BYU, Utah football: Utahns try to pick the state's super bowl

Chris Wingert, Real Salt Lake defender — "For the little that I've followed it seems like they're a little bit better, but also it's at the U., and I think that will make a bit of a difference." Utah 21, BYU 17

Chris Seitz, Real Salt Lake goalkeeper — "Watched both teams, both pretty dangerous, but I think the U.'s defense is better than BYU." Utah 28, BYU 21

JAZZ

Jerry Sloan, Jazz head coach — "I don't know. When are they playing?" When told the showdown is Saturday, Sloan said he is only focused on the fact the Jazz will be in "San Antonio, Memphis, somewhere" that day and that he doesn't have time to worry about the football rivalry. "I have enough trouble trying to keep up with (the Jazz) and trying to eat a bite once in a while. I wish both of them could win.They've both got great programs. They've got great coaches. I know that."

Andrei Kirilenko, Jazz forward — The Russian, who's more familiar with the other kind of football, took a diplomatic approach when asked about this local conflict. "Oh guys," he said with a smile, "I don't want to get into politics. That's politics. That's not sports."

Kosta Koufos, Jazz center — Drafted after his freshman season at Ohio State, this newcomer didn't hesitate when specifically asked who was going to win the big rivalry game: "Ohio State, obviously." When pressed to give a prediction about the little rivalry game — between BYU and Utah, not Michigan and his Buckeyes — the 19-year-old jokingly steered clear of offending any locals. "I'll go with Ohio State." After laughing, he added, "BYU and Utah, they're two great football teams. I'm neutral."

C.J. Miles, Jazz forward/guard — The fourth-year pro did his best Jazz general manager Kevin O'Connor impersonation when asked who'd win. "No comment," he replied, smiling. Even when his friendship with Utah quarterback Brian Johnson was brought up, Miles laughed while saying, "I know Brian. We're cool. No comment."

MEDIA

Mike Lageschulte, Voice of the Utes on KALL 700 — "Obviously I'm going to pick Utah. It is a pretty even matchup. Utah's strength is the defense and BYU's is the offense. I think the Utah defense has been pretty good against the run, and the front four can get some pressure on the quarterback, so we can keep some guys back in coverage. Kyle has the guys completely focused, and this group of seniors is on a mission. They will not be denied." Utah 24, BYU 17

Dick Harmon, Deseret News BYU beat writer — "I think the spread offense of Utah gives BYU a lot of problems. Without a healthy Dennis Pitta the Utah defense may also have an advantage. He'll play (Pitta) but will not be 100 percent, so I pick the Utes by five to seven points. I just think that offense has caused them problems all year long."

Dirk Facer, Deseret News Utah beat writer — "It will be hard to live up to the last three years, and Utah has a lot riding on the game. I don't really know for sure, but I'll go with the old Utah by five."

LABEL