Utah Utes football gameday

Colo.State (3-3, 1-1) at No. 14 Utah (7-0, 3-0)

Today, noon

Rice-Eccles Stadium (45,017)

FieldTurf

TV: The Mtn.

Radio: 700AM

Weather forecast: Mostly sunny, 70 degrees

COLO. ST. (3-3, 1-1) at

No. 14 UTAH (7-0, 3-0)

Mostly sunny with a high in the low 70s.

Today, noon — Rice-Eccles Stadium (45,017) — FieldTurf — Salt Lake City

TV: The mtn. — Radio: 700AM — Live game blog: www.deseretnews.com/blogs

THE STAKES

For Utah ... The Utes have plenty on the line. They're seeking perfection, a Mountain West Conference championship and a Bowl Championship Series berth. A loss could potentially wipe out all three possibilities.

For Colorado State ... A victory would give the Rams a winning record entering the final five games of the season — a big deal as CSU opens the Steve Fairchild era as head coach. A setback could damage bowl hopes.

THE TRENDS

For Utah ... Utah has won eight consecutive games overall, dating back to last season's Poinsettia Bowl victory over Navy.

For Colorado State ... Colorado State suffered its most-lopsided loss of the season in its last road game, a 42-7 setback at California.

THE EDGE

Utah will win if . ... the Utes can avoid turning the ball over and limit penalties. They managed to do both in last week's 40-7 win at Wyoming. Utah's offense faces a CSU defense that is giving up 27.67 points per game.

Colorado State will win if ... the Rams are able to connect on enough passes to keep things close down the stretch. They enter the game ranked second in the conference with an average of 248.67 passing yards per game.

All times Mountain

NEXT UP

The Utes have a bye week before facing New Mexico on Nov. 1.

GARTRELL JOHNSON, running back: The bruising senior is one of the top rushers in the MWC. He rushed for more than 1,000 yards last season for the Rams and is averaging 86.8 yards per game this season.

Utah's offense vs. CSU's defense: The Utes have given up 19 sacks already this season. Will the number grow? It remains to be seen. CSU has recorded just six sacks through six games in 2008.

Utah's offensive line against CSU's defense.

INJURY REPORT

Reserve linebacker Kepa Gaison is out 3-4 weeks with a knee injury.