SAN DIEGO — Playing football against service academies isn't unlike getting a scratch. It might seem small and unintimidating at first, but if you don't take care of things, it could turn into an inflammation, then an infection and pretty soon you're down for the count.

When the Utes meet Navy in tonight's Poinsettia Bowl, they'll be facing a longtime opponent. Sort of. The Utes and Midshipmen have never met. But the opponent is all too familiar: the option attack.

Just what the Utes need — a date with a recurring problem.

For some reason, Utah has always had trouble with service academies and/or option offenses. The Utes are 0-3 against Army, 10-14 against Air Force. The only sustained success Utah has had against military teams is its 1-0 record against something called the 12th Infantry (1903), its 2-0 mark against the 9th Cavalry (1899) and its 8-0 record against Fort Douglas (early 1900s).

Otherwise, it's been a problem.

Which brings them to tonight's game.

"What you've got to do is match their discipline, match their toughness and try to hang with them," said Utah coach Kyle Whittingham.

Put the Utes against Texas A&M, Louisville, Pittsburgh or UCLA, and they're not terribly worried. But show them a service academy with an option attack, and they start getting the yips.

"They're the best of the best," said Whittingham.

By standard measures, Utah shouldn't have to worry about Navy.

Though both teams are 8-4, the Utes are bigger, stronger and faster. They outweigh their counterparts by 40 pounds in some cases. Yet that doesn't always translate into victory.

Something about meeting guys who have more serious things on their minds than football.

"I have such respect for these kids and all they do for the

country," said Navy coach Ken Niumatalolo.

While both Navy and Air Force use the option in some form, they also have similar personnel.

"They're very similar — hard-nosed, disciplined, great work ethic," said Whittingham. "They're at the service academies for a reason. There's no secret about that. They're the cream of the crop."

If you want a hint at how seriously the Utes should take Navy, just look at their history against Air Force. Though Utah won four in a row (2003-2006), even then it wasn't easy. In 2004, the Utes' best season ever, they fell behind 14-0 before defeating the Falcons 49-35. It was Utah's toughest game of the year.

The other three wins in Utah's streak were by a combined total of eight points.

Before that, Air Force won eight of 11 games.

Using a combination triple option/spread/West Coast attack this year, Air Force beat the Utes 20-12. Meanwhile, Navy beat Air Force 31-20.