Brigham Young vs. Nevada-Las Vegas: Fresh off of a bye week, the Cougars return to Sam Boyd Stadium in Las Vegas for the first time since their 38-8 shellacking of Oregon in the Las Vegas Bowl and seek to win their third Mountain West game of the season against the Rebels. Cougars QB Max Hall (1,760 yards, 12 TD’s, 5 INT’s) is sixth in Division I in total offense, an impressive feat for a player who before this season had not played competitive football for four years. The Rebels, meanwhile, have received strong quarterback play from Travis Dixon who has thrown for 1,259 yards, four touchdowns and five interceptions. Still, the Cougars should romp in this game and I’ll take Brigham Young in a 45-23 victory.

San Diego State vs. Utah: The potential exists for offensive fireworks in this one as both the Aztecs and Utes average more than 360 yards and 25 points per game. The Utes, under the direction of QB Brian Johnson, really are a better team as they stonewalled the Big East’s Louisville Cardinals last Friday behind Johnson’s excellent performance (nearly 350 yards of total offense). San Diego State counters with QB Kevin O’Connell, who is completing 61 percent of his passes, while throwing for 1,333 yards, seven touchdowns and two interceptions. O’Connell’s primary target is receiver Brett Swain, who averages 22 yards per reception and has snared three scores already this season. Still, I’ll take the Utes because Johnson has proven himself to be virtually unflappable, but once again this will be an exciting offensive shootout. Call the final, Utah 41 San Diego State 38

Weber State vs. Northern Colorado: The Wildcats are riding high, as after winning their first game of the season last Saturday against Sacramento State, they now get to face the winless Northern Colorado Bears at Greeley, Colo. The Wildcats are led by QB Cameron Higgins (495 passing yards, 4 TD’s, INT) who threw for 245 yards and four scores last week against the Hornets and have received 408 rushing yards on the season from Springville High product Trevyn Smith. The Bears counter with QB Mike Vlahogeorge, who has thrown for 606 yards and three touchdowns on the season, against just one interception, and receiver Ryan Chelsa (298 receiving yards, four touchdowns). Still, the Bears are down this season and since Higgins has taken over as the Wildcats’ quarterback, the team seems to be playing better football. Thus, I’ll take Weber in a 28-20 victory.

Southern Utah vs. Youngstown State: First of all, I give all the credit in the world to my alma mater for giving the Montana State Bobcats a really great game in Bozeman, Mont. last Saturday as they only fell 7-3. Nevertheless, they still remain winless and a loss is a loss whether you lose by five or 50. Their next opponent, the Youngstown State Penguins, recently gave Ohio State a pretty good game as in the opening week of the season, they fell, 38-6 to the mighty Buckeyes in a game that was closer than the score indicated. The Penguins are led by Tom Zetts who has completed 61 percent of his passes for 872 yards, but has thrown four interceptions to go with his four scoring tosses, while tailback Jabari Scott has run for 304 yards and three touchdowns on the season. If the Thunderbirds are to have any chance of hanging in the game with the Penguins, QB Wes Marshall must perform better than he previously has this season (one touchdown against nine interceptions) while TB Johnny Sanchez (5.1 yards per rush) must maintain his recent excellence for SUU. Still, it’s too difficult to go to Youngstown, Ohio (virtually to the Ohio/West Virginia border) and expect the T-Birds to pull one out, especially when one considers how accident-prone Marshall has been. Thus, I’ll take the Penguins in a 33-14 victory. Perhaps one of these weeks, SUU can get in the win column, but this isn’t one of those times.

After a bounce-back 10-4 week, my record has improved to 38-36, so I guess I know what I’m doing. This, of course, only comes when I take time to correctly analyze the NFL and am able to effectively make predictions. Here goes this week’s prognostications.

