Utah Utes football: Back to work, preparing for bowl game

Utah coach Kyle Whittingham liked what he saw on Tuesday. The Utes were back in the weight room preparing for their yet-to-be determined bowl game later this month. They'll return to the practice field Wednesday.

"Our guys have been pretty resilient," Whittingham said. "They've got a great attitude."

Days after a disappointing 26-23 overtime loss at BYU, Utah's focus is now on extending the nation's longest active bowl winning streak. The Utes have won eight straight.

"Our guys are proud of what they've accomplished in the postseason," Whittingham said. "And they'd like to keep that going."

Utah's bowl destination and opponent, though, likely won't be known until official announcements are made on Sunday.

"We'll be fine going to practice. We have plenty to work on," Whittingham said. "We can work against ourselves for a few days while we're waiting to find out who the opponent is. We can get plenty of work in that way."

The Utes, he added, have to continue what they've been doing,

"That was good football we played on Saturday. We just came up one play short," Whittingham said.

RECRUITING TRAIL: The NCAA's recruiting contact period began Sunday, and Utah has the maximum number of coaches (seven) out on the road.

"Recruiting never stops," Whittingham said. The current contact period continues through Dec. 19.

NO REBUTTAL: Whittingham declined to elaborate on Max Hall's postgame remarks about the University of Utah that led to a reprimand from the conference.

"That's a BYU issue," he said. "That's not our issue."

As for postgame incidents on the field, Whittingham declined comment. He did, however, say that his family was fine.

"They're OK," Whittingham said. "They're doing all right."

OVERLOOKED, AGAIN: Senior linebacker Mike Wright, who has led the Utes in tackles the past two seasons, was a repeat selection on the All-Mountain West Conference ... honorable mention team.

"Mike is kind of an under-the-radar type of player. He's not real flashy. All he does is produce every week," Whittingham said. "His numbers were good, but he's a blue-collar guy and unfortunately didn't get the recognition that he may have deserved."

Besides making 77 stops, Wright has five tackles-for-loss, three forced fumbles, two interceptions and a fumble recovery this season.

e-mail: dirk@desnews.com