Utah Utes football notes: Sakoda could be difference

Over the years, Utah kickers have played prominent roles in games against BYU.

Chris Yergensen nailed a game-winner for the Utes in 1993, while Ryan Kaneshiro's attempt to do the same in 1998 bounced off an upright.

In 2003, Bryan Borreson made his mark with a 41-yard field goal that proved to be the only points in a 3-0 victory at BYU.

One kick can make all the difference, especially in this tightly contested rivalry.

It's one of many reasons why the eighth-ranked Utes are glad to have All-American kicker/punter Louie Sakoda on their side. He ranks among the nation's best at both positions.

"Kickers are great weapons if they're quality kickers, and he is a quality kicker," said Utah coach Kyle Whittingham, who noted that Sakoda was "huge" in wins over Oregon State and TCU earlier this season. "When the pressure is at its highest, he's at his coolest."

Quarterback Brian Johnson added that Sakoda has been unbelievable.

"He's a great football player, a great kicker. I think the thing that separates him from other specialists in the country is the fact that he's so mentally tough," Johnson said. "That's something you have to be. He has ice water in his veins. He has big moments and he steps up and he makes the big kicks. So we love Louie. He's been a great asset to our program."

Sakoda has made 46 extra points and 19 field goals this season. He averages 41.5 yards per punt and has pinned 20 inside the opposition's 20-yard line.

"During the week I prepare for everything," Sakoda said. "So whatever comes down, I just consider it my job."

All things considered, however, he would just as soon not be thrust into the situations some other Utah kickers have faced in the big game.

"I'd rather contribute my field goals earlier in the game and then look back on them and say: 'Wow' those we're important,'" Sakoda explained.

The prospect of a game-winning kick, though, isn't something Sakoda would shy away from in his final game at Rice-Eccles Stadium.

"It would be cool, obviously, when I would make it," he said.

"But it's not something you would wish upon yourself."

No matter how you prepare, he continued, it takes you to a whole new level of a kick.