BYU football: 5 keys to victory

1. Hold on to the ball: In last year's 48-24 loss to the Utes, turnovers killed the Cougars as quarterback Max Hall threw five interceptions and coughed up one fumble. The game was close, 27-24, going into the fourth quarter — until three Hall turnovers were turned into 21 Utah points.

2. Make home field an advantage: While BYU lost twice badly at home this season, against Florida State and TCU, it is 21-2 at LaVell Edwards Stadium since the start of the 2006 season. The Cougars should be motivated to send the seniors out winners in their final home game.

3. Run, Harvey, run:. BYU running back Harvey Unga, the school's all-time leading rusher, has been hampered by an ankle sprain in recent weeks. The Cougars need him to bring balance to the offense and keep the Ute defense honest. Unga has rushed for 257 yards and three touchdowns against Utah.

4. Put pressure on the true freshman quarterback: BYU's defense will need to force Jordan Wynn, who has three career starts under his belt, to make mistakes. The Cougars have been susceptible to deep passes and screen plays. They have to be wary of Wynn's strong arm and speedy receiver David Reed.

5. Dennis the Menace: BYU tight end Dennis Pitta was not a factor in last year's rivalry game because he was limited by a knee injury. One of the nation's top tight ends, Pitta is a go-to guy on third down. He needs to make big plays against the Utah defense.