College football gameday
Rain and possible snow. Temperatures in the low 40s.
Today, 4 p.m. — LaVell Edwards Stadium (64,045) — Natural grass — Provo
TV: The mtn. — Radio: 1160AM, 102.7FM — Live game blogs: deseretnews.com/blogs
THE STAKES
For BYU ... It's back to conference play for the nationally ranked Cougars. They are shooting for their 18th consecutive MWC victory. BYU is looking to remain in the top 10 and keep its BCS hopes alive.
For New Mexico ... The injury-plagued Lobos can shake up the MWC race, and the BCS picture, with an upset today.
THE TRENDS
For BYU ... BYU owns a 14-1 record as a ranked team when facing New Mexico. The last time BYU played as a top-10 team against the Lobos was in 1990, when it won, 55-31, in Provo. The Cougars have won 15 straight home games, including two shutouts in a row.
For New Mexico ... The Lobos have won two out of the last three meetings against BYU at LaVell Edwards Stadium, having beaten the Cougars in 2002 and 2004.
THE EDGE
BYU will win if ... it is able to finish drives, avoid turnovers and shut down the Lobos' running attack.
New Mexico will win if ... it is able to sustain long drives through an effective ground game and force BYU turnovers.
INJURY REPORT
For BYU: Wide receiver Michael Reed returns to the lineup today after undergoing knee surgery a few weeks ago. Linebacker David Nixon (leg bruise, sprained ankle) and cornerback Scott Johnson (leg bruise) are expected to play.
For New Mexico: While Porterie is out for the season, Ferguson, running back Paul Baker (foot) and defensive back Ian Clark (shoulder) are expected to be in the lineup.
NEXT UP
BYU visits TCU for a Thursday night showdown. New Mexico hosts San Diego State.
PLAYER TO WATCH
RODNEY FERGUSON, Running back: Ferguson sat out New Mexico's 24-0 win over Wyoming last week due to a bruised shoulder but has been cleared to play today. Ferguson leads the Mountain West Conference (No. 22 nationally) in rushing, averaging 104.6 yards per game. A two-time All-MWC performer, Ferguson has accumulated 2,982 career rushing yards, the third-most in MWC history.
KEY MATCHUP
BYU's defense vs. New Mexico's run game: The Lobos have rolled up 300-yard rushing performances in their last two games. With quarterback Donovan Porterie out for the season, UNM is relying almost exclusively on its running attack. The Lobos will try to hold the ball as long as possible to keep the Cougars' offense off the field.
Recent comments
Why no preview for the #22 ranked Weber State game?
Waldo | Oct. 11, 2008 at 5:01 p.m.
