Kyle Whittingham thought the 55-3 win over Arizona State was a complete team effort and a tremendous response.

“You can’t really single out one aspect,” he said.

But he also walked into the postgame press conference wearing a shirt highlighting his quarterback, Bryson Barnes.

Barnes threw for a career-high four pass touchdowns while completing 19 of his 28 passes. A week ago, he was picked off twice while the offense sputtered to just six points. Against Arizona State on Saturday, Barnes led an offense that topped 500 yards for the first time since last season’s Pac-12 title game.

Utah’s quarterback hit his first six passes and seven of his first eight.

Whittingham was asked if they’re putting more on Barnes’ plate or if he’s just getting more comfortable.

“I think Andy (Ludwig)’s opening up the offense a little bit more,” Whittingham said. “Andy’s a little less close to the vest and trusting him.”

With Cameron Rising shut down for the season, Barnes is the guy for Utah right now. Finding ways to maximize his skillset — which Utah did well on Saturday, letting him operate more RPO — will go a long way down the stretch.

Utah (7-2, 4-2 Pac-12) is still alive in the Pac-12 title race. Getting Barnes rolling a bit now should pay dividends. The Utes will need him to play well next week on the road in Seattle.