BYU-Utah matchups

BYU offense vs. Utah defense

BYU has gotten off to fast starts on a regular basis. There are so many weapons for John Beck to choose from, a defense has a hard time knowing where to concentrate its attack. Utah's Eric Weddle is a playmaker at corner but has been burned deep several times this season. Look for the Cougars to take some shots down the field, but a strong running game and ball control will rule.

Advantage: BYU

BYU defense vs. Utah offense

Utah's offense has been up and down this year, and usually it hinges on two things: Turnovers and the running game. When Utah has turned the ball over, they've lost. When the running game has been shut down, they've lost. Both are areas BYU has excelled in. Ute QB Brett Ratliff ran well against BYU last year, but the Cougars are much fast defensively in 2006.

Advantage: BYU

Special Teams

Both teams have good special teams. BYU's return games have improved steadily and Utah's punter, Louis Sakada, is adept at placing the ball. The Utes are No. 1 in the country in punt return defense, allowing just 2.35 yards per return. Sakoda kicked the game winner as time expired last week against Air Force. BYU's coverage teams have been good as well.

Advantage: Even

Intangibles

Utah is at home and has the confidence it can prevail for a fifth straight time. BYU has the knowledge of its MWC dominance and believes it can continue to play well. The crowd will be pro-Utah but plenty of BYU fans will show up, too. Both teams have caused plenty of turnovers this season, but BYU is better at taking care of the ball. It will be a brutal, physical game and both teams will be glad for the month-long break until bowl season.

Advantage: Even

Key Matchup

Eric Weddle vs. BYU offense/defense

Weddle is Utah's defensive star and last week and led the Utes in rushing last week against Air Force. BYU will have to pay special attention to Weddle when he's in on offense. You wonder how much Weddle can go both ways this deep in the season.

Advantage: Even

Last year, BYU was a better team than Utah but got caught up in the emotion. If that lessons is learned, it's all BYU this time.

Prediction: BYU 38, Utah 17

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This story appeared in The Daily Herald on page C5.