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Th BYU Cougars (2-0) enter Saturday's contest against the Utah Utes (1-1) as the No. 25 team in the nation and a win will certainly secure them a spot in the next poll. But the 2012 Holy War won't be a breeze, even with Utah having issues at quarterback.
Last Friday, Utah quarterback Jordan Wynn hurt his left shoulder in the 27-20 loss to Utah State and subsequently retired from football. The Utes will now rely on Jon Hays and hope freshman Travis Wilson can step up, as well. And the team still does have John White IV at running back, always a dangerous weapon.
BYU opened the season with dominating victories over Mike Leach and the Washington St. Cougars, 30-6, and the Weber St. Wildcats, 45-13. Quarterback Riley Nelson leads a passing attack that averages over 305 yards per game, 24th in the nation. The defense currently ranked 10th with just 9.5 points allowed.
This certainly appears to be the prime opportunity for BYU to end its two-game losing streak in the Holy War. Utah has won the last two, 17-16 and 54-10.
Game time/date: 8 p.m. MT, Saturday, Sept. 15
Location: Rice-Eccles Stadium, Salt Lake City, Utah
TV Schedule: ESPN
Odds: Utah opened as a 3.5-point favorite, but it has since moved to being a 3.5-point underdog.
Matchup History: Utah leads, 55-34-4
For more on these teams, check out BYU blog Vanquish the Foe and Utah blog BlockU. Head over to SB Nation NCAA Football for more news and notes around the college world.
