Utah coach Kyle Whittingham loves to say games are more about the Utes' performance and ability to execute their game plan than their opponents themselves.

That thought is more accurate this week than ever.

The Utes had two major changes Saturday in their 22-10 win that likely will affect their preparations for New Mexico (0-8, 0-4), which hasn't won a game this season.

The Lobos, who fell to San Diego State 23-20 Saturday, have had a tumultuous season in which new coach Mike Locksley has made news more often for off-the-field issues than his coaching abilities.

In April, Locksley was accused of sexual harassment of a former administrative assistant, a case that only recently was resolved. He also recently completed a 10-day suspension for getting into an altercation with an assistant coach.

The Utes have at least avoided any messiness on the field or off as they've continued to win after losing at Oregon 31-24 on Sept. 19.

While that loss is looking better and better with the Ducks in control of the Pac-10, the Utes' offense has stagnated recently, which led to Whittingham's changes.

For Utah's game against Wyoming on Saturday, Whittingham brought offensive coordinator Dave Schramm down to the field and sent wide receivers coach Aaron Roderick up to the booth to call plays.

After halftime, Whittingham replaced starting quarterback Terrance Cain with freshman Jordan Wynn, who rallied the Utes to a 22-10 victory.

There weren't any drastic improvements with Roderick calling plays or Wynn at quarterback, but Whittingham emphasized that "stats only tell part of the story."

The Utes' have had trouble finishing drives with Cain at the helm and Whittingham was encouraged by the reads and decisions Wynn was making in his debut.

He said the Utes will decide today who will start against the Lobos, although it's unlikely there will be announcement of who that player is.

"Why tip your hand to New Mexico?" Whittingham said.

If Wynn is the starter, the Utes will have to tweak the offense some since he isn't a natural runner like Cain is, but they won't have to use a conservative game plan because Wynn has a good grasp of the offense, Whittingham said.

"We don't have to limit the offense for him at all," he said.

lwodraska@sltrib.com