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With the 2010 season in full swing and the "light" part of their schedule ahead, there is one thing that could derail the season - injuries.
Starting Quarterback Jordan Wynn already has a sprained thumb and missed the UNLV game. Punter Sean Sellwood has a bad ankle after getting a punt blocked against UNLV - the punt game is already a mess. Sellwood is listed as probable.
The scariest injury was at the end of the game when center Zane Taylor was rolled up in a pile and had to be helped off the field. Taylor is listed as doubtful for the game against the Lobos. The fact that Taylor's injury is not as serious as it initially looked has to leave Utah fans breathing a sigh of relief. Taylor has made all of the offensive line calls for three years now and to lose him might be devastating. Utah's schedule looks to be lending a helping hand though.
The Utes head to Albuquerque, then come back home for San Jose State, then get the bye week. That will give Kyle Whittingham his extra week of preparation for the game at Iowa State (his record is 13-2 with more than a week to prepare for a game). His only losses were at UCLA in 2006 and Oregon State in 2007. After that, the Utes will play at Cowboy Joe, and then face Colorado State at home. This will give the Utah football team a chance to heal, to give Wynn the needed time off he needs to be 100%. J.J. Williams will get back in the fold and add depth to the linebackers. When I spoke to J.J. after the game against UNLV, you could tell he was dying to play. He told me he was getting close. Zane Taylor will be the wild card. If he has the luxury of taking a couple of weeks off, that could really help the Utes for the gauntlet that is the last month of the season. Needless to say, this next month is an important stretch if the 2010 Utah football team wants have a special season. Looking ahead, being ranked 14th with the schedule they have left presents a gorgeous opportunity.
It was nice to see Shaky Smithson get back on track Saturday. After the game his comments were interesting. Shaky said that he was able to come back and have a great week because the coaching staff took all of the pressure off of him and told him to go out and play football. Whittingham took an opportunity to teach a kid and give him confidence again. Utah fans need to be aware of the coach that is on their side. He is definitely a keeper.
