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PROVO -- It's the wrong time of year for the annual BYU-Utah rivalry game, but lo and behold here we are in the middle of September talking about which team will prevail. But only two games into the season, with both teams coming off frustrating losses and with so many questions surrounding both teams it's hard to get a feel for how this game with go.
What we do have are some very compelling storylines. Here are the Top 5 leading up to Saturday:
Rivalry alive?
Now after two short weeks of the season, we are already to rivalry week. At least in the state of Utah. I feel like the media didn't have time to analyze every scenario possible. Fans didn't get out as much finger pointing and name-calling. And there aren't any conference or BCS implications. When both Universities approached off-season conference changes it was as if they were saying, "you go your way, and we'll go ours". Many fans and analysts have thus questioned if the rivalry will live on. However, as I see it, there are even larger implications. Now more than ever, pride, credibility and reassurance of decisions will intersect on Saturday.
For as long as I can remember, the BYU/Utah game had 11 long weeks of boiling before the two teams clashed in late November. It seemed that the longer the season went, the hotter the tempers, chatter, and hard feelings rose for the instate Universities.- Home at Last:
Last season BYU averaged 30 points at home and with essentially the same offensive pieces as last year you'd expect more of the same. They have seemingly gotten off to a slow start averaging 15 points a game thus far, albeit on the road and against really good teams. It will be interesting to see how being in a familiar environment against a familiar team will help the Cougars settle into their point production potential. - Breakout party:
If there is potential for a statement and break out game, it is now more than ever. Things will slow down for the BYU offense and I can see Heaps having a break out game. - Triple headed monster:As a follow up to the "Breakout party" storyline, the Cougars are going to have to test the strength of the Utah defense and run the ball right at the Utes. Last years bread-and-butter 3rd and 5 play was a Kayira behind Zed Mendehall run, and it seemed that they converting more times than not. I would like to see a fast, physical push for so many talented running backs.
- Pass rush vs. Jordan Wynn:
In one-on-one WR vs. DB match ups Utah may have the slight size advantage and edge. However, the past two years against BYU, Jordan Wynn has taken some physical hits early and has looked uncomfortable the remainder of the game.
