Utah Utes football: Players enjoy experience of Superdome

NEW ORLEANS — The famed Louisiana Superdome received rave reviews from the Utah Utes.

After visiting the massive facility as spectators for an NFL game on Sunday, they returned as players on Wednesday — finalizing preparations for their Sugar Bowl game against Alabama.

"It's a really cool experience. This dome is a special place," said Paul Kruger. "It's really fun to be in here. It's going to be loud and exciting (on Friday)."

The defensive end wasn't alone in voicing his enthusiasm.

"It's great," said running back Darrell Mack. "I want to play in a stadium like this every Sunday."

Kicker/punter Louie Sakoda considers it a great experience.

"I had one of my best kicking days today," he said. "I don't know if it's because I'm excited for the game and everything is coming together or if was just the dome."

Though he added that it seems like the field goes on forever, Sakoda acknowledges it'll be fun to play in the building.

Utah coach Kyle Whittingham and quarterback Brian Johnson are taking a more serious tone.

Johnson said the best thing about Wednesday's practice was getting a feel for the lighting, making sure you could find the ball when it's in the air.

Things went well, he noted, in that regard.

"To be perfectly honest, when we were out there on the field playing, you're not looking up in the stands or noticing how big the stadium is," said Johnson, who used the "Hoosiers" analogy that the playing surface is the same as any college football field.

Whittingham explained that the Superdome practice was especially important for punt returners, kickoff returners and receivers, in general, to get under the lights.

"You hate to go into a venue, particularly one indoors, where we haven't played for the entire season and not have some experience," said Whittingham. "So I think it was important to get in there today.

"They seemed to handle it well."

The Utes are scheduled to have a "walk-through" practice at the Superdome today.

IN A ROUTINE: Aside from a couple of pep rallies, Utah is trying to maintain its normal routine as the big game draws near. The Utes are in their "48-hour rule" where everything centers on football.