Week 4: Utah at Air Force

The Utes went 9-4 last year, yet they still have the incentive of playing three teams that beat them in the first five weeks of this season. They already took care of UNLV, and now they get a shot at the Falcons, with Oregon State to come in two weeks.

These teams almost always play close games, and this will be an exception only if the Utes and quarterback Brian Johnson can crank up their offense. Strangely enough, even while scoring 25, 42 and 58 points against Michigan, UNLV and Utah State, the Ute offense has not put together a complete game. The defense has consistently shut down opponents, making it easier for the offense.

The difference this week is that Air Force is capable of scoring and of limiting the number of possessions in the game, putting more pressure on Utah's offense. The Falcons have deviated from the wishbone scheme of former coach Fisher DeBerry, but not from the spirit of Air Force football. In last week's 31-28 win over Houston, the Falcons failed to complete a pass (in seven attempts) but rushed for 380 yards, as quarterback Shea Smith posted 93 yards and four backs had 55 yards or more.

Utah held the Falcons to 20 points last September, but its offense generated only 12 points as Johnson missed the game with a shoulder injury. He will be eager to play well against AFA as the Utes focus on finishing drives and not settling for field goals, which was their only flaw in the first half at Utah State last week.

For the Falcons, this is their chance to show they should be taken seriously in the Mountain West race. Even after finishing second last year, they were overlooked coming into this season because of huge graduation losses. But a win Saturday would make things very interesting, because they also have BYU coming to the Academy in November.

Things to watch:

Utah defensive end Paul Kruger tied a school record with four sacks against Utah State, plus a forced fumble and another tackle for loss. He will have far fewer pass-rushing opportunities this week, but is sure to be disruptive. Kruger leads the nation with nine tackles for loss in three games.

Air Force lost 89 percent of its rushing production from last season to graduation, yet the Falcons are averaging 358 yards on the ground through three games.

The Falcons allowed 362 passing yards and 534 total yards to Houston, after holding Southern Utah and Wyoming to a combined 346 yards in the first two games.

Utah held Utah State to 116 total yards, two years after giving up just 98 yards in Logan.

Besides having Johnson miss the game against AFA last year, Utah lost receiver Brent Casteel to a season-ending knee injury in the second quarter against the Falcons.

Key player (Utes) — Derrick Shelby, DT

Everything starts up in defending the option, which typically starts with a handoff or fake to the fullback. Shelby was promoted after two Ute defensive tackles sustained significant injuries in the first two games, and he played well against Utah State.

Key player (Falcons) — Ken Lamendola, LB

Utah should have success throwing the ball against Air Force, but the Utes also will be tempted to pound AFA with the running tandem of Darrell Mack and Matt Asiata, combining for 109 yards a game. The Falcons have to take that away, or it could be a long afternoon. Lamendola leads the team with 24 tackles.

Utah by 14