Utah Utes and BYU Cougars: A look ahead, a look behind

Utah Utes (5-3)

NON-CONFERENCE

OREGON STATE — Bye. The Beavers (4-3, 2-2) return to the field after a week off. Can they maintain their recent momentum and make a run for a bowl bid? Next: vs. Stanford (3-4, 2-3).

UTAH STATE — Lost to Nevada, 31-28. The Aggies (0-7, 0-3) have now lost 13 straight games over the past two seasons. Is the streak in jeopardy? Next: vs. Louisiana Tech (2-5, 1-3).

LOUISVILLE — Lost at Connecticut, 21-17. The Cardinals (4-4, 1-2) fell back to .500 with another sluggish performance. These birds can't seem to fly. Next: vs. Pittsburgh (3-4, 1-1).

UCLA — Beat California, 30-21. The Bruins (5-2, 4-0) continue to excel in Pac-10 play. The latest triumph came over the nationally ranked Golden Bears. Next: at Washington State (2-5, 0-4).

BYU Cougars (5-2)

NON-CONFERENCE

ARIZONA — Lost to Stanford, 21-20. A week after dropping a close game to USC, the Wildcats (2-6) lose another close one, this time at home. Next: Washington (2-5).

TULSA — Lost to Central Florida, 44-23. The Golden Hurricane (4-3) continue to struggle defensively and continue their up-and-down season. Next: at SMU (1-6)

EASTERN WASHINGTON — Lost at BYU, 42-7. The Eagles (4-3) played hard but weren't much of a match for the Cougars. Next: at Sacramento State (1-6).

UCLA — Beat California, 30-21. The Bruins (5-2, 4-0) continue to excel in Pac-10 play. The latest triumph came over the nationally ranked Golden Bears. Next: at Washington State (2-5, 0-4).

Mountain West Conference update

AIR FORCE — Beat Wyoming, 20-12. The Falcons (6-2, 5-1) have separated themselves from the rest of the MWC pack after a big win over the 'Pokes. Next: at New Mexico (5-2, 2-1).

COLORADO STATE — Beat UNLV, 48-23. The Rams finally earned their first victory of the season and snapped a 13-game losing streak in resounding fashion. Next: Utah (5-3, 2-2).

NEW MEXICO — Beat San Diego State, 20-17. The Lobos (5-2, 2-1) stay in the conference race by eking out a victory on the road against the Aztecs. Next: Air Force (6-2, 5-1).

SAN DIEGO STATE — Lost to New Mexico, 20-17. The Aztecs (2-5, 1-2) squander a chance to win their second conference game. Next: BYU (5-2, 3-0)

TCU — Lost to Utah, 27-20. So much for the team picked to win the MWC. The Horned Frogs (4-4, 1-3) are near the bottom of the standings after falling to Utah. Next: Bye.

UNLV — Lost to Colorado State, 48-23. Since blanking Utah on Sept. 22, the Rebels (2-6, 1-3) have lost four consecutive games. Next: at Wyoming (4-3, 1-2).

WYOMING — Lost at Air Force, 20-12. After a promising start, the Cowboys (4-3, 1-2) are suddenly reeling with two straight MWC losses. Next: UNLV (2-6, 1-3).