Utah game day

Today, 5:30 p.m.

Falcon Stadium

TV: The mtn. Radio: 700AM

Last week: Utah defeated Colorado State in Salt Lake City, 35-22; Air Force dropped a 39-17 decision at home to Notre Dame.

Last meeting: Utah defeated Air Force, 38-35, last season at Rice-Eccles Stadium.

Trends to watch: Four of the past eight meetings between the Utes and Falcons have been decided by a field goal or less ... Utah is second in the nation in net punting with a 40.8 average ... Air Force is third in rushing offense with 259.4 yards per game.

Players to watch: Utah quarterback Brett Ratliff has completed 57 of 86 passes with eight touchdowns over the past three games. ... Air Force offensive lineman Robert Kraay blocked two PATs last week against Notre Dame to earn MWC special teams player of the week honors.

Utah will win if... the Utes can contain Air Force's triple-option offense. An early lead could prove to be decisive.

Air Force will win if... the Falcons play like they did at Tennessee. These birds will soar with a strong ground game.

Extra points: Air Force leads the all-time series 13-9, including a 7-3 mark at Falcon Field ... Utah has won the past three meetings, starting with a 45-43 triple-overtime decision in 2003 ... This is Air Force's home finale. The Falcons will pay tribute to the 36 seniors on the roster ... Fisher DeBerry is 169-106-1 in 23 seasons at Air Force ... Kyle Whittingham is 13-9 at the helm of Utah ... Linebacker J.J. Williams is the only Ute from Colorado.