As was the case in last week's win over Wyoming and wide receiver Jovon Bouknight, Utah has its sights set on keeping another star from shining.
New Mexico running back DonTrell Moore will be the primary target of the Utes' attention Saturday at Rice-Eccles Stadium.
"He's a good back. He makes people miss. He breaks a lot of tackles," said Utah defensive tackle Steve Fifita. "If we hold DonTrell, basically that's the key to the game."
Historically speaking, though, the Utes haven't had much success slowing the All-America candidate. Moore didn't play in New Mexico's 28-7 loss to Utah in Albuquerque last season, but did rack up a combined total of 282 yards and three touchdowns against the Utes as a freshman and sophomore.
"DonTrell Moore is the premier back in this conference," said Utah coach Kyle Whittingham, who expects the sore knee Moore suffered in a loss to Colorado State on Oct. 28 to be significantly better after a 15-day break.
Moore has overcome surgery to repair a torn ACL to record his fourth consecutive season with more than 1,000 yards rushing. The New Mexico senior has 4,760 career yards and has scored 49 touchdowns on the ground.
The impressive statistics, which include leading the MWC in rushing and scoring, may overshadow the fact that the Lobos have other weapons as well. Wide receiver Hank Baskett leads the MWC in receiving yards with an average of 103.11 per game. As was the case defending Bouknight, Utah defensive back Eric Weddle will likely cover Baskett 100 percent of the time in man situations. Bouknight wound up making just four catches last week.
New Mexico may not be as predictable. With starting quarterback Kole McKamey out with a back injury, junior backup Chris Nelson will make his first career start. The Lobos do have — as has been the case in recent years — a talented offensive line to provide protection.
New Mexico coach Rocky Long has no plans to alter his team's offensive scheme.
"It doesn't change. We're going to run the exact same game plan we would have run if Kole was going to be the starter," Long said. "It changes as the game goes along depending on what's working and what's not and what kind of defense they're playing, but going in it's basically the same game plan."
Defensively, the Lobos top the league in defending the run. They also sport a talented defensive back in Gabriel Fulbright, who is tied for the MWC lead in interceptions.
"They're a physical team and they're going to come out and play," said Utah running back Quinton Ganther. "We've just got to come out and play like we did last week."
New Mexico is coming off a bye week. It followed a disappointing 35-25 setback at home to Colorado State on Oct. 28.
Utes on the air
New Mexico (5-4, 3-3) at Utah (5-4, 3-3)
Saturday, 4:30 p.m.
TV: Ch. 14
Radio: 700AM
E-mail: dirk@desnews.com