'It's Been Tough': Utah Utes Coach Kyle Whittingham Opens Up About Team Struggles
It's no secret that the Utah Utes have endured plenty of hardship this season.
Between the ongoing quarterback drama, the all-too lengthy injury report and their unideal record, coach Kyle Whittingham's squad has dealt with a year like no other.
But through it all, they've remained poised and focused on performing well with what they've got — even if it means playing multiple quarterbacks in the same game.
But unfortunately for the Utes, their championship aspirations are over. And that on its own has started the process of looking ahead for both Whittingham and some of his players.
Nov 11, 2023; Seattle, Washington, USA; Utah Utes head coach Kyle Whittingham during the first half against the Washington Huskies at Alaska Airlines Field at Husky Stadium.
© Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports
"We've already begun the conversations with players about next year," Whittingham said. "[Seeing] how they're leaning. [If they're] staying, transferring ... it's not just Cam Rising and Brant Kuithe."
Transferring? Really?
At this point in the college football landscape, that isn't surprising anymore. Naturally, a player that's unhappy with the team's performance or his individual role wants to find somewhere where those needs are met.
It didn't used to be this way, but now, the knee-jerk reaction is for a player to find a new team. And adding that on top of the injuries has made it a year to forget for the Utes — though chances are, they certainly won't.
[This season has been] the most difficult of my career," Whittingham said. "It's been tough to manage everything, but nobody is going to feel sorry for [our] program."
He's certainly right. Utah was supposed to have its dream season, complete with the best team and the best odds at making a run at a CFP appearance. But it didn't get that chance.
Regardless, Whittingham is focused on the present. That means two more football games. Two more chances to build momentum. Two more chances to make the most of a broken season.
And if all goes well, the Utes can hit the offseason with lofty goals for next season — when they'll do it all again.
"There's more football to be played," Whittingham said. "We can't have a letdown. There's no difference in [our] mindset after this loss."
Utah next hits the field against a No. 21-ranked Arizona squad on the road, looking to erase last week's loss and get back on the win track.
Kickoff from Arizona Stadium is set for 1:30 p.m. MT.
