Week 13: Utah at BYU

Never in this history of this rivalry have both teams been this hot. Each will take a seven-game winning streak into this meeting, although expecting them to top the drama of the last two contests is unreasonable.

In 2005, fill-in quarterback Brett Ratliff threw four touchdown passes in Utah's 41-34 overtime victory in Provo. Last November, John Beck's 11-yard pass to Jonny Harline on the last play of the game gave BYU a 33-31 win.

This game should be almost as close, however. And if that's the case, Utah will have a big edge with the kicking ability of Louie Sakoda, while BYU's Mitch Payne is undependable and had two field goals blocked last week at Wyoming.

The other striking aspect of this rivalry is the Utes have won six of the last seven games in Provo, while winning only three of nine contests at home.

These teams match up evenly. BYU's offense is the Mountain West's best, and will face a Utah defense that has not allowed more than one offensive touchdown to any of its last five opponents, all in league play. Utah's offense has been hot and cold, and BYU's defense has been somewhat vulnerable lately, giving up 22 points to TCU two weeks ago.

The comparative scores are similar, at least in terms of recent opponents. The deciding factor could be the condition of BYU quarterback Max Hall's throwing shoulder. He was slightly injured in last week's 35-10 win at Wyoming and eased into his throwing routine during practice this week.

The Cougars racked up 497 total yards at Wyoming and will be going against a Ute defense that allowed only 279 yards to New Mexico in a 28-10 win, with the Lobos' touchdown coming on an 11-yard drive after an interception.

BYU can clinch an outright MWC championship Saturday and would still have that opportunity next week at San Diego State, even with a loss. The Cougars have not lost a league game or a home game since Utah's visit in 2005. The way this rivalry has gone lately, it just seems like Utah's turn again.

Utah by 3