U. hopes to take air out of Wyoming

Urban Meyer doesn't make predictions. He did, however, offer a forecast on today's game between the Utes and Wyoming at Rice-Eccles Stadium.

"There's a 100 percent chance of two good teams playing," he said.

Utah's home finale is much more than that, though. A victory will guarantee the Utes at least a share of the Mountain West Conference championship. It'll also ensure a bowl bid — based on league tie-breaking rules.

"It's a championship atmosphere," Meyer said. "Something special will happen if we take care of business."

Topping the agenda is slowing Wyoming's potent passing attack. Quarterback Casey Bramlet and receivers Malcom Floyd, Ryan McGuffey and Jovon Bouknight are also motivated by championship dreams of their own. The Cowboys are the only other team in the conference in control of their own fate. They may also be the hottest with recent wins over Brigham Young and Colorado State.

Cooling them off won't be easy.

"We've got to keep them off the field," Meyer said. "When we've played our best football, we have the ball 33 to 36 minutes. We have got to do that again."

Good defense, he added, is the product of a successful offense holding onto the ball and great special teams.

Against Wyoming, it'll also require a scheme that will take away throwing windows and put enough pressure on Bramlet to force throws off his back foot and create a constant uncomfortable feeling in the pocket.

"We've got to get a good pass rush, and it's not necessarily measured by sacks," said Utah defensive coordinator Kyle Whittingham, who also stressed the importance of combining it with good pass coverage. "It's going to be a challenge for us. And don't discount the running game. Derek Armah is a very good back."

Even so, it's Wyoming's passing game that has Utah most concerned. Defensive backs coach Bill Busch said controlling it will be the key to success.

"Like anything else we know it starts up front. Obviously, pressure

on the passer will be a big, big factor," Busch said. "But it'll come down to us making plays on the ball. I expect the ball in the air 50 times."

If Utah can cover them and take care of the ball, Meyer noted, the Utes have a chance to win their eighth game — and everything that'll come with it.