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When former Utah cornerback Sean Smith was in town to watch the Utes' final home game against San Diego State, current corners Brandon Burton and R.J. Stanford took the opportunity to hang out with Smith and talk football.
Among the advice Smith, who plays for the Miami Dolphins, gave the duo was to focus on the football and nothing else come Saturday when the Utes play at BYU.
"He told us not to think, just play hard," Burton said.
That philosophy worked well for the Utes last year, when they intercepted BYU quarterback Max Hall five times and limited him to 205 passing yards.
Burton and Stanford hope they can lead the Utes in a similar effort. They know their play this season has been spotty but they're eager for the chance to face Hall.
"He is good," Stanford said. "He gets the ball to his guys well and we are going to have to do a good job of covering up his receivers."
The Utes rank third in the conference and 15th nationally in passing defense, giving up 176.4 yards a game. Earlier in the season, Burton and Stanford had trouble with their defensive techniques and were frequently tagged with pass interference penalties.
However, nearly a season's worth of play has made them stronger, they say.
"We're more comfortable and feel like we can take more risks in making plays on the ball," Burton said. "We've improved our technique and we're getting to the ball and our
Speedsters
The Utes' overall speed and athleticism were credited for playing a big role in Utah's 48-24 win over the Cougars last year. BYU has made an effort to recruit quicker players this season, so do the Utes still feel they have an advantage?
Utah coach Kyle Whittingham said that on tape the Cougars appear fast, but said he couldn't really judge the Cougars.
"I don't know who is faster," he said. "Often the 40-yard dashes aren't applicable because some guys play faster. But I like our guys' athleticism and the way they have flown around."
Trophies on the line
Two rivalry trophies are being contested, with the Deseret First Duel and the Beehive Boot. The Deseret Duel Rivalry is tied 6-6 based on points from volleyball (Utah, six points) and soccer (BYU, six points). Saturday's game is worth 10 points. The series is tied 1-1.
The Beehive Boot is awarded to the best in-state football team. In its 38-year history, the Beehive Boot has gone to Utah 11 times, BYU 21 times and Utah State six times.
Rival ties
Utah walk-on Lolo Tenifa is a BYU transfer. He has played in one game on special teams. ... Utah quarterback Jordan Wynn is acquaintances with BYU defensive lineman Russell Tialavea , who, like Wynn is from Oceanside, Calif. Tialavea's younger brother, Roy , was a receiver for Wynn.
