Utah-BYU game day

UTAH (5-5, 3-4) AT BYU (6-4, 5-2)

Today, 1 p.m.

LaVell Edwards Stadium

TV: Ch. 14 Radio: 1160AM, 102.7FM, 700AM

Last week: Utah lost 31-27 to New Mexico in Salt Lake City. BYU won 35-21 over Wyoming in Laramie, Wyo.

Last meeting: 2004, Utah won 52-21 in Salt Lake City.

Trends to watch: The Utes have won the past three meetings with the Cougars . . . The Cougars have won five of their last six games; Utah has lost four of its last six.

Players to watch: All eyes will be on Utah quarterback Brett Ratliff. The backup will be making his first start for the Utes in place of the injured Brian Johnson . . . BYU QB John Beck ranks No. 3 nationally in passing yards. Beck has thrown for 3,048 yards this season.

Utah will win if . . . The Utes are able to give Ratliff time to operate. Utah gave up nine sacks in last week's loss to New Mexico. Better protection and a 100-yard rushing performance by Quinton Ganther would greatly enhance Utah's chances.

BYU will win if . . . The Cougars launch a successful run and pass balance and score consistently throughout the game while avoiding turnovers. On defense, apply pressure and sack Ratliff.

Extra points: Utah needs a win to become bowl eligible . . . The Utes have 25 seniors who could be playing their final college football game today . . . Utah linebacker Spencer Toone leads the Mountain West Conference with 98 tackles . . . Ute kicker Dan Beardall had made 11 consecutive field goals, equaling a school record . . . Regardless of a Cougar win or loss, BYU is expected to accept an invitation to play in the Las Vegas Bowl Dec. 22 . . . BYU leads the league in third-down conversions at 45.5 percent. The Cougars are coming off a third consecutive 200-yard rushing effort.