done," said Ludwig, who is leaving the Utes after four seasons for a lucrative deal with the Wildcats.

Whittingham pointed out that Ludwig has had a nice run with the Utes. They led the Mountain West Conference in scoring with 37.4 points per game this season. A year ago, he continued, Ludwig made the best of a tough situation when Utah endured a lot of injuries.

"We are going to miss him," Whittingham said. "But we wish him well."

Ludwig, however, isn't thinking about his impending departure.

"I'm just trying to do everything I can to put the players in position to win the game. That's what is on my mind," said Ludwig, who isn't spending any time reminiscing. "That can take place later. What we are doing now is too important to look back; everything is looking forward to this football game."

The offensive coordinator praised the team's dedication on getting to the Bowl Championship Series. Ludwig said it was very satisfying to see the hard work pay off and come to fruition.

As such, he's determined to finish things off on a successful note — with Utah's eighth-consecutive bowl victory.

"That's the bottom line in our profession. This is a big game and I'm anxious to watch our players play," Ludwig said. "We've had great bowl preparation and tremendous work ethic all season long. This is a fitting cap to it."

HOSPITAL VISIT: After Tuesday's practice at Tulane, the Utes visited with patients and staff at the West Jefferson Medical Center in nearby Marrero, La.

Whittingham called the trip "a great opportunity for our players to give something back to the bowl and to the community."

R-E-S-P-E-C-T: How do you spell respect?

The Utes must be wondering.

T-shirts were on sale Monday in the French Quarter that said "Utah vs. Alabama." Above Alabama's name it said "SEC" but above Utah's it said "WAC."

The Utes are celebrating their 10th season in the Mountain West Conference.