Nov. 19, 1999

SALT LAKE CITY -- There aren't many things John Frank likes about BYU.

Frank grew up just a few miles away from the University of Utah campus in Salt Lake and attended Skyline High.

Coming out of high school, there was no question as to what college Frank would attend.

But there is one place in Provo Frank particularly enjoys. He absolutely loves Cougar Stadium.

There's a simple reason for that. He's never lost there.

Frank, a senior defensive end, has been a part of two straight Utah victories in Provo. Overall, the Utes have won three straight rivalry games on the road.

"I tell people, I'd rather play the Cougars down in their place," Frank said. "I welcome the hostility and adversity.

"I guess it gets me riled up. It definitely does the right things for me."

Frank has been doing things right all year. He will present a major challenge for BYU's offensive line on Saturday.

A year ago, Frank was named first-team All-WAC after finishing second in the conference with 10 sacks.

This year, he's been even better. Through 10 games, Frank has rung up 12 sacks and 19 tackles for loss.

Those numbers are enough to make most defensive lineman salivate with visions of the NFL. But Frank wants more.

"I'm my own worst critic," Frank said. "I want to prove to myself that I can play better than I've shown.

"I don't think I've played up to my potential yet. Hopefully I can do that Saturday."

If he does, it will come at the expense of some good friends. Frank played with BYU's Cliff and Brandon Doman at Skyline. He also played with Cougar defensive backs Tyler Nelson and Doug Henstrom on a high school all-star team.

Of course, there will be no pleasantries exchanged during the game.

"We'll definitely take pictures after the game and stuff," Frank said. "But during the game, it's not like I'm going 'Hey dude,' and waving across the field.

"We all understand it's all business."

The chief order of business for Frank and the Utes on Saturday will be running their Provo winning streak to four straight games.

Frank conceded that to do so would be awfully sweet. That would give him a career 3-2 mark against the Cougars, counting his redshirt season.

But Frank isn't ready to call winning a matter of life or death.

"It's not like you've won the Super Bowl or something," Frank said. "(BYU) wants to hear that it would be the greatest thing, because that makes them sound great.

"But I'm not going to downplay it either. It would definitely be nice."

And it would make Frank a perfect 3-0 in the unfriendly confines of Cougar Stadium.