The Salvage Bowl

PROVO — No doubt the biggest annual football game in the state has lost some luster this year. When BYU plays Utah on Saturday, it won't be for the conference title, as many expected it would be. And neither team can finish the regular season with a winning record.

Still, there is plenty to play for.

For BYU, there's a bowl berth at stake and a chance to avoid the program's first losing season in 29 years.

As if the Cougars needed any added motivation to beat arch-rival Utah Saturday (1 p.m., Ch. 14) at Rice-Eccles Stadium.

And vice versa.

"For the tradition of BYU, for the guys that have gone before us, we want to keep that record (of non-losing seasons) going," said tight end Spencer Nead. "For us personally, this game's got big implications for us. We want to go to a bowl. We want to beat Utah. That's the biggest thing."

Gary Crowton, who hasn't experienced a losing season in four seasons as a head coach, agrees. He knows the BYU-Utah rivalry overshadows all other issues right now.

"It's important to win this game no matter what," he said. "You want to be able to beat your rival. That's as big as any game there is. It's bigger than any bowl game."

That's because both schools have to live with outcome for the upcoming 12 months. It affects recruiting wars and determines bragging rights.

"You know that every time you're out golfing or out to lunch during the off-season, there's a Utah fan and they're going to say something," Crowton said. "You know all those BYU fans who feel the same way you do. If you lose, they're going to look at you like, 'You let us all down.' You feel that kind of intensity.

"I want to win this game with all my heart," Crowton continued. "This is a game that while preparing for other games, this one always comes up in the back of our minds. I was watching Utah while getting ready to play Air Force and I'm trying not to think about Utah. It's hard not to."

Now, the time has arrived.

It's been an ugly season at times for the Cougars (5-6, 2-4) — a year plagued by inconsistency and inexperience. Midway through the campaign, Crowton handed the quarterback reins to redshirt freshman Matt Berry, who, last November, was serving an LDS mission in Panama.

BYU's chances on Saturday against the Utes might depend on Berry's arm. He will have to be able to throw the ball effectively against a Utah secondary that has shown signs of vulnerability.