Utah Utes football: Kyle Whittingham likes how Utes handle two-a-days

SALT LAKE CITY — Utah coach Kyle Whittingham didn't like everything he saw on the first double day of camp. He was disappointed that the No. 1 offense wasn't as sharp in the second session as it was in the first. A lot of drops and too many turnovers, however, weren't enough to offset the big picture success.

"The players came out and handled it well from a mental aspect," Whittingham said at the end of a long day featuring a morning practice at Rice-Eccles Stadium and an evening session at Ute Field.

Whittingham was pleased with the defense overall. Sophomore safety Eric Rowe had a couple of interceptions to highlight the effort.

"It was good. It's always hard going two-a-days but it's football," said defensive tackle Star Lotulelei. "We had a chance to play football. It's good to come out here, run around and compete. The offense is doing great, the defense is doing great, so it was a lot of fun."

The No. 1 offense drew praise after the first practice. Quarterback Jordan Wynn and running back John White were among the standouts Whittingham mentioned.

An 80-90 play scrimmage is scheduled for Thursday. The next double day is Friday.

dirk@desnews.com, Twitter: DirkFacer