by By Jay Drew The Salt Lake Tribune , The Salt Lake Tribune

A month ago, the senior appeared to be the front-runner, especially because two other strong candidates, Oklahoma's Jermaine Gresham and Arizona's Rob Gronkowski , had their seasons ended by injury.

But Pitta's production has fallen off lately, and although he will almost assuredly make the semifinalist list, winning the whole enchilada does not look like a sure thing.

The leading receiver for a tight end in school history says he's not concerned.

"When all is said and done after the season, that will be nice to look back on, if that works out," he said. "But it is not something I can worry about because it is not in my control. I can just do what I can do, and play as hard as I can. I can't control what voters think or what they do."

Pitta is coming off his lowest receiving yardage total of the season, 35, against Wyoming, and went the last two games without catching a touchdown pass. He still leads the Cougars in receptions (41), receiving yards (568) and touchdown receptions (five).

BYU quarterback Max Hall said it is getting more and more difficult to get the ball to Pitta because teams are double-teaming him and/or paying more attention to him.

"I think Wyoming was so Dennis-conscious, it opened up a ton of stuff underneath and allowed us to do some things," he said.

Pitta said teams are "just more aware of where I am, rather than a lot of double-teaming. It makes it difficult when there are a lot of guys in the middle of the field, to get open."

But the native of Moorpark, Calif., is not complaining, he said, because the Cougars are 7-2 and No. 8 in the country in total offense.

"I am not one that is going to hoot and holler about it, because I know there's not much we can do about it. If teams are going to focus on me and double cover and clog up the middle, then we are going to have to take advantage of some other things," he said.

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Chambers won't change

Although McKay Jacobson is back from his hamstring injury, sophomore O'Neill Chambers will continue to return punts, BYU coach Bronco Mendenhall said.

"I really like what O'Neill is doing," Mendenhall said. "He gives us a physical presence there. He doesn't go down easy. He is certainly fearless. I like what he has done on both punt and kickoff returns."

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Briefly

Offensive tackle Nick Alletto is still listed as "probable" for New Mexico with a calf strain, Mendenhall said. ... Special teams ace Carter Mees has a foot injury and is done for the season.

drew@sltrib.com Pitta's Production

Tight end's last four games:

Saturday, noon TV ? The Mtn.

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