Countdown to the Poinsetta, Las Vegas Bowls

1 day — Poinsettia Bowl

Thursday, Utah (8-4) vs. Navy (8-4)

at San Diego, 7 p.m. (ESPN)

What they did: The Utes wrapped up practice Tuesday morning at the University of San Diego. They then spent the afternoon at Sea World. The team captains later visited the Ronald McDonald House.

Today's schedule: Today the Utes' schedule features a walk-through at Qualcomm Stadium. Both teams will attend a luncheon aboard the USS Midway. A "Battle of the Bands" will precede the gathering. In the evening, a pep rally is scheduled at the team hotel (Sheraton San Diego Hotel and Marina).

Quotable: "It feels good. Now we can just relax and think about it — not just practice all the time. We've been doing it for a long time. It gets tiring. So we're just glad practices are over. We're ready to play." — Utah cornerback Brice McCain after Tuesday morning practice.

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3 days — Las Vegas Bowl

Saturday, BYU (10-2) vs. UCLA (6-6)

at Las Vegas, 6 p.m. (ESPN)

What they did: BYU practiced in Provo Tuesday morning after finishing up final examinations. It then departed on a charter plane to Las Vegas where the Cougars checked into team headquarters at the Planet Hollywood Hotel. Some players elected to drive to Las Vegas.

Today's schedule: First official practice for the Cougars will be at noon at Valley High School. A reception is planned at the ESPN Zone on the Las Vegas Strip from 4 to 7 p.m., and will officially kick off team and bowl activities. Both teams will be introduced and entertained with a Las Vegas Idol singing exhibition and a pie-eating contest.

Quotable: "Another challenge we talked about in our meetings is we haven't allowed an opposing runner to gain more than 100 yards on us all season. We're the only team in the country to hold every rusher under 100 in a game. Knock on wood, we have another challenge to hold UCLA under 100 yards rushing in this game." — BYU linebacker Kelly Poppinga