The big game: A closer look at Saturday's Utah-at-BYU matchup

Saturday, noon

LaVell Edwards Stadium

Radio: 700AM, 1160AM, 102.7FM

Countdown 2 days

RIVALRY FACT

This season, both teams have done their part as far as win-loss record goes. The combined 16-5 mark of Utah and BYU is the best since a 7-2 Utah team faced off against 10-0 BYU at LaVell Edwards Stadium in 2001. The following year, however, featured a game against two teams (Utah at 4-6 and BYU at 5-6) with losing records. During Utah's impressive run under Urban Meyer, the Cougars were less-than-competitive, bringing 4-7 (2003) and 5-5 (2004) records into the game. Even the classic 2005 contest appeared somewhat unbalanced with the Utes entering the game at 5-5 and in danger of ending the year with a losing record. Last season, the rivals were a combined 16-6 and played down to the final second in the Cougars' 33-31 victory.

THE MATCHUPS

BYU PASSING GAME vs. UTAH PASS DEFENSE: Utah has a terrific secondary that comes into the contest with the No. 3 pass-efficiency defense in the country. The Utes have given up fewer than 200 passing yards in the past two games, despite daring offenses to throw the ball on them. However, the quarterback play in the Mountain West has been suspect this year, and BYU's Max Hall, if healthy, should give Utah its best test since Louisville's Brian Brohm passed for 467 yards on the Utes. The Cougars bring multiple weapons into this game. Austin Collie (42 catches) is a proven deep threat, and tight ends Dennis Pitta and Andrew George and running back Harvey Unga have been especially productive in the short and intermediate passing game. A lot will depend on whether Utah tries to take away the run or play the pass, but as good as the Utes have been, BYU will be tough to stop.

UTAH PLAYERS TO WATCH

Robert Johnson, DB — The sophomore, despite battling injuries, has made a huge impact on Utah's defense. He has three interceptions and has twice turned big plays by the opponent into fumbles.

Brice McCain, CB — The junior is one of the best cornerbacks in the MWC, ranking third in pass breakups.

BYU PLAYERS TO WATCH

Dennis Pitta, TE — The tall, sure-handed sophomore and former walk-on ranks fourth in the conference in receiving yards per game at 69.3.

Dallas Reynolds, LT — The 328-pound junior will be charged with protecting Max Hall's blindside against a defense that loves to blitz.

PERFORMANCES TO REMEMBER

With BYU trailing 10-0 and the Cougars backed up at their own 3-yard line, receiver Eric Drage takes a Ty Detmer pass 97 yards for a touchdown. Detmer threw for 5 TDs and the Cougars turned the 1991 game into a 48-17 rout. "We'd probably have to be down by 35 before we'd start worrying," Detmer said.