Carolina vs. Arizona: Both of these teams have had significant injuries at quarterback. Thankfully, each squad has a servicable option to rely upon at that position. The Panthers have David Carr, a former #1 draft pick who languished in Houston for many years. Nevertheless, with more talent around him in Carolina, he has thrown for 330 yards and two touchdowns in limited action while rookie Matt Moore, an established winner at Oregon State serves as his backup. The Cardinals’ two-quarterback system is now over as Matt Leinart is out for the season with a collarbone injury. Thankfully for the Cards, Kurt Warner has experienced a resurgence, throwing for 580 yards and four touchdowns on the year. However, the Cardinals are playing outstanding football right now and are 10th in total offense and 14th in total defense. Defensive tackle Darnell Dockett has already amassed five sacks this season and I expect him to terrorize the Panthers’ offensive line throughout the game. Carolina receiver Steve Smith will have a huge game, but it won’t be enough as the Cardinals improve to 4-2 on the season with a 26-14 victory as Warner tosses for 280 yards and a pair of scores.

St. Louis vs. Baltimore: The Rams, while much improved offensively, under Gus Frerotte last week against the Cardinals, will in all likelihood regress as they must face a Ravens team that perhaps has regained its edge after a tough win last week against San Francisco. While the Baltimore defense hasn’t been as stout through the season’s first five weeks as it was last season, the Ravens are surrendering just 66.6 yards on the ground per game. With rookie tailback Brian Leonard carrying the load in the Rams’ backfield, it all adds up to a dark portent for St. Louis. Meanwhile, the St. Louis defense has been horrendous against the run, as they allow 146 yards per game on the ground. Thus, the Ravens will be able to run, setting up numerous opportunites for QB Steve McNair to throw the ball downfield to receivers Mark Clayton and Demetrius Williams and TE Todd Heap. The Ravens’ offense has struggled in the red zone, but this is a great opportunity for them to do well. Call the final Ravens 31 Rams 14

Cincinnati vs. Kansas City: The enigmatic Bengals, after a bye week which came off the heels of a blowout courtesy of the Patriots have a chance to get right back in the AFC North race if they can beat the Chiefs at Arrowhead. While the Cincinnati offense has been magnificent under the leadership of Carson Palmer (282 passing yards per game), this has been overshadowed by a defense which surrenders 403 yards a contest. Additionally, the suspension bug has hit the Bengals once again as CB Johnathan Joseph was kicked out of the next two games for being caught with the chronic. Thus, a team depleted of nearly all of its linebackers must also deal without a starting cornerback. The Chiefs, meanwhile, average 12 points per contest, which is second to last in the NFL. Thus, if Palmer can operate an offense which scores 20 points or more Sunday, the Bengals should win going away. In the NFL, the name of the game is scoring more than your opponent, and since Cincinnati’s fully capable of this, I’ll take the Bengals in a 30-13 win.

Miami vs. Cleveland: The Dolphins, like it or not, are a team in transition now, and after attempting to block Texans DT Travis Johnson with his head, for all intents and purposes QB Trent Green’s career is over. Thus, while ex-Brigham Young QB John Beck will probably get a start or two later on in the season, for now, coach Cam Cameron is placing his trust in Cleo Lemon. The Browns, on paper, should win this game as the Dolphins average only 19 points and 318 yards per contest, while the Browns average 25 points and nearly 400 yards per game. However, until Cleveland can stop opposing offenses (they give up well over 30 points a game), while they’re exciting, they won’t be able to lay a winning foundation. The X-factor in this game could be Dolphins tailback Ronnie Brown, who under Cameron’s guidance is becoming the east coast’s version of LaDainian Tomlinson as he has more than 700 all-purpose yards and five touchdowns, meaning he’s averaged a touchdown a game. The Browns, as a young team, are not ready to win consistently, so in a mild shocker, I’ll take the Dolphins in a 24-21 win.

