Utah Utes football: Team feels ready to play

SAN DIEGO — Aside from a walk-through this afternoon at Qualcomm Stadium, the Utah Utes have wrapped up preparations for Wednesday's Poinsettia Bowl game against California.

"I think we had a very good practice today," said Utah coach Kyle Whittingham, who noted that his team moved around well with good focus and concentration.

Monday morning's two-hour session at San Diego State's football facility capped things for Utah's graduating seniors.

"I'm just in shock. I really don't know how to take it. It's just weird," linebacker Stevenson Sylvester said after his final practice with the Utes. "It's crazy right now just to realize that I won't be having this No. 10 jersey on."

Sylvester vows to cherish the time he has left with his brothers on the team.

"We had a lot of fun today," he said.

Fellow captain Zane Beadles acknowledged it was a good day on the practice field. The pace, he noted, was up-tempo.

As such, the senior isn't slowing down to reminisce.

"I've got one thing on my mind and that's winning this ball game," Beadles said. "I'll have time to think about this down the road. But right now, it's all ball."

Utah is seeking to extend the nation's longest bowl winning streak to nine games.

"We're always ready to roll," Sylvester said. "At this point we're just frustrated because it's taking so long. We're ready to go."

Having experienced half of the bowl run — the first as a redshirt and the past three as a starter at left tackle — Beadles likes where the Utes are as the game approaches.

"I think it's right on track with all the other ones. I think our guys are ready to go," he said. "They've got their minds in the right place. We've had a good time down here, but we're ready to play a ball game."

Beadles and Sylvester are among a group of 24 seniors (including injured running back Matt Asiata, who may petition the NCAA for another year of eligibility) on the team.

Whittingham said their final practice was somewhat emotional — more so for some than others.

Many of the seniors will be playing their final football game. Others, like defensive end and captain Koa Misi, will pursue NFL careers.

The entire class, however, shares a common goal — another bowl victory.

"It would be nice," Misi said of continuing the win streak. "Hopefully we keep that going."

Poinsettia Bowl

No. 23 Utah (9-3) vs. California (8-4)

Wednesday, 6 p.m. (MT)

TV: ESPN

Radio: 700AM

e-mail: dirk@desnews.com