A year ago Utah's first bowl practice was a sideshow to a media circus. Dozens of reporters followed story lines like Urban Meyer's coaching future and the Utes breaking into the BCS.
Things, however, have changed.
Utah's inaugural practice for the Emerald Bowl drew just three sports writers, a radio reporter and one television crew.
"It was very unsettled last year. This year is a whole different deal. We're much more comfortable," Utah coach Kyle Whittingham said after Wednesday's workout at the Spence Eccles Field House. "There's no uncertainty surrounding the football team like there was last year."
The only question mark is who the Utes will face Dec. 29 at SBC Park in San Francisco. Virginia appears to be the frontrunner, but the Atlantic Coast Conference has opted not to make its bowl selections until this weekend.
The mystery, thereof, isn't putting a damper on Utah's bowl preparations.
"The team's mentality now is great. They're working hard in the weight room this week and had a good first practice," Whittingham said. "I couldn't ask for a better mindset out of those guys."
After Wednesday's light practice, the Utes will turn things up a notch or two Friday and Saturday. They'll practice three times a week until final exams are complete.
"I was impressed with the way they ran and moved around," Whittingham said.
Quarterback Brett Ratliff, who led the Utes to an upset win over BYU, was eager to return.
"I was excited to get back to practice," Ratliff said. "I like practicing. It's fun for me."
Even, he added, if the team's bowl opponent isn't known yet.
"I don't really care who we play," Ratliff said. "As long as we play somebody that's all that matters."
Whittingham also has no preference. There's no point to having one, he explained.
"They're all good football teams. Whoever we get is going to be athletic and they're going to be fast," Whittingham said. "We're just waiting to hear which one."
Waiting, though, isn't easy. Freshman Brent Casteel, a San Francisco native excited about playing his next college game at home, admits it's a little difficult.
"It's hard, but we've just got to make sure that we execute everything we've got to do," Casteel said. "When we find out who we play that's when we prepare for that team."
E-mail: dirk@desnews.com