From Deseret News archives:

Rivalry week matchups

Published: Friday, Nov. 18, 2005 8:48 p.m. MST
 |  E-MAIL | PRINT | FONT + - 
Breaking down today's Utah-BYU game:

Y. OFFENSE VS. U. DEFENSE

Story continues below
Quarterback John Beck (305.7 yards total offense per game) and the Cougar offense have been balanced (155.8 rushing yards per game), efficient (29 TDs in last 37 tries in "blue zone") and productive (33.4 points per game). Todd Watkins (42 catches, 7 TDs) provides the deep threat, while Curtis Brown (942 rushing yards, 13 TDs) and Jonny Harline (52 catches, 734 receiving yards) have been getting the job done. Minimizing turnovers and capitalizing on opponent's mistakes have become trademarks of the Cougar offense, with 52 points off opponent miscues in the past three games. The Cougars should be able to run on a Ute defense that gives up 151.4 rushing yards per game (fourth in the MWC), although Steve Fifita (12 tackles for loss, 5 sacks) will make his presence known. Defensive back Eric Weddle can shut down an opponent's best receiver while playing cornerback, or impact a game from the safety position. Either way, he always seems to come up with a big play (4 sacks, 4 interceptions). Utah's pass defense (210.2 ypg) is third-best in the conference, while its scoring defense ranks No. 2 (24.5 ppg). Consistency, balance and health give BYU the advantage, but scoring on the Utes won't be easy.

EDGE: BYU

U. OFFENSE VS. Y. DEFENSE

Comments

You can be the first to comment on this story.

Related content
previousnext

Latest comments

The devotional was beyond beautiful and inspiring! We are so fortunate to be...

Ufans who derided the Vegas bowl now gett passed over for a more powerful...

BYU and Utah's bowl games

I think your counting is a tad off. I suggest that you break out a piece of...

This will be an exciting match up and a fun bowl game to watch.. looking...

TCU to play Boise in Fiesta Bowl

at this matchup. I think it was done to avoid two embarassing losses by...

Cougars going back to Vegas

As much as I would like to say that I am sure BYU will win, I am not sure. It...

Cougars going back to Vegas

and will stay home. This bowl deal is as bad as the TV contract! Time for...

Senior citizens will pay for this plan. Just remember, some day you will be...

Cougars going back to Vegas

When will the MWC learn? I consider myself a very loyal fan. I travel to at...

Big Corporate Scam

Advertisements