Fiesta Bowl

Pittsburgh (8-3) vs. Utah (11-0)

Where: Sun Devil Stadium, Tempe, Ariz.

When: 5:30 p.m. TV: ABC.

Key stat: Pitt is 96th in the nation in pass defense (248.6 ypg). Utah is third nationally in total offense (502.7 ypg).

About Pittsburgh: QB Tyler Palko has been on fire, throwing for 16 of his 23 TDs in the last five games. He’s also a threat on the option. WR Greg Lee is a rising star (61 catches, 1,204 yards, nine TDs),. The running game ranks 102nd in the nation, but Pitt must get something from TB Raymond Kirkley.

About Utah: The Utes have a lot to prove. They are the first team from a non-BCS league to make the BCS. They are 3-0 against BCS-league teams this season. They scored at least 45 points in eight games, including each of the past six. QB Alex Smith (38 total TDs this season), RB Marty Johnson and WRs Steve Savoy and Paris Warren are the key guys for the nation’s No. 3 scoring offense (46.3 ppg). The defense has been mediocre against the run, strong against the pass.

The buzz: Both coaches are lame ducks. Utah’s Urban Meyer is going to Florida, Pitt’s Walt Harris to Stanford.

– Orlando Sentinel