RODNEY FERGUSON, Running back: Ferguson sat out New Mexico's 24-0 win over Wyoming last week due to a bruised shoulder but has been cleared to play today. Ferguson leads the Mountain West Conference (No. 22 nationally) in rushing, averaging 104.6 yards per game. A two-time All-MWC performer, Ferguson has accumulated 2,982 career rushing yards, the third-most in MWC history.

KEY MATCHUP

BYU's defense vs. New Mexico's run game: The Lobos have rolled up 300-yard rushing performances in their last two games. With quarterback Donovan Porterie out for the season, UNM is relying almost exclusively on its running attack. The Lobos will try to hold the ball as long as possible to keep the Cougars' offense off the field.

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No. 14 UTAH (6-0, 2-0) at Wyoming (2-4, 0-3)

Rain showers, possible snow. Temperatures in the low 40s.

Today, noon — War Memorial Stadium (30,514) — Synthetic turf — Laramie, Wyo.

TV: The mtn. — Radio: 700AM — Live game blogs: deseretnews.com/blogs

THE STAKES

For Utah ... . The Utes are pursuing perfection. They're 6-0 overall and 2-0 in Mountain West Conference play. A loss would almost certainly erase any Bowl Championship Series hopes.

For Wyoming ... The Cowboys are pretty much playing for pride at this point. Last year's humiliating 50-0 loss in Salt Lake City should provide plenty of motivation to succeed.

THE TRENDS

For Utah ... The Utes have moved up in the Associated Press Top 25 poll for four consecutive weeks — going from 22nd to 14th.

For Wyoming ... Wyoming is averaging just 9.33 points per game and has failed to score in two of its past three outings.

THE EDGE

Utah will win if ... the Utes are able to run the ball effectively. They tallied 278 yards on the ground in last year's lopsided win over Wyoming. The defense did its part by recording six sacks and forcing five turnovers in the 50-0 rout.

Wyoming will win if ... the Cowboys can put points on the board and slow Utah's offense. The odds of both happening aren't good. In fact, excelling in one is a longshot. Wyoming is 119th nationally in scoring and 85th in scoring defense.