Utah Utes football: Wynn still isn't redshirting — yet

True freshman Jordan Wynn has yet to play a single second of college football. He's been relegated to the sideline since losing the starting quarterback job to Terrance Cain in fall camp.

Wynn's days of watching, however, may come to an end Saturday against Wyoming.

Then again, maybe they won't.

"We're hoping at some point (this season) he's going to get an opportunity — maybe this week," Utah coach Kyle Whittingham said during the Mountain West teleconference on Tuesday. "We'll see."

The coach followed up on his comments about Wynn's situation later in the day after practice.

"We've been hoping to have gotten him in by now, but maybe this is the week," he said.

The Utes have played seven games already and have just five regular-season contests remaining. Whittingham said thoughts of having Wynn redshirt will be more seriously considered if his inactivity continues into the ninth or 10th weeks.

"It's just a matter of how things unfold," he acknowledged while noting that there's a point and time when it starts to become a factor.

This, however, isn't the time.

"As of right now, he is not redshirting," Whittingham said. "He just hasn't played yet."

ULTIMATE PRAISE: Whittingham had kind words for the Air Force cadets after Utah's 23-16 overtime win on Saturday.

"I'm very, very grateful that they're the ones that are defending our country," he said. "Because there's no quit in them and they're tough as nails."

RESPECT FOR ROJO: Air Force coach Troy Calhoun paid Utah safety Robert Johnson quite a compliment Tuesday.

"You look at him, he has to be a first-day draft guy. He's long. He's fast. He's got excellent anticipation, tremendous ball skills," Calhoun said. "He's a good open-field tackler. He is a great, great football player. If there's a better free safety in the country, I'd love to watch a tape of him."

TRICK OR TREAT: Kids with tickets to Saturday's game against Wyoming can celebrate Halloween at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Beginning at 4 p.m., they can trick-or-treat in a tent featuring balloons, fog, interactive games and spooky music. A "blackout" costume contest will also be held. Utah student-athletes will be handing out candy.

e-mail: dirk@desnews.com