Football Notebook: Next up: BYU

“It’s finally here...”

Those were the words of wide receiver Bradon Godfrey when asked about the showdown with rival BYU. Rivalry week is upon the state of Utah in full force and is perhaps the biggest in the history of the rivalry. The No. 8 Utes (11-0, 7-0) march into Saturday’s matchup against No. 16 Cougars (10-1, 6-1) with a full head of steam after impressive wins over San Diego State and Air Force.

As the Utes reeled in a share of the Mountain West Conference title, the team will continue to follow its motto of “week by week.”

“This is business as usual as far as our preparation,” said head coach Kyle Whittingham. “We maintain that mentality that we have used for 11 weeks. When that works, you’re not going to change anything that you’re doing.”

Although the Utah coach is keeping it business as usual, the players seem a bit more excited when it comes to the Holy War.

“Drama is not my thing,” Whittingham said.

Quarterback Brian Johnson’s five-year career at the U has given him only one BYU game, which was last year’s 17-10 loss in Provo. Unfettered by injuries, Johnson anticipates a crazy scene at Rice-Eccles Stadium.

“It’s just exciting,” Johnson said. “It’s a feeling of excitement.”

When asked about this being his last game at home, Johnson said, “We’ll reminisce after. Our number one goal is to go out there and try to get a win. That’s the bottom line.”

Whittingham mentioned the Utah-BYU rivalry alongside the likes of Ohio State-Michigan and USC-UCLA and said although he’s a coach now, the animation and magnitude is still there.

“I can’t imagine any (other rivalry) being more passionate or intense than this rivalry,” Whittingham said. “We don’t get the national exposure as those other ones do, but as far as state pride and sheer passion, I think the (rivalry) is second to nobody.”


Richard reels in MWC award

Safety Deshawn Richard had more yards on the ground than running backs Matt Asiata and Darrell Mack combined against SDSU.

He also had more yards than wide receiver Freddie Brown.

His performance led Richard to be named the MWC Defensive Player of the Week.

The junior from Las Vegas took two interceptions back for touchdowns in the fourth quarter. His returns of 89 and 38 yards both came on tipped passes, and he was able to showcase his speed as he went untouched on both returns.

“It’s a good feeling,” Richard said.

With Utah already up 49-14, the game was essentially in the bag for the Utes. But thanks to stout performances by the second-team defense, Richard was able to capitalize on some timely plays by his fellow defenders.

“Two nice plays,” Whittingham said, referring to his backup safety. “He was at the right place at the right time, but he showed what kind of speed he had in taking them both to the house.”

Usually stellar on special teams, Richard has seen some playing time this season, but taking into account Utah’s tremendous depth at both vital safety positions, he has yet to really put a stamp on the game—until this game.

“He’s a good football player,” said Whittingham of Richard. “We just happen to be deep at safety. He would probably start on three-fourths of the teams in the Mountain West Conference.”

Richard’s first interception of the season came in the waning moments of Utah’s 58-10 win over Utah State. His 89-yard return was impressive on account of his blazing wheels.

“I was still pretty tired from the first (interception),” he said. “When the second one came, I was like, here we go again.”



Noteworthiness

The Utes did not practice Monday on account of the “bumps and bruises” and “wear and tear” of an entire college football season.

“You’ve got to make sure you don’t wear your guys out,” Whittingham said.

Also noteworthy, BYU star tight end Dennis Pitta has been dubbed a “game-time” decision by head coach Bronco Mendenhall for Saturday’s game after suffering an MCL sprain against Air Force.

c.kamrani@chronicle.utah.edu

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