Utah Utes football notebook: Utes to battle for tackle lead

There will be a battle within the battle for the Utah Utes Saturday at BYU.

And a friendly one at that.

The race to be Utah's tackles leader is tight. Defending champion Mike Wright enters the rivalry game with 66 stops, one more than fellow linebacker Stevenson Sylvester. Safety Robert Johnson and defensive end Koa Misi are also in close pursuit with 62 and 61, respectively.

"It's definitely something we keep watch of. Something we keep a tally of," said Wright, who noted that everyone on the team wants to go out and make plays. "Whoever comes out on top I'm going to be happy for."

The title, though, is something the senior takes pride in.

"It definietly makes it a little more competitive out there. We kind of tease each other out there," Wright continued. "We're in this as a team. I think all the guys feel the same way."

It's an approach Utah coach Kyle Whittingham cultivates.

"It's not about the individual. It's about the team and these guys have a great grasp of that concept," he said. "Sure, it's competitive. You want to be the best and you want to compete. But at the same time you've got to realize it's not about you."

READY TO GO: Utah kickers like Chris Yergensen and Bryan Borreson have played prominent roles in recent wins over BYU. Joe Phillips hopes to do the same.

"I've been dreaming about this my whole life, playing in this game. It's finally here," said Phillips, who graduated from Lone Peak High School in Utah County. "I'm looking forward to that opportunity — being able to kick a game-winning field goal."

Phillips likes the pressure that accompanies his position.

"He's been very composed all year long and done a great job kicking for us," Whittingham said. "I would have a lot of confidence in him if it came down to that situation."

HYPE, WHAT HYPE?: Whittingham downplayed the nonsense that accompanies the rivalry each year.

"I think that the players handle it differently than the fans do. It's business as usual with the preparation process," he said. "And once the ball is in the air on game day, everyone goes into game mode. As a player you kind of get in your zone."

BOWL-A-RAMA: When asked if he cared which bowl game — Las Vegas or Poinsettia — the Utes would be invited to, Whittingham said it isn't a concern.

"It's not even in our minds," he explained. "We're just trying to find a way to compete this week."

ANXIOUS SLY: Excited about the big game? So is Sylvester.

"There's something spectacular that happens every year," he said. "I don't expect anything different this year. I can't wait."

e-mail: dirk@desnews.com