Utes Crush New Mexico with Revamped Offense

The University of Utah Utes crushed the New Mexico Lobos yesterday at Rice Eccles Stadium, 45-14. The Utes' record is now 8-1, while New Mexico has dropped to 9-0.

Freshman Ute quarterback Jordan Wynn got his first start, and the Utes' offense looked good after a somewhat shaky first quarter. The Utes did score a touchdown in the first quarter on a 69-yard pass from Wynn to Jereme Brooks, but the Utes also fumbled three times and were -6 in rushing yards in the first quarter.

After that, the game was all Utes as the offense showed more variety than they have in past games. Besides Wynn's start, the other breakout offensive performance of the game was by Sausan Shakerin, who rushed for 100 yards on 16 carries. Running back Eddie Wide also rushed for over 100 yards for his sixth straight game, breaking a school record.

Utes head coach Kyle Whittingham has been analytical and candid about his reasons for switching quarterbacks from Terrance Cain to Jordan Wynn in the middle of the season. Plain and simple: even though the Utes were winning, Coach Whitt wasn't happy with the offense.

Here are some of Whittingham's quotes from the post-game press conference:

Opening statement:

"It's good to get another win under our belt. We performed much better in the second half. Jordan Wynn played well and we were happy with his performance. He's not playing like a true freshman. Eddie Wide had another big night and really got loose in the second half. We know next week we have a big game. It's going to be a big game next Saturday night [at TCU].

On the defense:

"The defense gave up a long drive early and near the end, but overall, they did what they should have."

On Jordan Wynn:

"He's a great decision maker. He understands the game and sees the big picture. He has a high football IQ and in that regard, I think he compares to Alex Smith. The most important thing that we have to do to help him next Saturday night is get the running game going and take care of the football. We put the ball on the carpet five times tonight, but we were fortunate to only lose one. That is something we definitely have to improve.

"Jordan is so savvy and he is able to understand everything that we throw at him. The playbook has been expanded. It's wide open now."

On the offensive line and long drives:

"They were able to wear out New Mexico's front seven. They helped us put together some long runs. The plays were called very well and we did a nice job of executing. But we have definitely become more consistent and have played with more of a rhythm than at any other time this season."

On Eddie Wide:

"Eddie's play has been the most important facet of our offensive production during the last six games."

On switching quarterbacks:

"From the get-go, we were looking for an opportunity to get Jordan in a game. We struggled on offense against Air Force and Wyoming and thought about making the switch. Just because you're winning, doesn't mean you can't improve. I don't regret not starting Jordan earlier this season but I'm happy with how things have progressed."