Utah football: Utes want depth chart settled this weekend

Utah coach Kyle Whittingham has set a deadline of Saturday to determine many of the position battles that are continuing in camp.

The season opener against Utah State on Aug. 29 is less than three weeks away, and Whittingham said the time is coming for the starters and key backups to get most of the reps.

"We need to know the guys who we are sinking our reps into," he said.

The Utes have a third scrimmage scheduled for Aug. 22, but Whittingham wants to turn that into a regular practice session because it is so close to the opener.

Whittingham's timeline means Saturday's scrimmage could be considered the most important session of fall camp, particularly since Tuesday's effort may not have sorted out the depth chart too much.

The Utes were happy overall with Tuesday's effort, but individually none stood out in the key position battles, although that assessment could change after coaches watch tape.

One spot that seems solidified after Tuesday is at kicker, where Andy Phillips made five field goals ranging from 25 to 37 yards.

In the bubble

Whittingham said he has been pleased with the team's overall effort, a trend noticed by new co-offensive coordinator Dennis Erickson, Whittingham said.

"Sometimes I lose perspective on what is going on outside our bubble," Whittingham said.

Injury report

Corner Reginald Porter has a pulled groin. ... Left tackle Jeremiah Poutasi continues to be sidelined with a slight back injury. ... Sophomore backup defensive end Jason Whittingham, who is sidelined with a broken bone in his left hand, should be ready to play in the opener.