Utah Utes football gameday

No. 8 Utah (7-0, 4-0) at Air Force (5-3, 3-2)

Today, 5:30 p.m. Falcon Stadium

Fieldturf SurfaceColorado Springs

TV: CBS C, Radio: 700AM

THE STAKES

For Air Force ... The Falcons are looking to end a two-game skid. A victory will make them bowl eligible and improve their record to 5-0 at home this season.

For Utah ... Plenty. A victory will most likely bring ESPN's GameDay program to Rice-Eccles Stadium for next week's showdown with TCU.

THE TRENDS

For Air Force ... The Falcons lead the nation in rushing offense with 326.5 yards per game. However, they've fallen below their average in their last four games.

For Utah ... The Utes are in the top 10 nationally in pass efficiency offense (176 rating), scoring offense (47.7 ppg), scoring defense (12.9 ppg), total defense (247.3 ypg) and rushing defense (87.4 ypg).

THE EDGE

For Air Force ...Home-field advantage. The Falcons have yet to lose at home this season.

For Utah ...Intangibles such as depth, health and six wins over the past seven meetings also work into Utah's favor.

PLAYER TO WATCH

Lamar Chapman, Utah: The speedy senior cornerback leads the Utes with 9.5 tackles-for-loss and 5.5 sacks.

KEY MATCHUP

Air Force's Asher Clark vs. Utah defense:The Falcons' leading rusher managed just 18 yards on 10 carries against TCU last week. Utah's run defense leads the MWC.

INJURY REPORT

Air Force:Fullback Jared Tew (broken leg), wide receiver Kevin Fogler (knee) and tight end Chaz Demerath (knee) will not play.

Utah: Tight end Brad Clifford (shoulder), tight end Westlee Tonga (knee) and defensive back Wykie Freeman (leg) will not play.

SCHEDULE

Date Opponent Time (TV)/result

Sept. 2 vs. Pitt W, 27-24 (OT)

Sept. 11 vs. UNLV W, 38-10

Sept. 18 at New Mexico W, 56-14

Sept. 25 vs. San Jose W, 56-3

Oct. 9 at Iowa State W, 68-27

Oct. 16 at Wyoming W, 30-6

Oct. 23 vs. Colorado St. W, 59-6

Oct. 30 at Air Force 5:30 p.m. (CBS C)

Nov. 6 TCU 1:30 p.m. (CBS C)

Nov. 13 at Notre Dame 12:30 p.m. (NBC)

Nov. 20 at SDSU 8 p.m. (mtn.)

Nov. 27 BYU 1:30 p.m. (CBS C)

NEXT UP

Air Force travels to Army next Saturday, while Utah hosts TCU.