This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2012, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
The Utah Utes hope to shut down one of the most prolific passing games in the country on Saturday, but before then, the Utes were shutting down their own players. Corner Ryan Lacy, who was coming off his best game as a Ute against Cal in the judgement of coach Kyle Whittingham, was made off limits to members of the media on Tuesday and Wednesday. "He just, this week is off limits for Ryan," Whittingham said after practice. Normally, the only players off limits are those who are hurt or are facing a disciplinary action. The Tribune confirmed Lacy was in good standing with the team.Lacy leads the Utes with two interceptions and is tied for the team lead in pass breakups. While Whittingham has instituted a policy in which he won't address injuries, he did acknowledge earlier this week that offensive lineman Sam Brenner and backup running back Kelvin York are hampered by injuries. On Wednesday he admitted this might be the worst number of injuries he has experienced as a coach. "Everything goes in cycles, but right now we have a lot of guys banged up," he said. Utah's offensive line has taken the brunt of the injuries, with left guard Jeremiah Tofaeono the most recent to go down. Tofaeono did not play against Cal and could be out several more weeks, Whittingham said Monday. - Lya Wodraska