"We're not even thinking about that right now," BYU junior quarterback John Beck said. "We know what happened last year, but last year is over with — it's a brand new year. We're a different football team, and we're focused on coming out and doing the best we can on every single play."

The regular season finale comes with both teams missing key players with injuries.

For the Utes, quarterback Brian Johnson and receiver John Madsen are out. For the Cougars, starters Quinn Gooch and KC Bills in the secondary were declared out for the game. Earlier, starting defensive lineman Daniel Marquardt and cornerback Nate Soelberg had season-ending injuries, although Soelberg (broken arm) may be back for a bowl game.

Beck said he respects Utah's defense that utilizes schemes the Cougars have not seen this year. Although TCU and Wyoming played a lot of man coverage, the Utes like to man-defend receivers and blitz.

"They are a good defense," Beck said. "They like to man up a lot. We have to come out and operate at a high level in order to be successful.

"This is a great rivalry, it's statewide and the biggest. From a competitive standpoint, it's fun to play. This game is made for competitive people. This is our bowl game right now, and all our focus is on this one."

Rivalry on the air

Utah (5-5, 3-4) at BYU (6-4, 5-2)

Today, 1 p.m.

LaVell Edwards Stadium

TV: Ch. 14

Radio: 700AM, 1160AM, 102.7FM

---

E-mail: dharmon@desnews.com