Deseret News | Utah Utes football: Down the stretch they come

Utah Utes football: Down the stretch they come

After 6-0 start, U. will face only MWC teams for last 6 games

By Dirk Facer
Deseret News

Published: Monday, Oct. 6, 2008 12:50 a.m. MDT

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Utah's 31-28 win over Oregon State led to another rise in the rankings. The Utes (6-0) moved up to 13th in this week's coaches poll and 14th in the Associated Press Top 25.

The moves come on the heels of Utah's first unblemished non-conference run since 2004. Victories over the Beavers, Michigan, Utah State and Weber State surrounded league wins against UNLV and Air Force.

Now comes the home stretch.

Beginning with Saturday's game against Wyoming in Laramie, the Utes close out the campaign with six Mountain West Conference contests. Their primary goal of winning the league title will be up for grabs.

"It's a huge stretch for us. Obviously the most important stretch of the season with the conference schedule," said senior quarterback Brian Johnson. "We've got off to a good start — 2-0 in conference — and we've got a chance to make it 3-0 on Saturday."

After facing the Cowboys and then returning to Rice-Eccles Stadium the next week to play Colorado State, Utah has its only bye week of the season. Following the break, the Utes have road games against New Mexico (Nov. 1) and San Diego State (Nov. 15). They also have pivotal home dates against contenders TCU (Nov. 6) and BYU (Nov. 22).

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The latter, which could possibly lead to a Bowl Championship Series berth for the winner, highlights Utah's conference-exclusive finish.

"I like it," Johnson said of only playing MWC foes in the final six games before bowl season. "I think it'll help the team keep our edge and focus every week on a tough conference matchup. I think it'll make sure that we're ready to go."

After a pair of 3-3 finishes under head coach Kyle Whittingham, the Utes went 5-1 in 2007 — losing only to rival BYU.

In 2004, Utah played only 12 games (including the Fiesta Bowl win over Pittsburgh). The Utes' final six regular season games began with a non-conference triumph over North Carolina and then league victories over UNLV, San Diego State, Colorado State, Wyoming and BYU.

Mixed results

How Utah has fared recently over the final six games of the regular season.

2007: 5-1

2006: 3-3

2005: 3-3

2004: 6-0

2003: 5-1

Utes on the air

No. 14 Utah (6-0, 2-0)

at Wyoming (2-4, 0-3)

Saturday, noon;

TV: The mtn.