So does that mean the Utes are preparing for a full-on aerial attack from Air Force? Nope, not a chance.

"Everything starts with the run for them," Whittingham said.

Air Force quarterback Shea Smith has only 23 pass attempts this season, connecting on 11 of them for 90 yards and one touchdown.

The Falcons didn't complete any of their seven pass attempts in last week's 31-28 win over Houston played in hurricane conditions, marking the fifth time the school hasn't completed a pass in a game.

As much talk as there was last season how coach Troy Calhoun was going to revamp Air Force's option offense, the Falcons have stuck with the tried and true, even if it is disguised by a lot of fancy formations. The Utes have charted 25 different looks, Whittingham said.

"There are only so many plays you can run, but they are coming from different formations, which causes you to play them out of different assignments," Whittingham said.

The Falcons' rushing offense ranks second nationally, averaging 358 yards a game, and uses a four-man attack to get the yards. Sophomore Kyle Halderman averages 79.3 yards, Smith averages 75.7 yards, and sophomores Kyle Lumpkin and Savier Stephens average 74 yards and 53 yards, respectively.

Facing such a relentless ground game is something the Utes haven't seen this season. As much buildup as there was for the Utes' game against UNLV and its running back, Frank Summers, the Rebels still brought in a balanced offense.

"This is a completely different animal for us," Utah defensive coordinator Gary Andersen said. "They'll try to line up and run the ball. They've won some games by getting a lead, then having a tight end, two-back set or three-back set and grinding it out, smashing the football down the field. That is the mentality they have."

The Utes' run defense is giving up only 64 yards a game, ranking 15th nationally.

So far the only team that has managed scoring drives of 80 or more yards against the Utes was UNLV. The Rebels had two 80-yard scoring drives in the first half, a time when they rushed for 120 yards. The Utes' defense dominated the second half, holding the Rebels to nine yards rushing and 83 yards.

Proud of the way he and his defensive teammates have played, Utah linebacker Stevenson Sylvester said no one is going into Saturday's game expecting an easy day against the Falcons.

"UNLV was a great test in the running game, but this one will be different," he said. "UNLV had a little more pass and a few different things. Air Force, they have a straight run and they are very disciplined. It's going to be a big test to see what we've got."

lwodraska@sltrib.com

Strength vs. strength

Air Force offense (average yards gains) vs. Utah defense (average yards allowed):

AFA off. Utah def.

Rushing 358 64

Passing 30 138.3

Total 388 202.3

Scoring 31.7 18.0