THIS WEEK AT BYU

Just a few thoughts as BYU heads into this weekend against its traditional rival the University of Utah. They are playing this week this year due to both teams leaving the Mountain West for greener pastures.

Last weekend BYU started out well against Texas, ahead 13-0 at the half. Things seemed to be going well for them until the second half where the Texas defense held the offense to just 68 total yards and 3 points. Texas' offense came out in the second half with 17 points for a one point victory over the Cougars 17-16.

The offense started out fairly well against the Texas defense with 168 yards in the first half. BYU's defense showed well again, holding Texas to just 289 total yards, though it did give up over 200 yards in the second half. One can understand that since the Cougar offense could not gel anything in the second half.

This weekend is the big rivalry game with the Utes. It's BYU's first home game. Both the team and the fans are going to be pumped up. However, it's a far cry for a road game for Utah since it's only a 45 mile trip from their home stadium in Salt Lake.

Coach Lane Kiffin of USC praised the Utah defense in last week's game against the Utes. That is what the Cougars' first year offensive coordinator Brandon Doman will be up against. Not only is he new to the job, but he is working on installing a brand new offensive scheme that has produced only 30 points and under 600 yards of offense in two games. While it has shown some promise here and there, that will not be enough to be successful against a defense like Utah's.

While Utah felt that they held their own against the Trojans, who basically controlled the line of scrimmage against the Utes. They know that they need to get better even with the kudos from Coach Kiffin. Utah needs more offense. They have the tools and a very experienced coordinator in Norm Chow. Ring a bell? Yes, the one who coached at BYU and helped win a national championship for USC in 2003 and 2004. While he has not had much success since his days with the Trojans, he is excited about being back in Utah where he played in the '60's.

I look for this to be a close, defensive game with the Utes coming out on top. While emotions may ride high for the Cougars, I believe Utah will weather the opposition at Edwards Stadium. 21-17.