The Edge

UTAH RUN OFFENSE VS. PITT RUN DEFENSE

Marty Johnson and Quinton Ganther give the Utes a solid 1-2 punch at running back with 782 yards and 620 yards, respectively. But Alex Smith's 563 yards from the quarterback position may be the most impressive part in the Utes' running attack. Smith's versatility and ability to run the option make the entire Ute offense more effective. For the year, the Utes averaged 244 yards per game rushing.

Pitt's defense, anchored by 290-pound noseguard Vince Crochunis, allowed 140 yards per game. But the Utes' multipurpose rushing game should give Pitt fits.

EDGE: Utah

UTAH PASS OFFENSE VS. PITT PASS DEFENSE

The Utes had the third most efficient pass offense in the country behind Smith, who threw for 28 touchdowns with just four interceptions and 238.5 yards per game. Smith has four reliable targets in Paris Warren (65 catches), Steve Savoy (60 catches), Travis LaTendresse (26 catches) and John Madsen (23 catches).

The Panthers gave up 249 passing yards per game and were burned by the likes of Temple (314 yards), Boston College (367 yards) and Rutgers (351 yards). Smith could have a field day.

EDGE: Utah

PITT RUN OFFENSE VS. UTAH RUN DEFENSE

The Panthers averaged just 105 yards on the ground and scored just 10 touchdowns. Starting tailback Raymond Kirkley did most of the work with 560 yards in 10 games, but that was less than he averaged as a freshman in 2001.

Utah's defense, led by a front four of Sione Pouha, Steve Fifita, Marques Ledbetter and Jonathan Fanene, has limited opponents to 151 yards per game and held four opponents to less than 100 yards. The Utes figure if they shut down Pitt's ground game, they can shut down the whole offense.

EDGE: Utah

PITT PASS OFFENSE VS. UTAH PASS DEFENSE

Tyler Palko has gotten better as the season progressed, averaging 314 yards through the air over the final five games and 256 yards on the season. Greg Lee is a top-flight receiver, catching 61 passes for 1,204 yards and nine touchdowns this year.