Utes put loss behind them, focus on BYU

Have a feeling there are a lot of fans still dragging from Utah's emotional loss to Oregon State on Saturday. What about the Utes? Can they get over that overtime loss and be fully invested in Saturday's game at BYU or will there be lingering effects much like last year's loss at Utah State created? Judging from what the Utes said at the press conference today, they've put the loss behind them and are ready to turn their full attention to the Cougars. "We learned from that Utah State loss like coach said," running back James Poole said. "We have to move on and forward and have to win games." It probably helps that the next game on the schedule is against the Cougars. Utah has plenty of big games now that it is a member of the Pac-12, but playing the Cougars remains a special event and always comes with added spice. The Utes say they want to treat it like just another game, but linebacker Jason Whittingham acknowledged it is something special for many players with local ties. "I grew up around the game," said Whittingham, coach Kyle Whittingham's nephew. "For my family it was like another holiday. "There is a picture of me when I was two-years-old at the game as a Ute fan," he added. "It has been a part of my life forever...Hopefully I can make our family proud this week." - Lya Wodraska