Across the Ute sideline: Scouting the BYU Cougars

SALT LAKE CITY - It doesn't feel like rivalry week, but believe it or not, Utah (1-1) and BYU (1-1) face off this weekend for the 93rd meeting between the two schools.

BYU (1-1) vs. Utah (1-1)

Series Snapshot
For the first time in 113 years, the two schools are competing as non-conference opponents. The second-longest series in Utah history began in 1896 when BYU was known as the BY Academy. Utah leads the all-time series 54-34-4 (BYU does not acknowledge the BY Academy years, which would equally remove three wins and losses). The score is tied 17-17-1 in Provo, where Utah has lost two straight since winning there in 2005.Week 3 Game Notes

• BYU (1-1) vs. Utah (1-1)
• Date: Saturday, Sept. 17, 2011
• Time: 7:15 p.m. MT
• Site: LaVell Edwards Stadium, Provo, Utah (64,045/Grass)
• TV: ESPN2
• Radio: KSL Newsradio 102.7 FM/1160 AM and ksl.com
• Series Record: Utah leads 54-34-4
• Last Meeting: 2010 (Utah 17, BYU 16)
• Kickoff Weather: Chance of storms, temps in the low 70s

Team Stat Comparison for 2011-2012 Season

	Utah	BYU	Adv.
OFFENSIVE STATS
Points For (Per Game)	20.50	15.00
Rushing Yards (Per Game)	136.00	67.00
Passing Yards (Per Game)	169.50	208.50
Total Yards (Per Game)	305.50	275.50
3rd Down Conversions (Season)	32%	41%
4th Down Conversions (Season)	60%	100%
Time of Possession (Per Game)	28:39	31:47
Red Zone Scores (Season)	100%	83%
DEFENSIVE STATS
Points Against (Per Game)	16.50	15.00
Rushing Defense (Per Game)	113.50	115.00
Passing Defense (Per Game)	223.50	133.50
Total Defense (Per Game)	337.00	248.50
3rd Down Defense % (Season)	37%	29%

With Utah in the Pac-12 and BYU moving to independent in football, Saturday's contest will mark the first time in 113 years that the two teams face each other as non-conference foes.

This rivalry has been evenly split since the current head coaches took over at their respective schools. Both BYU head coach Bronco Mendenhall and Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham are 3-3 against each other since taking over in 2005.

After starting out on the road for two games, the Cougars return to Provo to face the Utes in their home opener. BYU defeated Ole Miss 14-13 in week 1 and lost a heartbreaker to Texas last Saturday in Austin, 17-16.

Offense
Led by sophomore quarterback Jake Heaps and new offensive coordinator Brandon Doman, BYU's 2011 offense has yet to fully get into sync through its first two games. Last season, the Cougars averaged 366 yards per game, compared to only 276 yards per game in 2011.

"I think we have good players with good ability," said BYU head coach Bronco Mendenhall. "Eventually that's going to lead to the production that we're all hopeful for...level of concern or anxiety--I haven't reached that point yet."

BYU plays a pro-style set with quarterback Jake Heaps leading the aerial attack. With at least one touchdown pass in each of his first two games of 2011, Heaps has thrown one or more touchdowns in eight-straight games.

Heaps has plenty of receivers to throw the ball to in the Cougars' "pass first, run second" offense. Freshman Ross Apo is Heaps' leading target with 7 catches for 86 yards. McKay Jacobson, Cody Hoffman and JD Falslev are the other popular targets. Austin Holt leads the tight end group in receptions, and each of his four catches has resulted in a first down.

Once the air attack is fully underway, the Cougars turn to the ground behind senior running back J.J. Di Luigi. Di Luigi leads the team with 95 yards on 26 carries.

One of the main concerns that Cougar fans have is in the Cougars red zone efficiency. In six trips inside the opponents' 20 yard line, the Cougars have only managed two touchdowns and have settled for three field goals.

On the flip side, ball security has been one of the Cougars' strengths this season. Through two games, BYU hasn't lost a fumble.

The best defense for the Utes will be to keep Jake Heaps and the BYU offense off the field by forcing three and outs. Utah did an outstanding job of creating turnovers against USC, and needs a similar level of intensity to contain the Cougars.

Defense
Defensively the Cougars are as stout, holding opponents to just 15 points per game and just 29% on third down conversions.

The BYU defense didn't give up its first touchdown of the season until the third quarter against Texas, and have held seven out of their last eight opponents scoreless in the first quarter.

BYU plays an aggressive 3-4 defense and is highlighted by 4 talented linebackers. Brandon Ogletree returns from an injury to rejoin the starting lineup. In his first start in place of Ogletree, Spencer Hadley led the BYU defense with 12 total tackles against Texas. Hadley should still get playing time, even with Ogletree returning to the lineup. Kyle Van Noy forced and recovered a fumble for a touchdown in BYU's win over Ole Miss. Also watch for Uona Kaveinga and Jordan Pendleton to have an impact on the game.

Romney Fuga anchors a defensive line that takes pride in stopping the run. Up until last week against Texas, BYU limited opponents to under 100 yards rushing seven straight times. The Cougars were 6-1 during that stretch, with the only loss coming against the Utes.

BYU's secondary may be inexperienced, but they have played solid through the first two games of the season. They limited both Texas and Ole Miss to under 150 yards passing.

For Utah to have success on offense, they will need to have another great game by Jordan Wynn. Wynn played significantly better in week 2 against the Trojans, and that opened up the running game for John White.

Special Teams
Sophomore placekicker Justin Sorenson was 3-3 on field goals last week against Texas, while junior punter Riley Stephenson has pinned three punts inside the 20 yard line this season.

Wrap up
While this game is going to be played earlier in the year than any of the previous meetings between the two schools, both teams have faced tough road tests that should help prepare them for this week.

Email: rojackson@ksl.com

Twitter: @rojackKSL

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