Utah Utes notebook: Team must soon decide whether to redshirt Wynn

Jordan Wynn has yet to see any action this season. The true freshman, who rose to the top of the quarterback depth chart in camp, has watched all five games from the sidelines.

With Saturday's game at UNLV marking the midway point of the campaign, a decision on whether or not to redshirt Wynn draws near.

Or does it?

"Things change but at this point and time — and up until this point and time — he understands that he's on call," said Utah coach Kyle Whittingham. "He's ready to go. He's excited about getting his chance to play in a game."

Wynn's first opportunity, though, may depend on the health of starter Terrance Cain. The junior college transfer has taken all of the snaps at quarterback, thus far.

"In three or four weeks if we're in the same situation that we are in now — where he has not gotten into a game," Whittingham said while addressing the possibility of a redshirt year for Wynn. "Then we've got to talk about the most intelligent approach to that."

R-E-S-P-E-C-T: UNLV coach Mike Sanford had kind words for the Utes during the MWC teleconference earlier in the week.

"They are a very good football team and very deserving of their ranking in the top 25," Sanford said. "We've got our work cut out for us and we've got to bring everything we've got on Saturday night."

TURN UP THE HEAT: It was 24 degrees and windy when Utah and Colorado State kicked off last weekend in Fort Collins. This Saturday, daytime temperatures in Las Vegas are expected to top 90.

EXTRA POINTS: The Utes average 40 points a game against UNLV ... This is Utah's second-to-last trip out of the state. Remaining road dates include TCU on Nov. 14 and BYU on Nov. 28 ... Las Vegas mayor Oscar Goodman has proclaimed it "Rebel Red Day" to help promote the school's homecoming celebration.

e-mail: dirk@desnews.com