The biggest game of the season is finally here.

"We're confident and excited to play our rivals," quarterback Max Hall said. "Both teams are very good this year, and I don't think either one of us is intimidated by the other, so it should be a great game."

The preseason buzz was all about a potential meeting of two undefeated teams in this year's "Holy War," but the Cougars were unable to keep their side of the bargain, losing 32-7 at TCU in October. That said, BYU still has much to play for, including a conference championship and possible BCS berth.

No. 7 Utah is all but guaranteed a BCS invitation with a victory over No. 14 BYU, while the Cougars' road to the college football elite is not completely in their control. They would need losses by Boise State and Ball State to have a legitimate shot at getting in.

This game features the highest combined ranking ever in the BYU-Utah rivalry, which dates back to 1922.

The Utes are led on offense by Brian Johnson, who battles inconsistency but has come up big when his team has needed him the most. Johnson was near perfect late in the Utes' come-from-behind victories over Oregon State and TCU. He was 7-of-8 for 91 yards and a touchdown in the last two drives against the Beavers and 7-for-9 for 65 yards and a touchdown in the final drive against TCU.

"We need to get pressure on Johnson," defensive end Jan Jorgensen said. "If we do that then we really think we can control the flow of their offense and force them into doing some things they don't want to do."

On defense, the Utes are led by Orem native Paul Kruger. The sophomore defensive end has wreaked havoc on opposing backfields this year, collecting 7.5 sacks and 15.5 tackles for loss.

Stevenson Sylvester, Mike Wright and Brice McCain are also players to watch for on Utah's defensive unit.

BYU's offense has been potent all season long, but will be faced with a unique challenge against the Utes: playing with only limited use of one of its best players.

The issue at hand is the status of Dennis Pitta's injured knee. Pitta sprained his MCL - similar to an ankle sprain - making a key third-down catch in the fourth quarter against Air Force last Saturday, and has not practiced much this week. His availability to participate in the Utah game is still in doubt.

"We have had players return and play the following week after this type of injury, but it will take extensive rehab," coach Bronco Mendenhall said. "We'll have Andrew George getting ready in his spot all week long, and it is yet to be decided what Dennis' role will be come Saturday."

With or without Pitta, the versatility of the Cougar offense should be on full display at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Austin Collie leads the nation in receiving yards (1,315), while Michael Reed and Andrew George are consistent outlets for Hall.

The player who may end up shouldering most of the load if Pitta can't go is Harvey Unga, who ran for 141 yards and the winning touchdown last year against Utah. Unga is dangerous as both a runner and receiver, and also helps with pass protection, which will be critical if the Cougars want to have any success against the Utes' defense.

Game time is scheduled for 4 p.m. and will be broadcast nationally in high definition on The Mtn.

Copyright Brigham Young University 21 Nov 2008