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LARAMIE, Wyo. (AP) -- Defense and field position will play major roles in the outcome of Saturday's contest between Wyoming and Utah, Cowboys coach Joe Glenn said.
"I look for both defenses to be huge in this game," Glenn said Thursday.
The defensive play will go a long way toward determining the field position faced by each team's offense, which enter the game with near identical statistics in total offensive yards gained so far this season.
Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. at Jonah Field in War Memorial Stadium.
Wyoming (2-4 overall, 1-1 in the Mountain West Conference) fields a 3-4 defensive scheme that leads the nation in pass defense, giving up an average of 106.2 yards per game. The Cowboys have limited opponents to 19.7 points a game and an average of 235.5 yards total offense.
"You can't be No. 4 in the country in total defense not doing something right," Utah coach Kyle Whittingham said.
Utah (4-2, 2-0) has limited its opponents to 14.7 points a game and an average of 287.2 yards a contest.
Both teams' defenses are led by outstanding defensive backs.
Utah cornerback Eric Weddle is tops in the conference with six interceptions, two of which he returned for scores.
"There aren't many people who can do what Eric is doing," Glenn said. "He's a fantastic football player."
Wyoming strong safety John Wendling has recorded 36 tackles and returned one fumble for a touchdown.
"He appears to be the leader, certainly of the defense and maybe the entire football team," Whittingham said.
Offensively, the two teams are close. Wyoming is averaging 350 yards a game, while the Utes are close behind at 348.5 yards.
Utah has averaged 192.5 yards passing a game behind quarterback Brett Ratliff and is the only team whose offensive line has allowed no sacks all year. The Cowboys defense has collected 13 sacks this season.
Wyoming changed quarterbacks in its 14-10 victory over New Mexico last week. Freshman Karsten Sween replaced Jacob Doss and accounted for all of Wyoming's points against the Lobos with two touchdown passes.
"The guy's got it," Glenn said.
Saturday's game will be the 79th meeting between Wyoming and Utah. The Utes have won the last six meetings.
(Copyright 2006 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APTV-10-13-06 1216MDT
