SALT LAKE CITY — Two Utah Utes have a family connection to Saturday's game at Oregon State. Starting defensive linemen Dave and Joe Kruger will be following in their father's footsteps, sort of, when they take the field. Paul Kruger played for the Beavers in 1986 and 1987.
"It's going to be special in a way," acknowledged Dave. "But at the same time that's old news. My dad is a Ute now."
Getting a win over his old team, though, would be special.
"That stadium is loud. It gets aggressive sometimes. And I'm excited to play there," Dave said.
Joe is also eager for the opportunity.
"I'm excited just because my dad went there and that's where he played," Joe said. "I'm sure when he's watching some old memories are going to pop up in his head."
Dave and Joe's older brother Paul, who is now in the NFL, was with the Utes the last time they played in Corvallis, Ore. Oregon State won the 2007 matchup by a score of 24-7.
BROADCAST NEWS: Retired Utah quarterback Jordan Wynn had a good time talking college football on a couple ESPNU shows in Charlotte, N.C., earlier this month.
"It was a lot of fun," said Wynn, who was able to meet guys like Andre Ware and Mike Bellotti during his day at ESPNU headquarters.
Wynn acknowledged he'd like to do it again and perhaps on a regular basis.
"We'll see what happens," Wynn said. "I'll keep talking to them and see what goes on. "
TALENTED CORNER: Oregon State senior cornerback Jordan Poyer, who leads the nation with five interceptions, has Whittingham's respect.
"You've got to be aware of where he is. Not many people throw at him," Whittingham said. "I have an affinity for great corner play and he is a great corner. There's no doubt about it. He's got the whole package."
Poyer had three picks against Washington State on Oct. 6.
SALT ON THE SIDELINES: Although lineman Junior Salt has recovered sooner than expected from a broken foot, don’t expect to see the highly touted junior college transfer on the field this season — even though he's on the travel squad and getting a lot of reps in practice.
"We're excited for what he's going to bring to us in the future," Whittingham said while noting that Salt is making a successful transition from defense to offense. The re-emergence of senior Miles Mason ended any thought of pulling Salt out of a redshirt year.
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