Utes have variety of motivations

Of all the things at stake for Utah in today's game against BYU, quarterback Brian Johnson puts a premium on one.

"Pride," he said.

It's something the Utes have control over. They need outside help (two BYU losses) to earn a share of the Mountain West Conference title.

The bowl situation is also out of their hands, though the Poinsettia Bowl in San Diego remains the most likely destination.

"We just have to go out, worry about ourselves and play to the best of our abilities," Johnson said. "And play as if it's our last game, send the seniors out in style."

The urgency, however, isn't motivated by desperation. The Utes (8-3 overall, 5-2 in conference play) have won seven straight games. The primary motivation to extend it to eight is all about the rivalry — and avenging last season's heartbreaking setback to the Cougars.

"You always want to beat your rival. That's what this game is all about," Johnson said. "You get bragging rights for an entire year. You come and settle your differences on the field."

The big game, he added, is as good as it gets.

"It's great," Johnson said. "I wouldn't want to be a part of any other rivalry in the country."

Johnson is eager to play in his first BYU-Utah game. He didn't get in the 2004 contest and missed the past two while recovering from a knee injury.

Utah coach Kyle Whittingham noted that Johnson is excited about the opportunity and challenge.

"He's a very stable, mature kid. I don't expect him to let his emotions get the best of him at all," Whittingham said. "He's going to prepare just like he always prepares. He prepares for a football game as well as anybody I've ever been around as far as film study and how he approaches the work week."

The Utes are 7-0 this season when Johnson starts and finishes a game.

The junior is well aware of the task ahead.

"Both teams are going to give a fanatical effort, and it's going to be a battle all the way to the very end," said Johnson, who knows emotions will be high. "Our challenge is to channel that into execution and don't be so pumped up that you're essentially like a chicken with its head cut off.

"You've got to have some poise and some understanding of what's going on," he continued. "Play within yourself and play within the system."

While acknowledging the rivalry and everything that comes with it, Whittingham considers it just another game.

"Nothing more, nothing less than any other week as far as that goes," he explained. "It's just business as usual. We've got to come ready to play and hopefully we'll be able to be competitive."

If the last two BYU-Utah games are any indication, it will be. Both of those contests were decided on the very last play. The Utes prevailed in 2005 and the Cougars were victorious last year.

"Neither one really means that much anymore," Utah defensive coordinator Gary Andersen said. "It's 1-1 as far as I'm concerned."

Now comes the rubber match ...

"We'll walk into this game excited about playing," Andersen said.

And for a variety of reasons.

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E-mail: dirk@desnews.com