2005 Utes will have to deal with revenge factor

Having won its last meeting with every team on the 2005 schedule, Utah's "Keep it rolling" campaign could use a subtitle like "Avoiding revenge."

The Utes, who have won 16 straight games over two campaigns, defeated 10 of their 2005 opponents last season by a combined score of 468-206.

As for Mountain West Conference newcomer TCU — which replaces Texas A&M on this year's schedule — Utah has won both previous meetings with the Horned Frogs, including a 32-18 decision in 1997.

Will the streaks continue?

Stay tuned. The Utes haven't lost since a 47-35 setback to New Mexico on Oct. 25, 2003.

GAME 1: ARIZONA — Utah's season opener on Sept. 2 at Rice-Eccles Stadium will be broadcast on ESPN2, a network where the Utes have won five straight games over the past two years. Other Utah streaks on the line include four consecutive season-opening wins and four straight successful head coaching debuts. Kyle Whittingham's first game could be a tough one. The Wildcats went 3-8 last season but are expected to be vastly improved under second-year coach Mike Stoops.

Series: Utah leads 18-15-2

Last meeting: Utah 23, Arizona 6 (2004)

GAME 2: UTAH STATE — The rivalry continues with two new head coaches in Whittingham and USU's Brent Guy. The last first-year Ute coach to lose to the Aggies was Tom Lovat in 1974 (31-0). One of the nation's most-played rivalries has become lopsided in recent years. The Utes have won the past seven meetings after losing back-to-back games from 1996-97. Before that, Utah had won 16 of 19 in the so-called "Battle of the Brothers."

Series: Utah leads 72-28-4

Last meeting: Utah 48, Utah State 6 (2004)

GAME 3: at TCU — The Horned Frogs make their MWC debut at home against the Utes. There's sure to be plenty of pregame hype as the league newcomers get a chance to knock off the two-time defending champs on a Thursday night in Texas. TCU is coming off a disappointing 5-6 campaign after going 10-2 in 2002 and 11-2 in 2003. Will the Frogs bounce back in a big way?

Series: Utah leads 2-0

Last meeting: Utah 32, TCU 18 (1997)