Friday, May 30, 2008

I caught up with coach Kyle Whittingham about the possibility of playing Notre Dame and here is what he said: "It's not an absolute yet, but we're excited about the prospect of playing at South Bend, it's a great venue and a great opponent," he said. "For Utah to play at Notre Dame would be a great opportunity."

Whittingham said if one of the other road games can't be moved that it could potentially be a deal breaker for the Notre Dame agreement.

"We'd hate to do that, but it's not desirable to play seven away, you always want six and six," he said. "Hopefully it's something we can work out."

********

Two other small roster notes for the Utes. Lineman Zeke Tuinei-Wily, who was suspended indefinitely in the spring, has decided to leave the team. Receiver Marquis Wilson, also suspended for spring practice, has been partially reinstated by Whittingham and can join the team in workouts that start Monday. However he has to meet several team requirements before he is welcomed back completely.

Wilson also was suspended in March of 2007 after being charged with drunken driving, a case that has yet to be resolved. He was reinstated for the 2007 season and finished with 14 catches for 187 yards and a touchdown.

Whittingham said receivers Aiona Key and David Reed are still finishing up academic work and won't be here next week, but might join the team later in June. The same goes for lineman Keni Kaufusi.

"There shouldn't be any surprises," he said.