San Diego St. at BYU

Thursday, Oct. 29

6 p.m. MSTSite: Cougar Stadium, Provo

TV: ESPN

Radio: KSL, AM-1160

The Edge

Analysis by Dirk Facer

WHEN BYU HAS THE BALL: After racking up a season-high 577 yards of total offense in last week's 46-43 victory over San Jose State, the Cougars enter the game confident they can move the ball. San Diego State, however, offers a more balanced defense than the Spartans did. The Aztecs rank seventh in pass defense (112.6 ypg) and eighth against the run (157.4 ypg) in the WAC. The Cougars, who were led by Ronney Jenkins' 250 yards rushing Saturday, counter with averages of 135.0 on the ground and 233.6 through the air. Quarterback Kevin Feterik has improved his pass efficiency to second-best in the conference with a 139.2 rating, but turnovers and penalties have kept BYU's offense inconsistent. And as the Utes can attest, San Diego State is capable of capitalizing on miscues. Edge: Even

WHEN SAN DIEGO STATE HAS THE BALL: The Aztecs, quite simply, need to establish their passing game in order to be successful. San Diego State's offense throws for just 103.1 yards per game, ranking 12th in the WAC. Running the ball is SDSU's strength. The conference's fourth-best ground attack averages 203.6 ypg -- 119.2 more than BYU's nationally ranked (sixth) defense has been allowing. And though the Cougars let San Jose State pass for a season-high 322 yards last week, they are capable defenders. Senior safety Jason Walker leads the WAC with five interceptions. As a whole, BYU is first in the conference and 11th nationally in total defense (281.5 ypg). The big question is whether BYU's secondary can hang with San Diego State receiver Damon Gourdine. He caught 14 passes last week against Utah. Edge: BYU

SPECIAL TEAMS: Both teams had their troubles last week. BYU allowed San Jose State to return seven kickoffs an average of 28.4 yards, while San Diego State missed all four of its field-goal attempts against Utah. On the positive side, SDSU's Gourdine is the nation's top punt returner and BYU kicker Owen Pochman has made 56 consecutive PATs. Edge: Even