New England vs. Dallas: Both of these teams seem to be legitimate Super Bowl contenders, but the Indianapolis Colts lurk in the shadows as a team no one’s talking about at the moment. Nevertheless, the combined record of the Cowboys and Patriots is 10-0, and the stage is set for an offensive shootout as Dallas averages 35 points and nearly 430 yards per game. Meanwhile, New England checks in with 36 points and 428 yards a game. The problem for the Cowboys is Tony Romo’s recent trend of turnoveritis. Dallas is really fortuitous to be unbeaten coming into this game as Monday night at Buffalo, Romo amassed five turnovers and the Cowboys had to recover a late onside kick and have kicker Nick Folk drill a 53-yard attempt to win the game. Against the Pats, such luck will not be available and the Cowboys will have to play their best game of the season to have a shot. New England is just too good at this moment to fall to a team which is improving but in no wise elite. Call the final, Patriots 38 Cowboys 24

Washington vs. Green Bay: The Redskins, after holding the high-octane Lions to 144 yards of offense last Sunday are the real elite team in the NFC East, but they’re not getting any love as of yet. Their next three games, starting here at Green Bay, Wis. against the Packers, may change their current state of indifference in the national media. What we learned about the Packers Sunday night, was while the team is stocked with young talent, when the screws tighten they panic and are unable to function at the high level they’ve shown many times early on this season. The Bears are not equipped to return to the Super Bowl, but Washington is poised to step out of the clear and assert themselves as a legitimate contender. In his first season as a full-time starter for the ‘Skins, Jason Campbell has thrown for 869 yards and four touchdowns, while the aforementioned defense is fourth in scoring defense and third in total defense. The Packers will get their points, but the versatility of the Redskins, which Campbell provides, will send the Pack to their second consecutive loss heading into their bye week. In a competitive game, call the final Redskins 34 Packers 27.

Houston vs. Jacksonville: This, in all likelihood, is the game of the week in the NFL as the Texans continue to defy expectations with every passing victory. The Texans traditionally have owned the Jaguars as they’ve defeated them more consistently than any other NFL team. The AFC South is cutthroat, as the Jaguars, only loss (against three wins) was to divisional foe Tennessee. The Texans continue to torch secondaries with the consistent excellence of Matt Schaub, who has thrown for 1,299 yards and five touchdowns. Because the Jaguars’ defense (surrendering just 15 yards per game) should keep things close, this game should come down to which kicker can deliver in the clutch. Last week against the Dolphins, Kris Brown nailed three field goals in excess of 50 yards, including the game-winner from 57 yards out. Thus, I expect Brown to come through in the clutch once again as he’ll boot the Texans to a 23-20 victory as the Jaguars’ frustrations ensue at the hands of Houston.

Minnesota vs. Chicago: So, the Bears rose to the occasion against the Packers. Big deal. As Lovie Smith’s troops learned last Sunday night, the Packers truly were overrated as not even a first half in which they amassed 341 yards of offense could lead them to victory over the punchless Bears. That victory will prove to be a cruel joke on the Chicago faithful as a look back at Brian Griese’s career in Denver, Miami and Tampa Bay, has no previous playoff appearances. There’s no indication that this sordid streak will come to a halt. The Vikings, while 1-3 have suffered their triumvirate of losses by a combined 13 points. Adrian Peterson (76 car, 383 yards, five touchdowns) is for real and while Kelly Holcomb was servicable at quarterback, the athleticism that Tarvaris Jackson brings to the position should enable Minnesota to throw the ball downfield effectively. Rookie receiver Sidney Rice appears ready to bust out in the Vikings’ offense after scoring his first touchdown against Green Bay two weeks ago and possesses enough size (6’4”, 202 lbs.) to give the Bears’ secondary trouble. This will be a tight game, but I think the Vikings will squeak out a 27-24 victory over the Bears, and once again the scrutiny upon the Bears will intensify at Halas Hall.

