SCOUTING THE OFFENSE: After scoring 13 points in back-to-back games -- both wins, against New Mexico and TCU -- the Utes broke out with seven offensive TDs at San Diego State. They'll face a BYU defense that was exposed midseason with 109 points allowed in three games against TCU, UNLV and Colorado State. The Utes have to feel good that the Rebels' similar spread-option had success with an athletic quarterback. Utah has tried to curb QB Brian Johnson's running as much as possible but there are no limits this week.
SCOUTING THE DEFENSE: As good as the offense has been in the final two minutes, the defense probably wants to be on the field at game's end to decide it because of what happened the last two seasons. The Utes have to force BYU QB Max Hall away from his comfort zone by taking away WR Austin Collie and TE Dennis Pitta. The Utes, even though they lost last season's game, still only allowed 17 points and play the Cougars as well defensively as any team. Utah has to like its chances with similar results on Saturday. The key is to keep Cougars RBs Harvey Unga and Fui Vakapuna from becoming weapons that force the Utes to concern themselves with too many weapons.
QUOTE TO NOTE: "Our guys have got to treat it as if it was a normal week. We can't go crazy and lose our composure and poise. We have to prepare the same way we have for 11 straight weeks. There is a pep rally today and things going on around campus, but our guys are well-ground and they understand the big picture and will handle things just fine. The fans are rabid and passionate and they will get after each other a little -- that's the name of the game. We are putting up good numbers on offense, their defense is playing well, our offense is playing well and they've played a lot of solid football games on defense. You can analyze 19,000 different angles on paper but you have to go play the game. The last three seasons fans have gotten their money's worth." -- coach Kyle Whittingham.
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