No. 8 Utah (7-0, 4-0 Mountain West) at Air Force (5-3, 3-2), 7:30 p.m. (CBS College)
Line: Utah by 7.
Series record: Air Force leads 14-12.
Last Meeting: 2009, Utah 23-16, OT.
WHAT’S AT STAKE
The Utes have a big showdown looming with fourth-ranked TCU next weekend, but they can’t overlook Air Force, a team that has historically played them close. Only one of the last 13 meetings has been decided by double digits and the game in 2009 went to overtime before Eddie Wide scored the winner on a 1-yard plunge.
KEY MATCHUP
Air Force’s option attack vs. Utah’s defense. The Falcons lead the nation in rushing (326.5 yards per game) while the Utes boast one of the stingiest defensive fronts. DB Lamar Chapman always seems to be around the play, leading the league in tackles for loss.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Utah: QB Jordan Wynn threw for 321 yards and three TDs in a win over Colorado State last weekend. For that, he was chosen Mountain West co-offensive player of the week.
Air Force: FB Nathan Walker made his first start against TCU last weekend as he filled in for Jared Tew, who’s out with a broken leg. The fullback is an integral part of Air Force’s offensive scheme. Walker had six carries for 30 yards against the Horned Frogs.
FACTS & FIGURES
Utah averages nearly 48 points a game, the third-highest total in the nation. The team also checks in at No. 4 in scoring defense, surrendering 12.9. … Utah’s Shaky Smithson averages 23.3 yards on punt returns, the top mark in the country. … PK Joe Phillips has connected on 18 straight field goals dating to last season. … Utah has won six of the last seven games over Air Force. … Utah coach Kyle Whittingham is 4-1 against Air Force. … Air Force coach Troy Calhoun has an 18-4 record at home.
