Utah Utes football gameday

(20) Utah (10-2) vs. (10) Boise State (11-1)

Today, 6 p.m. (MT) Sam Boyd Stadium

TurfTech Surface Las Vegas

TV: ESPN Radio: 700 AM

55 degrees with 70 percent chance of rain, winds 11 mph

THE STAKES

For Boise State ... The Broncos came oh-so-close to making a third trip to the Bowl Championship Series. A decisive win could prove they belonged in the big show.

For Utah ... A chance at redemption that could ease the pain of a 47-7 loss at home to TCU in November. The Utes could use the momentum heading into the Pac-12.

THE TRENDS

For Boise State ... The Broncos have the nation's No. 2 scoring offense. They average 46.6 points per game. Boise State's defense is No. 4 overall, allowing just 13.5 ppg.

For Utah ... The Utes own the longest active bowl victory streak in the nation. They've won nine straight dating back to a win over Fresno State in the 1999 Las Vegas Bowl.

THE EDGE

For Boise State... The Broncos appear to have advantages across the board. Question is, will they come to play after coming up short in another BCS bid?

For Utah... The Utes have won 16 straight games when having eight or more days to prepare under Kyle Whittingham.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Kellen Moore, Boise State: The Heisman Trophy finalist is second in the nation in pass efficiency with a 185.04 rating. The junior averages 290.4 yards of total offense per game.

Terrance Cain, Utah: The senior will get the start at quarterback in place of the injured Jordan Wynn. Will his career with the Utes end with a 10th victory or a second loss?

KEY MATCHUP

Boise State's D-line vs. Utah's O-line: The Broncos are second in the nation with 45 sacks. The Utes, meanwhile, have given up just eight all season — fifth fewest in the country.

INJURY REPORT

Boise State: Tight end Tommy Gallarda (foot) is doubtful and linebacker Byron Hout (foot) will not play.

Utah: Quarterback Jordan Wynn (shoulder) and left tackle John Cullen (forearm) will not play.

NEXT UP

The Utes open the 2011 season at home against Montana State on Sept. 1 before ushering in Pac-12 play the next week at USC.

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 W, 28-23

Nov. 6 TCU L, 47-7

Nov. 13 at Notre Dame L, 28-3

Nov. 20 at SDSU W, 38-34

Nov. 27 BYU W, 17-16