When you watch Utah play a football game, it's a good idea to have a program handy at all times. Actually it may not do you much good, unless you're paying close attention to the program and what's happening on the field.
You see, unlike most teams, the Utes have several duplicate numbers on their roster - two players with the same number. This year there are two players who share the following numbers - 3, 4, 9, 17, 21, 24, 44, 55, and 88.On the other hand, there's no number 14, 19, 26, 31, 37, 43, 67, 68, 71, 75, or 76 on the roster.
You'll notice there are more available numbers than there are double numbers. So why not give those numbers to the players who must share a number?
It's not that the Utes can't make jerseys with every number. It's just that Ute coaches are softies when it comes to honoring players' requests for certain numbers.
"The kids come out of high school wanting a certain number," said Utah offensive coordinator Fred Graves. "The (NCAA) rule says two guys can wear the same number if one's on offense and one's on defense."
Defensive back Artis Jackson has had to share different number two years in a row. Last year he wore No. 7 along with quarterback Mike Fouts, causing some folks to believe Fouts was going both ways, at nickelback and quarterback.
This year Jackson switched to No. 9, because "it's the number I've always had in high school and junior college. It's traditional." However, Ute freshman Boo Bendinger also requested the number and the coaches accommodated both.
Bendinger said he asked for No. 9, because Henry Lusk had the number for several years and he wants "to try to fill his shoes." Ironically Bendiger's number at East High School was 19, one of the Utes' available numbers.
So remember, if you're watching a Ute game to check the positions along with the numbers to figure out which player is which. That is, unless you're watching the kickoff team which sometimes features two No. 44s at the same time - Richard Seals and Quinn Wheeler.
Then you're on your own to figure it out.
NOT SO SPECIAL: Ask coach Sean McNabb about the Ute special teams and he won't mince any words. He'll lament about poor blocking on returns, poor snaps to kickers, missed field goals, bad decisions by return men and on and on.
"I'm not pleased at all," he said. "After three weeks I thought we'd be further ahead."
McNabb says improving the special teams has been a "high priority" in practice this week and that several changes have been made with personnel.
One change that hasn't been made is with punt returner Harold Lusk, who has given Ute fans a few extra gray hairs with some daring and not-so-smart plays back there.
Lusk has a habit shunning the fair catch in an effort to pick up a few yards. But sometimes he cuts it too close and in every game so far, he's caused opponents who don't allow him the necessary three yards to be penalized while he gets hit early.
Those penalties help Utah, but someday an official may not call it and a fumble could be costly. Also it can't be good for Lusk to take those hard shots by opponents running full speed.
McNabb acknowledges some "bad judgments" by Lusk, including two at SMU (calling for a fair catch at the 2-yard line and intercepting a long pass on a fake punt rather than letting it go), but he says he sticking with Lusk.
UTE NOTES: Of all those injuries at the Cotton Bowl last week, none proved to be major. Backup center Brett Cook's knee injury is the worst - it will keep him out three weeks . . . Guard Todd Jackson and defensive tackle Pene Talamaivao are doubtful with knee injuries as is Calbert Beck, who reinjured his hamstring. Also hurting is starting defensive tackle Ryan Akina . . . McNabb says two bright spots on the special teams have been punter Chris Hunter, a 23-year-old freshman from Oregon and Quinn Wheeler, a sophomore transfer from Idaho State, who prepped at Cottonwood High . . . Women's football appreciation classes are held every Wednesday night at the D. Glen Smith Athletic Center (580 Guardsman Way) at 7. Call 581-8563 for more information.