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The Utah Utes already have one of the nation's best returners in Shaky Smithson, but in coach Kyle Whittingham's estimation, the production could get even better.

Smithson, who leads the nation in punt returns (23) and punt return yards (555) and ranks third in punt return average (24.1), is affecting the whole punt return unit in a positive way, Whittingham said.

"They have a lot of confidence in Shaky, and they know if they give him running room he'll get something going," Whittingham said. "He has been making good decisions, he is elusive and he makes people miss and the guys blocking for him believe in him. They know if they give him a bit of running room he'll get something going with it."

With six games remaining, Smithson's punt return yardage total is a single-season school record, surpassing the 495 yards set by current Carolina Panthers star Steve Smith in 1999.

Smithson is the only player in the country with four 100-yard punt return games this year.

Whittingham said Smithson's efforts on special teams have led to the area being the biggest surprise for the Utes.

"We felt we had some good things going for us, but we had no idea we'd be as explosive as we have been at this point in time," he said.

On the Rams

The Rams are just 2-5, but are improving, the Utes believe. Colorado State is coming off a 43-10 blowout over UNLV. The other win was a 36-34 decision over Idaho.

"I'm sure they aren't where they'd like to be, but they've played TCU, Nevada-Reno, and had some good challenges," Whittingham said. "But the team is breaking in a freshman quarterback; that has been their hindrance. There are growing pains and a learning curve that takes on."

Quarterback Pete Thomas is 151-for-223 for 1,566 yards and eight touchdowns on the year. He was 10-for-14 for 233 yards and three touchdowns in the win over the Rebels.

Of note

Whittingham will be a guest on ESPN's "Jim Rome is Burning" on Wednesday at 2:35 p.m. … The Utes will dedicate the McCarthey Family Track & Field with a ceremony Saturday at 11 a.m. at the new complex, which is north of the Ute softball field at 98 S. Wasatch Drive. The McCarthey family of Tom, Phil, Sarah and Maureen dedicated $2 million to the project.