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The Utah Utes' winning streak grew Saturday but so did their to-do list even as they prepare for their first road game of the year.

The No. 14 Utes, who beat UNLV 38-10 Saturday, play at New Mexico this week. The Lobos have struggled in their two outings this season, losing to Oregon 72-0 and falling to Texas Tech 52-17 Saturday.

The Utes, though, have more pressing concerns than simply coming up with a game plan that will add to the Lobos' woes this year.

Utah had its second blocked punt of the season against UNLV, struggled some defensively on third downs and with its pass rush, and continued to be hampered by penalties.

In addition, the availability of quarterback Jordan Wynn (thumb), center Zane Taylor (knee) and punter Sean Sellwood (ankle) are unknown due to injuries.

Of all the issues the Utes must address this week, special teams is the most important, Utah coach Kyle Whittingham said.

"It's unacceptable to have two blocked punts in three years, let alone two games," Whittingham said.

The blocked punt led to UNLV's only touchdown. However, the defense had its issues too. The Rebels converted on 9 of 20 third downs, but converted four during its 18-play, first quarter drive.

The Utes also sacked quarterback Omar Clayton just twice, much to Whittingham's chagrin.

"The pass rush was unacceptable," he said. "We let the quarterback out of the cage too often and we have to do a better job in the throw game. We had hurries and scrambles but they managed to gain yardage almost every time. Too many times we let them out of the cage."

Perhaps the reason Whittingham is so critical now is that the current stretch of games the Utes are playing is the best time to correct mistakes, before the difficult stretch starts with a road game at Iowa State on Oct. 9.

The Utes host San Jose State on Sept. 25 and have a bye after this week's game against the Lobos.

That isn't to say, though, that the Utes are overlooking New Mexico. James Madison's upset of Virginia Tech and other upsets such as UNLV's win over the Utes in 2007 are good reminders that the most important game for the Utes is their next one.

"If you don't show up on Saturday you can get smacked in the mouth," Whittingham said. "I keep going back to '07 Vegas. It happened, it's not going away and I'm reminded about it all the time, but it was a good lesson for our team. It was a crossroads to remember that if you don't play with … emotion and passion, someone is going to smack you." —

Saturday's game

P Utah (2-0) at New Mexico (0-2), 6 p.m.

TV • The mtn.