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BYU QB Max Hall looks to pass.
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The Cougars

The Cougars have won three in a row since losing 38-7 at TCU. ... BYU ranks second in the Mountain West Conference in total offense (452.7) and scoring offense (35.5) and fourth in total defense (334.1) and scoring defense (21.5). ... Harvey Unga leads the league in rushing with a 90.0 average and Max Hall is first in total offense (299.4).

 

When BYU has the ball, look for ...

Like any team, the Cougars are more effective offensively when they are balanced, using a 50-50 mix of running and passing to keep defenses guessing. Last year, the Cougars ran the ball effectively, but panicked a bit when they got behind Utah, and that led to several costly interceptions because Hall started forcing throws into coverage. Look for the Cougars to try to pound the ball at Utah's defense with running back Unga, whom they've rested considerably in the weeks leading up to this game.

 

Tale of the tape Max Hall

Nobody needs to remind Hall what happened last year against Utah. He threw a career-high five interceptions, then was reminded of his poor performance time and again all offseason. His chance for some big-time redemption comes today against a Utah defense that most say is not quite as good as last year's. Is he up to the task?

 

The Utes

The Utes have secured their eighth nine-win season in school history and third straight. ... Utah has won five of the last seven games against BYU and six of the last eight in Provo. ... Receiver John Peel (foot) is questionable for the game and defensive lineman Kenape Eliapo (eye) is doubtful. ... Utah ranks third in the MWC in total offense (397.9), scoring offense (29.8), total defense (318.6) and scoring defense (19.1).

 

What to look for when Utah has the ball

One of the reasons the Utes made a switch at quarterback was because Jordan Wynn is more adept at throwing downfield, as witnessed by his 44-yard pass to David Reed on the Utes' first possession last week against San Diego State.

Reed is Wynn's favorite target, but he does a good job at using all of his receivers. The Utes love to mix up their offense too, often using backup running back Shaky Smithson or receiver DeVonte Christopher in the Wildcat package. Running back Eddie Wide has 918 yards on the season, but struggled against TCU's defense, rushing 14 times for just 25 yards.

 

Tale of the tape Jordan Wynn

Wynn has grown up a lot since the Oct. 31 game against Wyoming when he started the second half and rallied the Utes to a 22-10 win. Not only has he earned more confidence since then, but he also has developed a good understanding of Utah's offense and proved he has the cool demeanor needed to succeed under pressure. He loves throwing the deep ball.

 

BOTTOM LINE

The Cougars were matching the heavily favored Utes blow-for-blow last year until they started to give the ball away like it was candy, and this year should be no different for either team. Turnovers will be huge in a game that figures to come down to one or two critical plays because the teams appear so evenly matched. And don't forget the importance of red-zone (or blue-zone) scoring. That's been a BYU strength, while Utah has relied more on its offense to strike quickly from anywhere on the field. The Cougar defense has been susceptible to big plays, too, which are a Utah specialty.