2. Utah looking to win its seventh-straight bowl game: Streak is the word when it comes to the Utes in bowl games. They've won six straight dating back to an appearance in the 1999 Las Vegas Bowl. The run is the second-longest active run in the nation.

Utah coach Kyle Whittingham insists there's no secret to the success. It's all about how the players prepare. And, thus far, he said the Utes are doing well in practice and should be ready to go once again.

3. Utes seek to slow the nation's top-ranked rushing offense: Though they've seen a pure triple-option attack before — Air Force in its prime under former head coach Fisher DeBerry — Navy's high-powered offense is a cause for concern. The Midshipmen led the nation with 351.5 yards per game on the ground.

By comparison, Utah's rushing defense allows an average of just 130 yards per game — fifth in the Mountain West Conference and 38th in the nation.

4. Can Utah shake off the disappointing loss at BYU? The Utes insist they're looking ahead. The heartbreaking setback in Provo hurt, but the pain was eased with three bowl practices the next week. Getting back on the field quickly was helpful.

Utah's players and coaches are determined to send the senior class out on a good note with a bowl victory. The fifth-year veterans in the program are making their fifth consecutive postseason journey — all to different venues.

5. Navy gets a new head coach: After guiding the Midshipmen to a fifth straight bowl berth and an 8-4 record, head coach Paul Johnson left to become the new boss at Georgia Tech.

The boat, so to speak, didn't capsize. Navy acted quickly and promoted offensive coordinator Ken Niumatalolo to the top spot. Whittingham, who considers Niumatalolo a good friend, said the Midshipmen won't miss a beat since their new coach knows the triple option as well as anyone.

EXTRA POINTS: Whittingham called Thursday's practice "same-old, same-old" and said the Utes are as healthy as they've been in awhile. He's happy Gabe Long will play on the defensive line against Navy's triple-option offense ... Each day practice lasts a little more than an hour for Utah's main players, but about 50 "developmental" squad members get an extra half hour or so of practice. A couple who Whittingham singled out Thursday were Derrick Shelby, a defensive end from Houston and Chaz Walker, a defensive back from Kaysville ... After receiving a pair of Nike shoes and a commemorative Poinsettia Bowl football the previous two days, the Ute players just received a white envelope after Thursday's practice. However, they liked what was inside — a $175 gift certificate to Best Buy.

On the air ...

Utah (8-4) vs. Navy (8-4)
Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego
Thursday, Dec. 20, 7 p.m., MST
TV: ESPN Radio: 700AM

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Contributing: Mike Sorensen

E-mail: dirk@desnews.com