Utah Utes football notebook: Coaching shift is beneficial

Switching quarterbacks wasn't the only significant change Utah coach Kyle Whittingham made in Saturday's 22-10 victory over Wyoming. His decision to move offensive coordinator Dave Schramm to the sidelines and send receivers coach Aaron Roderick up to the booth to call plays was also a success.

"We just want to get the best situation for our team and we felt it was something we want to take a look at," Whittingham said. "We're going to stick with that. I think it worked out well."

Whittingham explained that having Schramm on the field is a benefit because of his intensity. As for Roderick, he's comfortable having him calling the action upstairs.

"There is a great deal of collaboration and cooperation among our staff," Whittingham said.

Besides, he added, the switch may prove beneficial.

"There are some differences between the two coaches. One game doesn't give you an opportunity to see a difference but you will be able to compare after a few games," Whittingham said. "Everyone works different. Tendencies we have built up are obsolete. So, in a small way, that is a benefit."

PLAYERS OF THE WEEK: Running back Eddie Wide and defensive end Koa Misi have been named Mountain West Conference Players of the Week for performances in Saturday's 22-10 win over Wyoming.

Wide earned offensive honors after tying a school record with his fifth consecutive 100-yard game. The junior finished with a career-high 135 yards and a touchdown against the Cowboys.

Misi captured defensive accolades. The senior made eight tackles, including two sacks as the Utes improved to 7-1 overall and 4-0 in league play.

INJURY UPDATE: Whittingham said the Utes came out of the Wyoming game in pretty good shape. The only injuries, he explained, were minor and mostly just bumps and bruises.

Safety Joe Dale, who has missed the past two games with an unspecified knee injury, is listed as "probable" this week. He'll see how things go in practice Monday and Tuesday before making a final decision.

e-mail: dirk@desnews.com