SALT LAKE CITY -- Utah has had an odd track record of playing better against the Pac-12's top teams so far in conference play.
Utah played well in three games to start league play -- in close losses to ASU, UA and UCLA -- then were blown out at home by USC, which was just two days away from firing coach Kevin O'Neill.
The Utes also lost at WSU but beat Washington in Seattle, were blown out by Stanford, and yet beat Colorado. In Oregon, they were blown out at OSU but played Oregon close.
This week, they have already beaten ASU and now another of the league's top teams is scheduled to show up in the Wildcats.
One common thread: the Utes, according to Utah coach Larry Krystkowiak, have stayed together throughout the ups and downs.
"It's been remarkable really," Krystkowiak said. "You look at how the league started with those three games and losing by three here to UCLA. I think in some circumstances people start wondering what's going on.
"Then you look at some games against teams the experts would say we should be competitive with -- but USC comes in here and thumped us. So we've had our moments where we haven't put it together."
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In the Salt Lake Tribune, Krystkowiak says the Utes know what they are in for.
The Desert News has Utah players Jordan Loveridge and Jason Washburn speaking confidently about their chances to win two straight Pac-12 games for the first time this season.
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Our advance coverage today: A look at UA's defensive problems and a scouting report with notes. Greg Hansen also wrote about the UA freshmen for Saturday if you missed that.
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The Salt Lake Tribune also had a front-page package on whether Utah's drum-and-feather logo should be retired. The image is considered sacred to many.
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Here's the official game notes from Arizona and Utah.
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It's the "same old story" for Ken Bone as WSU loses a heartbreaker to Oregon. The Cougs will visit McKale Center on Saturday.
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Colorado coach Tad Boyle wondered if it was football season after the Buffs lost a physical game to ASU.
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Washington is glad to have stopped a three-game losing streak by beating OSU. The Huskies play Arizona on Wednesday night.
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Later tonight, USC will play at Cal (8 p.m., FSN)
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