Cougars confident — BYU is eager to avenge loss to Boise State

BOISE, Idaho — So, will the Cougars get slapped around and embarrassed on ESPN tonight when they challenge the nation's top scoring offense?

On paper, yes, the Cougars, who've lost by an average of 20 points a game, could very well get backhanded when the Broncos host them on the Smurf Turf at Boise State. Kickoff is 8:07 p.m. The game will be televised on ESPN.

BSU averages more than 50 points a game, while the Cougars are putting up 13 per outing.

But if you put it to the Cougars, they believe they are fully capable of avenging last year's 50-12 embarrassment in Provo. Their reasoning? A healthier quarterback, better execution, matchups and a size advantage, which may enhance a run attack that struggled against Notre Dame and USC.

"We're excited to play this game," BYU head coach Gary Crowton said. "They are a very good football team and they can score a lot of points. We'll just have to score more."

Experts say that's a tall order. BSU is favored by 22 points. MSNBC predicts the Broncos will dismantle BYU 56-14. This game, the first-ever appearance by BYU at Boise State, has the community in a buzz. The game is sold out.

The 21st ranked Broncos are 3-0 while the Cougars are 1-2. This is the 11th BSU game on ESPN, a show they are 10-0 on. This is the Cougars' 52nd appearance on ESPN with 15 other stops on ESPN2 since 1981.

The Cougars respect BSU's prowess and 14-game win streak, longest in the nation, but they believe their defense is better than those thrown before the Broncos by Oregon State, Idaho and UTEP.

They also believe BSU may struggle to defend a better Cougar pass attack than a year ago in LaVell Edwards Stadium where BYU threw 59 times but never got anywhere. In that game, freshman John Beck broke his hand and Matt Berry came off a hand injury prematurely before giving way to a third-string backup as it snowed. In addition, BYU believes it can run the football tonight more effectively than against USC and Notre Dame, two of the best defensive fronts in college football.

"They are tough up front," Cougar sophomore offensive tackle Eddie Keele said. "Their defensive line doesn't give up and that's what makes them so tough.

"We definitely have a size and strength advantage over them. Hopefully we take advantage of that and drive them off the ball. Hopefully this will be a breakout week in running the ball. We have the talent, we just need to execute."