Offensive MVP

Quinton Ganther: The senior tailback became just the eighth runner in Utah history to rush for 1,000 yards in a season. He did so despite missing the Wyoming game with a knee injury. Ganther led the Utes with 1,296 all-purpose yards. How will he fare against a Georgia Tech defense that allows an average of just 98 yards per game?

Defensive MVP

Eric Weddle: The MWC defensive player of the year led the league in passes defended (interceptions plus breakups) with 15. He had 75 tackles (11 for loss) and four interceptions. The versatile Weddle played cornerback, safety, quarterback and punter this season for the Utes.

Team weaknesses

Fourth quarters: The Utes were outscored by a whopping 88-29 margin over the final 15 minutes this season. Utah State and Wyoming were the only opponents they topped in the fourth quarter. The inability to finish strong proved costly as Utah's 6-5 record indicates. Turnovers were another weak spot as the Utes lost 14 fumbles and were picked off eight times.

Team strengths

The offense: Utah finished the season ranked 12th in the nation in total offense with 466 yards per game. The Utes were 15th in both pass efficiency (147.3 rating) and passing offense (286.6 ypg) behind the play of quarterback Brian Johnson, who finished fourth in the country in total offense. He suffered a season-ending injury late in the Nov. 12 loss to New Mexico.

How they got there

The Cougars started the season 1-3, with their only win over Division I-AA Eastern Illinois at home. But BYU then ripped off a 5-1 record with road wins over New Mexico and Wyoming to become bowl-eligible.

High point

The Utes had plenty of reason to rise and shout at LaVell Edwards Stadium on Nov. 19. A 41-34 overtime victory over BYU made them bowl eligible. Adding to the celebration was the fact that Utah prevailed with an untested quarterback in backup Brett Ratliff, who threw four touchdown passes in place of Johnson.

Low point