It's the second-longest active bowl streak in the nation. A win tonight would put them in a tie for first with Boston College. The 14th-ranked Eagles, who have won seven straight, face Michigan State in the Champs Sports Bowl later this month.

Utah, though, isn't worried about what else happens. Quarterback Brian Johnson said the Utes are focusing on their own situation.

"I'm excited. I'm excited to play in a bowl game and be on national television," he said. "So we can show the nation what we are all about and hopefully come away with the win."

A victory would cap an injury-plagued season with a 9-4 record — a win plateau the program has only reached five times before. The Utes started the season just 1-3 before turning things around. Their only loss since Sept. 22 was a 17-10 setback at BYU on Nov. 24. The latter was a bitter defeat, one Utah is eager to follow with a bowl victory.

"We've done all we can do preparation-wise. We've got to keep preparing, obviously, until kickoff, but I feel like we're ready. Guys are ready to show up and play a great game," Johnson said. "I think we've taken advantage of the time we've had to prepare for this game and got some guys healthy. I'm excited and ready to play."

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

Qualcomm Stadium,

San Diego

Today, 7 p.m., MST

TV: ESPN Radio: 700AM

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E-mail: dirk@desnews.com