"Nobody's looking at any newspapers or listening to any radio stations. We're trying to keep our focus on playing football and doing the things we have to do. We've tuned everything out. This is just another game that just happens to be with our rival. We just want to go out playing as hard as we can and get a win."

Senior running back Fahu Tahi said the BYU-Utah game is worthy of the hype because it does mean a lot to those who play in it. "Regardless of records or standings, both teams show up and play very hard."

Tahi said the Ute defense looks a lot like Wyoming on film, with a lot of man coverage, and he expects Utah to play hard every down.

A native of Utah who graduated from Granger High School, Tahi knows what the rivalry is all about.

"I'm not one to come out talking trash or anything, I just want to go out and take care of business and keep it rolling, what we've been doing the last couple of weeks and keep that good feeling."

Tahi's long ride at BYU will end Saturday when he takes to the field for the last time as a senior. He was a freshman with Luke Staley back in 1999 and then served an LDS mission to Jacksonville, Fla.

Tahi said it will be tough walking off the field for the last time come Saturday, and he's enjoyed hanging with running backs Curtis Brown , Manase Tonga and others.

"I do appreciate my position coach, Lance Reynolds, who recruited me and has been there for me during my entire career. I've enjoyed it. I have nothing bad to say about my experience at BYU."

Tahi said BYU's new offense, which has provided him plenty of chances to show his wares as a 255-pound runner and pass catcher with 4.55 speed in the 40. Tahi said he feels good with the touches he's been getting, and the running backs are having fun being a part of Robert Anae's schemes.

"It know it will be very emotional for me on Saturday. I've been here a long time and it's been a long ride. I love this place, and I'll miss it a lot. But all good things must come to an end."

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E-mail: dharmon@desnews.com