Utah Utes football: Whittingham can't feel bad for Sanford this week

Utah coach Kyle Whittingham didn't have a lot to say about former colleague Mike Sanford. The embattled UNLV coach is facing some serious heat after the Rebels gave up 1,384 yards and 122 points over lopsided losses to Nevada and BYU.

"We've got our own problems to worry about," Whittingham said as the 24th-ranked Utes prepare to face UNLV Saturday at Sam Boyd Stadium. "I really enjoyed working with him while he was here ... He's in a tough spot right now, but we're just trying to figure out our own situation here and getting things fixed, our deficiencies fixed."

Sanford and Whittingham were coordinators during Urban Meyer's two-year tenure as Utah's head coach.

Since taking the helm of their respective programs in 2005, Whittingham is 41-15 overall and Sanford is just 13-40.

ROJO WINS AWARD: Free safety Robert Johnson became the first Ute to win a Mountain West Conference Player of the Week award this season. The senior had three interceptions in last Saturday's 24-17 victory at Colorado State.

Whittingham said Johnson's athleticism, instincts and preparation are what makes him so successful.

BACK IN THE RANKINGS: The Utes are back in the Associated Press Top 25 after getting knocked out following a 31-24 loss at Oregon on Sept. 19. They're No. 24 this week.

Whittingham acknowledged it's a positive but added that it's not something he worries about.

"We still have a lot of football left and we understand if we take care of business — things like the rankings — will take care of itself," he said.

EXTRA POINTS: The Utes are seeking their 600th win as a program. They're 599-418-31 in 116 years of play ... Whittingham said that running back Sausan Shakerin (shoulder, wrist) will play this week after having his cast removed. He hasn't played since a 46-yard run against San Jose State on Sept. 12 ... Shaky Smithson, who sprained his ankle in the win at Colorado State, is probable this week ... Defensive lineman Lei Talamaivao (leg) and offensive lineman Walter Watts (knee) will not play, but could return for the Air Force game on Oct. 24.

e-mail: dirk@desnews.com