Rivalry rundown

The game

No. 21 BYU (9-2, 7-0) at Utah (7-4, 5-2)

Saturday, 1:30 p.m.

Rice-Eccles Stadium

TV: CSTV and The mtn.

Radio: 1160AM, 102.7FM, 700AM

Fast fact

For the fifth time in the eight-year history of the Mountain West, the BYU-Utah rivalry game will feature a conference champion. In 1999, Utah and BYU shared the championship with Colorado State after the Utes beat the Cougars in Provo. Both teams have claimed two outright titles — Utah in 2003 and 2004, and BYU in 2001 and 2006.

Number 7 of note

Number of touchdowns scored by Utah's Eric Weddle this season (four rushing TDs, two interception returns, one fumble return). Weddle is tied for second on the team in scoring with 42 points.

Matchup

BYU SPECIAL TEAMS vs. UTAH SPECIAL TEAMS

The Cougars are much improved on special teams, especially in the area of kick coverage. BYU ranks second in the conference in net punting, kickoff coverage and kickoff returns, and first in punt returns. Nathan Meikle's return to the 2-yard line on the opening kick of the Wyoming game set the tone for that contest, and McKay Jacobson took a punt back for a TD later that game. Jared McLaughlin is perfect (9-of-9) on field goals inside 40 yards. The Cougars' two losses this year, however, featured special teams errors that figured prominently in the outcome. While BYU has been solid, Utah has been outstanding. The Utes are second in the country in net punting (43.5), while Brice McCain leads the conference in kickoff returns. Besides excelling as the Utes' punter, Louie Sakoda is perfect on PATs (38-of-38) and 78.6 percent (11-of-14) on field goals. Sakoda kicked the game-winning, 37-yarder in the final seconds against Air Force.

BYU notes

RESPECT FOR UTE DEFENSE: BYU quarterback John Beck said Utah's defense, led by star defensive back Eric Weddle, will pose a stiff challenge.