No. 24 Utah (4-1)at UNLV (2-4)

Today, 8 p.m. Sam Boyd Stadium

Artificial turf Las Vegas

TV: The mtn.

Radio: 700AM

THE STAKES

For Utah ... The 24th-ranked Utes need a victory to move up in the polls and remain among the unbeatens in the league championship chase.

For UNLV ... The future of head coach Mike Sanford could weigh in the balance. A third straight blowout could lead to Sanford's immediate ouster.

THE TRENDS

For Utah ... The Utes have won nine consecutive Mountain West Conference games, including a 42-21 victory over UNLV last season.

For UNLV ... Not good. The Rebels are reeling after lopsided losses to Nevada (63-28) and BYU (59-21), putting Sanford on the hot seat.

THE EDGE

Utah will win if ... the Utes learned anything from their last visit to Vegas. They're 25-2 since that embarrassing setback to the Rebels.

UNLV will win if ... the Rebels can recapture what they did in 2007. However, no one in Glitter Gulch would likely bet a plugged nickel on it.

PLAYER TO WATCH

Eddie Wide, Utah: The junior is a safe bet to record a third consecutive 100-yard game on the ground. He'll have extra incentive to do well since it's a homecoming game of sorts for the former Las Vegas high school star.

KEY MATCHUP

Utah's rushing attack vs. UNLV's defense: With apologies to the basketball team, it could be a big night for the Runnin' Utes. They're facing a defense that ranks 113th against the run, giving up 216.7 yards per game.

INJURY REPORT

Utah: Offensive lineman Walter Watts (knee) and defensive tackle Lei Talamaivao (leg) will not play.

UNLV: Wide receiver Rodelin Anthony (ankle), tight end Kyle Watkins (ankle), linebacker Starr Fuimaono (ankle) and linebacker Ronnie Paulo (shoulder) are game-time decisions.

NEXT UP

Utah plays host to Air Force on Oct. 24. UNLV heads to New Mexico on Oct. 24.

SCHEDULE

Date Opponent Time (TV)

Sept. 3 Utah St. W, 35-17

Sept. 12 at San Jose St. W, 24-14

Sept. 19 at Oregon L, 31-24

Sept. 26 Louisville W, 30-14

Oct. 10 at Colorado St. W, 24-17

Oct. 17 at UNLV 8 p.m. (mtn.)

Oct. 24 Air Force 2 p.m. (VS)

Oct. 31 Wyoming 6 p.m. (mtn.)

Nov. 7 New Mexico 4 p.m. (mtn.)

Nov. 14 at TCU 7:30 p.m. (CBS C)

Nov. 21 San Diego St. 2 p.m. (VS)

Nov. 28 at BYU 3 p.m. (CBS C, mtn.)