Estimated read time: 1-2 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
In what might be considered the biggest rivalry game ever between Utah and BYU, several Utah Blaze players and front office personnel, who played at one of the two schools, gave their thoughts and predictions on Saturday's match-up.
OL Eddie Keele (2003-06, BYU) thinks the game will be exceptional as usual. He's disappointed that BYU is not undefeated and hopes the game doesn't come down to field goals. However, he is confident in his Cougars.
“Our (BYU's) offense against their (Utah's) defense is going to be a battle,” he said.
Prediction: BYU 28, Utah 21
LB Corey Dodds (2001-03, Utah) is excited for this game and hopes it gets the national attention it deserves. He says that this year proves that the MWC is no longer a mid-major conference with three teams in the top 16 of the BCS and hopes that the level of play will be recognized by the BCS in the coming years. Dodds is a self-proclaimed good predictor, but says this game could be either a defensive or an offensive battle and a score is tough to predict.
“No matter what it's a heated rivalry ... [but] it comes down who wants it more,” he said.
Prediction: Utah by 10
From the true standpoint of a kicker, team president Jason Jones (1991-94, Utah) said the game will be decided by special teams.
“Without question, Louie Sakoda is not only the best kicker in the conference but perhaps the nation,” Jones said.
Jones, a punter, played in the first two 34-31 contests between the two teams.
Advantage Utah.
Prediction: Utah 30, BYU 24
