Many times during the past two decades, Utah has faced a ranked BYU team in annual season finale between the two archrivals. This year for the first time, the Utes are also ranked, at No. 20 in the coaches poll and No. 21 in the A.P. poll, just behind BYU's No. 18 and 20 rankings. The teams haven't been this evenly-matched in over 20 years.
The outcome of the game could hinge on a variety of factors. Here is a look at the Utes' side:OFFENSE
How can you complain about an offense that ranks 5th in the nation in scoring, 7th in passing and 12th in total offense? Plenty, when the offense has been as doormant as it has been in the second half of the last two games, both of which turned into losses.
"We're just not making plays," said quarterback Mike McCoy, who has as many interceptions in the past two games as in the first eight. "It's easy to look back and say we should have done this or should have done that. If we make the plays we're 10-0. There's no excuses."
McCoy still ranks 6th in the nation in total offense and 10th in passing efficiency. With 2,788 yards passing, McCoy won't come close to last year's 3,860 total.
Charlie Brown has blossomed as the season has progressed with three straight 100-yard games and 732 rushing yards for the year. But he needs more help from Rob Hamilton, who's been a bit of a disappointment, and Juan Johnson, who hasn't played since the 4th game of the season because of an injury. In Deron Claiborne and Curtis Marsh, Utah has two of the premier receivers anywhere. Claiborne has 60 catches for 717 yards, while Marsh has 58 for 763 yards.
DEFENSE
For the first half of the season, the Ute defense was the backbone of the team. The Utes held five of their first six opponents to 264 total yards or less and ranked in the top five of the country in several defensive categories. Since then the Ute `D' has allowed 460 against Colorado State, 410 against New Mexico and 452 against Air Force.
All-America candidate Luther Elliss hasn't been that noticeable this year, perhaps because of double- and triple-teams, but he still ranks second on the team in tackles. Defensive end Bronzell Miller leads the WAC in sacks with 11, while Kareem Leary and Ernest Boyd are 5th in the nation with 6 interceptions apiece. Linebacker Mark Rexford, an underrated defender all year, leads the team in tackles.
SPECIAL TEAMS
Inconsistent might be the best word for the Utes' special teams. They've allowed a few blocked punts, but they've also blocked several kicks and punts. Dan Pulsipher is perfect on extra points, but has missed some makeable field goals. Jason Jones has had a decent year punting, but the Utes are getting about half as many yards on returns as last year.
`Overall I'm happy with them, although there are some odds and ends I'm not happy with," said special teams coach Sean McNabb.
COACHES
Ron McBride is 1-3 against LaVell Edwards as everyone who sees those bank commercials on TV knows. For his career, McBride is 32-26 and one more win would tie him with Bill Meek for third all-time among Ute coaches. He's had his best year ever at Utah, but a win against BYU would help bury the notion he can't win the big games.
INCENTIVE
The Utes would have much more incentive Saturday if they would have beaten New Mexico or Air Force, because a win would have sent them to San Diego. They still have the Holiday Bowl as an incentive, but need help from Fresno State Saturday night. To go to any bowl game, which seemed such a certainty a couple of weeks ago, the Utes most likely need to win.
"We feel we need to win this game to go to a bowl game," said Elliss.
"We're not going anywhere if we lose this game," said punter Jason Jones. "And I don't know if we'd want to."
Also by winning, the Utes would equal the school record for most wins in a season set in the 1964 Liberty Bowl season.
VENUE
The Utes have had some of their best games at Rice Stadium this year, winning 66-0, 41-7, 14-3 and 52-7. That's just 17 points given up in four home games, but the competition hasn't been nearly as good as the road teams they've faced. Still Utah, the defense in particular, plays much better at home on the astroturf.
"There's something about the stadium that gives you a little inspiration," said Elliss. "The atmosphere and the fans really gets you excited."
WEATHER
"We don't care, we just play," said McBride when asked about what kind of weather he'd prefer on Saturday. Since both teams are fairly balanced between the pass and the run, you don't have the old argument about whether messy weather affects a running team or passing team more. But a slippery ball affects both sides. Often defense becomes a bigger factor in lousy weather, which could be an advantage for Utah.
OVERALL
The Utes may not need to play "the game of their lives" as some have said, but in order to win they'll need to erase the bitter memories of the past two weeks and play like they did earlier in the season. They've already proved they have the talent, but emotions and mental toughness will determine their success Saturday.