"I'd rather face a team that we are best mentally prepared for instead of physically prepared for," he said.

One thing is certain, the Falcons will need to get pressure on Hall and force some turnovers. If they don't, AFA doesn't match up with Dennis Pitta and Austin Collie in the secondary, and they don't match up physically in size to BYU's O-line. But, hey, AFA faces that in every game.

On defense, it's anyone's guess if the Cougars can stop AFA's big-play capability that mowed down Colorado State here last week. If they can't, today's game will be a shootout.

Cougar star running back Harvey Unga missed most of this week's practice, and his status will be a game-time decision. Anae said Unga has been worn down and needs to recharge his batteries.

Said Anae: "Whenever he can go, we'll plug him in. He's had a lot of wear and tear.

"We'll feature Fui (Vakapuna) if we have to, no question, and go from there. We'll get some of Harvey, but it will probably be a heavy dose of Fui."

This week's predictions:

UTAH 38, SAN DIEGO STATE 10: The Utes are feeling it and who knows, SDSU might be dumping football or playing at a local high school soon if things don't start turning up for Chuck Long.

COLORADO STATE 21, NEW MEXICO 17: The Lobos don't have the offense to trade points with the Rams. CSU is sniffing a bowl trip, and that incentive should propel the Rams past Rocky Long's squad, even if the Lobos never quit.

BYU 38, AIR FORCE 31: If the Cougars avoid turnovers, they should have enough firepower to outdistance the Falcons in a shootout if both defenses struggle. Look for a big day by Austin Collie and Dennis Pitta.

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E-mail: dharmon@desnews.com