Philadelphia vs. New York Jets: This is a game earmarked for St. Patrick’s Day (both of these teams are primarily green) but it will be played in October. The Eagles, coming off a bye, are in better shape than teams with 1-3 records usually are. That’s because with a coach like Andy Reid and a quarterback like Donovan McNabb, panic is something that the Eagles rarely ever delve into. They’ve been in comparable holes to this in the Reid era and have emerged to have successful seasons every year, with the exception of 2005. History is on the side of the Eagles as well, as they are 7-0 all-time versus the Jets. Of greater importance, however is the fact that Brian Westbrook should return to the Philadelphia lineup. Westbrook is averaging nearly six yards a carry for the Eagles and this should bode well against a Jets defense that is giving up nearly 128 yards a game on the ground. I like the Eagles to win, 41-21, and as for whether or not they’re ready to contend in the NFC East once again, let’s just say that the Jets are anything but a good litmus test for a squad, so give Philly another week to make such judgments concerning them.

Tennessee vs. Tampa Bay: The Buccaneers, despite a great start to the season are in a world of hurt in their backfield. With Michael Pittman’s injury last week at Indianapolis, they must now rely upon Earnest Graham to be their featured tailback. Meanwhile, the Titans are third in the league against the run, allowing only 72 rusing yards per contest. Still, the Buccaneers, behind the play of seemingly ageless QB Jeff Garcia (914 passing yards, four touchdowns) should be able to have success passing the ball against the Titans, and I think the Bucs have just enough offense to squeeze out a home victory. Call the final, Buccaneers 22 Titans 17

Oakland vs. San Diego: After shellacking the Broncos, 41-3, the Chargers are back. The Raiders, while somewhat successful this season, are not ready to win the AFC West. As the season plays out, we know just how pathetic the Dolphins are, while the Raiders needed a fluke blocked field goal to beat the Browns for their other victory. Those who were unfortunate enough to watch the Broncos-Chargers game Sunday also realize that San Diego just looked like a different team than they did in all of their previous games on the season. I expect LaDainian Tomlinson to go for 190 all-purpose yards while the Raiders are once again embarrassed and sent back to the bay area with a tremendous loss. Call the final, Chargers 45 Raiders 17

New Orleans vs. Seattle: After horrifically trying to censure the NFL for picking Chicago vs. Green Bay to be on NBC’s Sunday night list, I learned my lesson as it proved to be the game of the week. Thus, while the winless Saints look anything but stellar and the Seahawks are a solid team, I won’t pass any judgments on this one until the game actually occurs. With that said, I still like the Seahawks to win big. Notwithstanding his struggles against the Steelers last Sunday, Matt Hasselbeck is still having an excellent season, as he’s thrown for 1,148 yards and seven touchdowns, while the Seahawks’ passing game (221 yards per contest) is good for 13th overall in NFL annals. As for the Saints, their defense failed to improve from last season, and their offense musters only 12 points a game, after being among the greatest in the league just a year ago. The Seahawks are equipped for a Super Bowl run, and the Saints are not, but because this is a national spotlight game, I still expect New Orleans to rise to the occasion. Call the final, Seahawks 38 Saints 28, although the game won’t be as close as the score indicates. I like Hasselbeck to go for 325 passing yards and four scores in the win.

New York Giants vs. Atlanta: The Giants are back from the dead. After a less than stellar start to the season, New York has ripped off three consecutive wins and against the anemic Falcons, this should become a four-game winning streak. Sadly, for Atlanta, Joey Harrington has regressed to his old ways and an opportunistic Giants defense should have little trouble keeping the Falcons in line. It will be interesting to see if the already magnificent chemistry between QB Eli Manning (1,076 yards, nine touchdowns) and WR Plaxico Burress (24 rec, 410 yards, seven touchdowns) becomes even stronger against an Atlanta defense which ranks 11th against the pass. I think Manning and Burress will be just fine as the Giants roll, 34-19.

(SEVIER) – A California truck driver rolled his trailer on I-70 Tuesday afternoon. 44-year old, John Rodriguez, was traveling eastbound in a white Chevy Suburban pulling a 25-foot box trailer, when he ran off the road, overcorrected and rolled his trailer near the emergency truck escape lane about a mile from the Fremont Indian State Park. UHP Trooper Kelly Roberts was called to the scene and had Rodriguez transported to the Sevier Valley Hospital with unknown injuries.