BYU game day

UNLV REBELS (1-5, 0-2) at BYU COUGARS (4-2, 2-0)

Today, 1 p.m.

LaVell Edwards Stadium

Last week: UNLV lost to New Mexico, 39-36 (OT); BYU did not play.

Trends to watch: The Rebels have a two-game win streak in Provo (2002, 2004). The Cougars are looking for their fourth straight win after defeating Utah State, TCU and San Diego State since losing in double overtime at Boston College on Sept. 16.

Players to watch: BYU's John Beck has 8,689 career passing yards and needs 9,536 to pass Jim McMahon and stand No. 2 on the school's all-time passing list. RB Curtis Brown ranks No. 4 on BYU's career rushing list and needs just less than 100 yards today to pass Jeff Blanc (1973-75). Rebel quarterback Shane Steichen tied a school record against UNM last week by tossing five touchdown passes.

UNLV will win if ... The Rebels can get six turnovers like they did in 2004 in Provo. To do that would shake up the Cougar offense and put pressure on Beck and Co.

BYU will win if ... The Cougar offense continues to be consistent, avoid turnovers and meet its 33-points-per-game average. BYU's defense has yet to face an option attack like UNLV's and must force turnovers.

Extra points: Running back Fui Vakapuna will sit out this game (ankle), and Manase Tonga could play with his left hand in a rubber cast. Look for Brown, Ray Hudson, Joe Semanoff and freshman Mike Hague to get a lot of work in the Cougar backfield ... The Cougars are 3-0 at home this season, all blowouts by an average score of 41.3 to 13.6 ... The Rebels have lost five straight games and seven in a row in MWC play ... BYU has outscored opponents 54-12 in the first quarter.