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Tempe, Ariz.• Ever since he suffered his career-ending shoulder injury against Utah State, Jordan Wynn has acted as a coach and supporter for his replacement, Jon Hays.

However, Hays didn't have Wynn's assistance Saturday when the Utes played ASU.

Since they are allowed to travel only 70 players to conference games, the Utes had to leave Wynn in Salt Lake City.

His absence no doubt created a void for Hays, who earlier this week talked about how much Wynn has helped him.

"I talk to him on the sidelines on every drive, and he always knows what is going on in the mental aspect of the game," Hays said. "I haven't seen anything like him with the way he handles it. I can talk to him about stuff on the sidelines, and we have a lot of communication."

Wynn has been a constant figure at practice too, although he admitted being on the field when he can't play is hard.

Hays said he felt bad for Wynn's position and felt lucky to have his help.

"He is a good friend, even when we were competing," Hays said.

During his last news conference in which he discussed his retirement from football after suffering his fourth shoulder injury, Wynn expressed an interest to get into coaching.

Both Hays and Utah coach Kyle Whittingham have praised Wynn's ability to break down teams' defenses and for the way he studies opponents.

Sidelined

Saturday's game marked the first time defensive end Joe Kruger has missed a game. The junior, who didn't dress due to a foot injury, had played in all 29 games of his career. Also missing the game was safety Eric Rowe, who was sidelined with a hamstring injury that also prevented him from playing against BYU. Starting right guard Vyncent Jones left the game in the first half with a right knee injury.

Of note

ASU has outscored its opponents 49-10 in the first quarter. The Utes have been outscored 34-7. ... The Utes crossed midfield only twice during the first half.