Armed Forces Bowl

Tulsa (8-4) vs. Utah (7-5)

Where: Amon G. Carter Stadium, Fort Worth, Texas

Time: 5 p.m. PST, ESPN

Key stats: Tulsa is sixth nationally in pass defense (152.5 ypg). Utah is 36th in pass offense (226.9 ypg).

The game: This has the potential to be an interesting, high-scoring matchup. Both have solid quarterbacks, Tulsa with Paul Smith and Utah with Brett Ratliff. Smith is complemented by TB Courtney Tennial, a transfer from Oklahoma, but there is no true go-to receiver. WR Idris Moss led the team with 54 catches, but just one went for a TD. Utah uses a variation of the spread offense – it has struggled to consistently run the ball, but the Utes still average 28.2 ppg. Ratliff has 22 TD passes, and he has a deep group of receivers to work with, led by Derrek Richards and Brent Casteel. DB Eric Weddle, who plays corner and strong safety, had six interceptions and leads the defense. FS Steve Tate also has played well. In their five losses, the Utes have given up an average of 296.0 ypg in the air.

Orlando Sentinel