A Few Thoughts for Rivalry Week

Well, its here. The Holy War is just days away. To say that I am excited is an understatement. I am beyond ecstatic! Never before has BYU rolled into town to face off against the Utes in such a high profile manner. Utah, ranked 7th in the BCS is looking for three things. First, a MWC championship. Its been four years since that accolade as been the Utes, and beating BYU for it makes it that much sweeter! Second, the Utes are looking their second trip to the BCS in four years as well. Utah and the MWC are still reeping the benefits from the last visit Utah made to the BCS in 2004 when they spanked Pitt 35-7. Another visit would once again solidify the strength of the MWC, Utah's program, and enable Utah to gaina few perks in the recruiting department. Third, Utah is looking for some much deserved revenge against the Cougars after their last minute miracles the past two years.
BYU is ranked 14th in the latest BCS poll, is looking for a piece of MWC title and bragging rights. People still speculate that the Y could land a BCS bowl, but lets be honest, its highly unlikely. BYU win or lose, probably will end up at the Vegas Bowl, again. The Cougars come in with one of the higher ranked offenses in the nation, but Utah rolls in with one of the nations better defenses. This game is going to be one of the all time greats to add to the list of classic games between Utah and BYU.
So who has the advantage? I gotta go with my Utes on this one, not just because I am a Utah fan. BYU granted has an offense that is potent and can put up points, they have proven that throughout the season. Thing is, when it came down to the bigger games two things happened. First, the Cougars struggled defensively allowing oppnents to score at will. The second problem was that when the defense got better, their offense did not look as good, for example, the TCU game. Utah was able to hang with and beat TCU because of their speed. Speed will be the difference in this game. Uah's defense is much faster than many of the opponents BYU has faced this year and will be able to shut down, or slow down some of that high profiled offense BYU brings to town. Secondly, Utah, namely Brian Johnson, will be able to expose the BYU defense to the point that it may be embarrassing for the Cougars at times. Mid-MWC teams like Colorado St. and UNLV were able to hang with the Cougs because their offenses were athletic enough to expose the vulnerable BYU secondary. Utah will do the same, only worse. Couple that with Utah's D and Utah has the advantage, period.
Final score prediction: Utah 37 BYU 24

GO UTES!!