Without Brian Johnson and John Madsen in the lineup for the Utes, what may have been a slam dunk becomes a little more interesting. Johnson (337.0 yards total offense) is a dual threat (47.8 rushing ypg), and his absence will impact Utah's run game (172.2 ypg). But the Utes (463.5 ypg) still pack some punch. Quinton Ganther (96.6 ypg) is capable of a big game, which would take pressure off starter Brett Ratliff. Travis LaTendresse is coming off a 192-yard receiving game. Behind LaTendresse, Utah still has good depth at receiver with Brent Casteel (three TDs), Brian Hernandez (27 catches, 1 TD), Derrek Richards (13 catches, 4 TDs) and Marquis Wilson (7 catches in 5 games). Even at full strength, the Utes (28.1 points per game) have had trouble capitalizing on scoring chances. It's no secret that the Cougars give up big plays in the secondary. BYU is last in the conference in pass defense (276.4 ypg). Two of the Cougars' safeties, K.C. Bills and Quinn Gooch, likely won't play. BYU's run defense (155.8 ypg), led by leading tackler Cameron Jensen (62), is a respectable fifth in the conference and should make Ganther work. Despite the poor overall numbers (404.5 ypg), the much-maligned Cougar defense has thrived off big plays and turnovers. The secondary has eight interceptions in the past three games, giving the Cougars a plus-5 turnover margin. The turnover-prone Utes (minus-2) must guard against giving the Cougar offense short fields to work with. Even with all its injuries, Utah has the edge if it takes care of the ball and takes advantage of scoring opportunities.

EDGE: Utah

SPECIAL TEAMS

Both teams have had their ups and downs. Utah is last in the conference in kick coverage (25.1) and gave up a return TD against North Carolina. BYU also gave up a kick return for a TD and had two punts blocked in recent conference games, one that led to a fourth-quarter rally by Air Force. Neither team has a consistent punter, with Utah's Louie Sakoda (36.8, last in MWC) and BYU's Derek McLaughlin (39.9) both having their struggles. Neither team has managed more than 22 yards on a punt return. But Utah does have the No. 3 kick returner in the conference in Casteel (24.2) and a kicker in Dan Beardall who has made 13 of 14 field goals with a long of 47. Their counterparts have been good, but not great. BYU's Jared McLaughlin is 12 of 17 on field goals with a long of 47. Kick returner Breyon Jones averages 19.5 yards per return. The consistency of Beardall and the explosiveness of Casteel give the Utes the edge in an otherwise even category.

EDGE: Utah

INTANGIBLES

This is the category that seems to tilt heavily in the Cougars' favor. The Utes have lost 4 of 6 and are coming off a devastating home loss to New Mexico on Senior Day. The Cougars, meanwhile, have won 5 of 6 and likely secured a bowl bid with a road win in Laramie last week. The loss to New Mexico cost Utah its starting quarterback and big-play receiver, so inexperience will be a factor. While the Cougars actually have fewer seniors than the Utes, they have a clear edge in experience, especially at the quarterback position. Utah has lost a number of games in the fourth quarter. The Utes have been outscored 78-26 in the final period of play this year, which doesn't bode well for a rivalry where, from 1997-2003, the game was decided by one score. BYU lost a game to TCU and blew a lead to Air Force in the fourth quarter, but also made big plays down the stretch in wins over New Mexico, Colorado State and Wyoming. Utah has moved the ball well but made critical mistakes in the red zone. BYU is the best in the MWC in that category (88.5 percent). The Utes are also minus-2 in turnover margin, while the Cougars are plus-5. Overall, the Utes come limping into this game while BYU is playing its best football of the season.

EDGE: BYU