Utah's Hays likely to make first start

Published Oct. 3, 2011 1:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

Utah coach Kyle Whittingham said junior-college transfer Jon Hays ''almost certainly'' will start at quarterback Saturday against Arizona State.

Whittingham made the announcement at his Monday news conference. He had no further information about the long-term availability of Jordan Wynn as the junior was still undergoing tests Monday on his left non-throwing shoulder.

Hays played the second half of Saturday's 31-14 loss to Washington, completing 10 of 16 passes for 156 yards. He had an interception and a last-minute touchdown.

The Utes (2-2, 0-2) had hoped to contend for the Pac-12 South title but are winless in conference play and now face a Sun Devil team that has climbed to No. 22 in the rankings thanks to a 4-1 start.

Whittingham was hopeful top offensive lineman Tony Bergstrom would play.