Here’s a look at how BYU vs. Utah breaks down for the Las Vegas Bowl

QUARTERBACK

If it's Brigham Young, chances are a gifted quarterback is at the helm. Tanner Mangum is one of the nation's top freshmen, and he has greatness written all over him.

Edge: BYU

RUNNING BACK

You lose someone who rushed for 1,261 yards, and replacing him seems unimaginable. But that's the situation Utah faced when Devontae Booker went down with a knee injury on Nov. 14. The Utes found a way, though, to more than compensate, with Joe Williams averaging 115 yards per game in November.

Edge: Utah

WIDE RECEIVER

Five Cougars have more than 30 receptions, and all average at least 13 yards per catch. Yeah, good luck shutting down that group.

Edge: BYU

OFFENSIVE LINE

Both run defenses have been comparable, but Utah has done a much better job keeping its quarterback upright. That could be the difference in a close game.

Edge: Utah

DEFENSIVE LINE

BYU's Bronson Kaufusi has produced ridiculous numbers — 17 tackles for loss, 11 sacks, three forced fumbles and four blocked kicks. But it takes more than one player to play defense, and led by Lowell Lotulelei, the Utes are strong across the front.

Edge: Utah

LINEBACKER

The Utes' duo of Gionni Paul and Jared Norris is as good as any in the nation. They have combined for 195 tackles, including 19 for loss and four sacks. Paul also has four interceptions and three fumble recoveries.

Edge: Utah

SECONDARY

Liberty High School product Kai Nacua leads a BYU pass defense that allows 212.8 yards per game and has intercepted 15 passes. He has six of those interceptions, returning two for touchdowns.

Edge: BYU

SPECIAL TEAMS

Utah's Tom Hackett won the Ray Guy Award, which goes to the nation's best punter. Teammate Andy Phillips is tied for second nationally with 23 field goals. The Utes also have returned one kickoff and two punts for touchdowns. Dominant.

Edge: Utah

INTANGIBLES

Utah only seems to be here by force. The Utes wanted to be a higher-paying bowl, and they weren't in a particular hurry to face down-state rival BYU. It's just the opposite on the other end. The Cougars not only wanted to come to Las Vegas, they wanted to face the Utes. Bowls often come down to which team wants it more, and it's not even close in this case.

Edge: BYU

BOTTOM LINE

BYU 31, Utah 24 — The Cougars average nearly 300 yards passing per game, and Utah gives up 253.4, so it's no secret how BYU plans to win. Utah will try to establish the running game and control the clock, and there's no reason why the Utes won't have success in that regard. But this game will be played in front of a de facto BYU home crowd, and the Cougars are far more hungry to be here.