[November 04, 2009]

Utes Bring Out Best in UNM: 14th-Ranked Utah Next for 0-8 Squad

Nov 04, 2009 (Albuquerque Journal - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- The University of New Mexico football team finished last season with a 4-8 record. Utah was 13-0, including a 31-17 victory over Alabama in the Sugar Bowl. Same conference, different leagues.

Yet, when UNM and Utah met at University Stadium last year on Nov. 1, the Utes won only by the margin of a Louie Sakoda field goal; the Lobos held the explosive Utah offense to a single touchdown in a 13-10 UNM defeat.

New Mexico, in fact, is 2-2 against the Utes the past four seasons.

There's more.

In 2003, UNM dealt coach Urban Meyer the only defeat of his two-year stay at Utah.

And in 1994, the 3-6 Lobos handed the 8-0 and nationally ranked Utes their first loss of the season.

Ancient and irrelevant history? Perhaps. But when you're 0-8, as the Lobos are in 2009, you look for positives anywhere you can find them.

This week, as UNM prepares to face the 7-1 and 14th-ranked Utes in Salt Lake City, firstyear Lobos coach Mike Locksley is reminding his troops of past successes (and nearsuccesses) against Utah.

"We talked about it (Monday)," Locksley said on Tuesday at UNM's weekly media luncheon. "Part of building confidence is showing them what they're doing well and what they've done well.

"They've played Utah well the past for years. I think there's something to be said about that." The New Mexico team that played Utah to a standstill last year employed a different offense and a different defense under then-coach Rocky Long than do the 2009 Lobos. But one thing the current Lobos can match, Locksley said, is the effort last year's team put forth against the Utes.

"Our team played with tremendous passion," Locksley said. "If we can somehow duplicate that passion, then we'll have our chances." WHO'S THE QB: Utah freshman Jordan Wynn replaced junior Terrence Cain at quarterback in the second half of last Saturday's game against Wyoming, rallying the Utes to a 22-10 victory. Not knowing which Utes QB will start this Saturday, Locksley said, is a thorny and time-consuming problem.

"With Wynn only playing a half (all season), we've only got one half to really evaluate what they like to do with him," Locksley said. "If he winds up starting, then we're gonna have to do a great job of charting what they're doing with him so we can have answers." Adding to the uncertainty: The Utes also switched play callers during the Wyoming game, from offensive coordinator Dave Schramm to receivers coach Aaron Roderick.

Utah coach Kyle Whittingham has said Roderick will call the plays against UNM, but doesn't intend to announce his starting QB until just before game time Saturday.

LOBO INJURIES, ETC .: Redshirt freshman wide receiver Ty Kirk returns this week after a two-game suspension levied by then-interim head coach George Barlow for an unspecified violation of team policies.

Redshirt freshman running back A.J. Butler is doubtful for Saturday with a high ankle sprain, Locksley said. Butler missed last week's game at San Diego State.

Starting cornerback Nathan Enriquez suffered a concussion at SDSU but practiced Monday with no ill effects. "We're waiting for the doctors to clear him (for contact)," Locksley said.

Backup center Ben Contreras is out with a knee injury.

Saturday New Mexico at Utah, 4 p.m. TV: The mtn. Radio: KKOB-AM (770)/Lobo network To see more of the Albuquerque Journal, or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.abqjournal.com. Copyright (c) 2009, Albuquerque Journal, N.M.

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