BYU game day

BYU (3-3, 2-2) AT NOTRE DAME (4-2)

Today, 12:30 p.m. (MDT)

Notre Dame Stadium

Last week: BYU led CSU from start to finish in collecting a second-straight MWC victory, a 24-14 decision. Notre Dame lost a lead in the final seconds of a bid to upset No. 1 USC and shouldered a 34-31 loss.

Last meeting: The Cougars defeated the Fighting Irish 20-17 in LaVell Edwards Stadium in the season opener for both teams in 2004.

Trends to watch: After registering just seven sacks in five games, the Cougar defense posted four sacks against Colorado State, a team that had previously allowed only three sacks all season. Notre Dame has won all four of its games on the road this season and stand 0-2 at home. New head coach Charlie Weis is looking for his first victory in Notre Dame Stadium.

Players to watch: BYU quarterback John Beck is the MWC's leading passer with 1,905 yards and 12 touchdowns on 64 percent completions. Tight end Jonny Harline has 29 catches for 450 yards. Notre Dame QB Brady Quinn has thrown for 1,885 yards and 14 touchdowns on 63 percent completions. Receiver Jeff Samardzija has 34 catches for 598 yards and nine touchdowns. Notre Dame's top rusher is Darius Walker who has 600 yards and a 4.4 yard per carry average. For the Cougars, Curtis Brown has gained 504 yards and five touchdowns.

BYU will win if . . . BYU rushes for more than 100 yards, avoids turnovers and spreads the ball around to a myriad of receivers, including Todd Watkins, who needs to get a touchdown or two.

Notre Dame will win if . . . The Irish bottle either BYU's passing or rushing attack and force the Cougars to be one-dimensional. If it can sack Beck and force turnovers, its superior depth and talent will prevail.

Extra points: BYU is 3-0 this year when Curtis Brown rushes for 100 yards or more. Conversely, BYU's losses to Boston College, TCU and San Diego State were games in which Brown gained less than 100 . . . The Cougars are No. 11 nationally in passing offense and lead the MWC in that category . . . The Irish rank 114th in pass defense . . . BYU's defense has allowed 18 touchdowns while Notre Dame's defense has allowed 20 TDs . . . Notre Dame has a 10-minute advantage in time of possession over opponents this season. The most an opponent has had the ball against Notre Dame is Michigan (29:04) in a loss.