Sophomore cornerback Ryan Smith, who started all 12 games while earning Freshman All-America honors a year ago, isn't having much of an encore.
Smith missed the UNLV game with an ankle injury and did not play against Wyoming because of a coaches decision.
"We've got some other guys that have stepped up and are playing very well," said Utah coach Kyle Whittingham. "By no means have we given up on Ryan Smith. But there is a lot of good competition going on right now in the secondary positions, particularly cornerback."
Smith started in 17 consecutive games before backing up freshman Brice McCain at Colorado State. The left cornerback regained his spot in the loss to San Diego State before getting injured.
"Right now it's a fierce competition. He has every opportunity to earn playing time this week," Whittingham said. "The bottom line at Utah is how you practice determines how much you play on Saturday. So we'll see what kind of practices he has."
Smith made 44 tackles and broke up seven passes as a freshman. In seven games this season, he has made 27 stops and disrupted just two passes. Smith has, however, made interceptions in both campaigns.
"We are always committed to playing the best 11," Whittingham said. "Nobody's job is ever just handed to them."