Utah Utes
Utah Utes The Utah Utes host the BYU Cougars in one of the nation's oldest rivalries as these two have faced off 89 times since 1896. Odds makers are calling the 7th ranked Utes home favorites as BYU comes to Rice-Eccles Stadium. NCAA betting lines have Utah at -7 with the total set at 54.

A late season game between archrivals Utah and BYU with the Mountain West conference title hanging in the balance would normally create a big enough stage in the Beehive State, but this year there's even more. Utah's bid to reach a BCS bowl is also at stake.

Utah (11-0, 7-0) is off to their second 11-0 start in school history. In 2004, the Utes finished 12-0 and became the first team from outside the six BCS conferences to reach a BCS bowl, beating Pittsburgh 35-7 in the Fiesta Bowl. They are hoping to repeat their prior success but this week BYU stands in their way.

"It's big, you know, because so much is on the
line," said Utah quarterback Brian Johnson. "We've got an opportunity to do something really special and we hope we can take advantage of it."

With the biggest game of their 2008 season thus far at hand Utah coach Kyle Whittingham is trying to keep his team from flying too high.

"There is a little more intensity than a regular conference game but you can't deviate from the formula that you have," Whittingham said. "We have to keep things in perspective, play our best football, control what we can control and not worry about the postseason."

The Cougars (10-1, 6-1) won't need any additional motivation to get ready for Utah. The Cougars have won the last two Mountain West titles and can secure a share of their third straight with a win. Coach Bronco Mendenhall's team will also be looking for its third straight win against its rival Utah.

This should be a great game to watch. Look to Utah to stay unbeaten and cover at home. Take the Utes and give the 7 points.