BYU game day

AIR FORCE (3-0, 2-0) at BYU (1-2, 0-0)

Today, 1 p.m. — LaVell Edwards Stadium (64,045) — Provo — Grass playing surface

Ticket information: The game is sold out

TV: The mtn. (Comcast Ch. 37)

Radio: 1160AM, 102.7FM

Thunderstorms likely with a high of 76

PLAYER TO WATCH

CARSON BIRD, corner back: AFA senior had seven tackles and a key fourth-quarter interception against TCU that led to the Falcons going into overtime with TCU. His fumble recovery and interception led to 10 AFA points.

KEY MATCHUP

BYU Offensive line vs. Air Force's defensive front 7: The Falcons have 8 sacks this season and rank among the MWC's top defenses in most categories after three games. The Cougars need to give Max Hall enough time to throw and not be sacked or forced into turnovers.

THE STAKES

For Air Force ... If the Falcons can upset the Cougars in their own stadium, they would have defeated TCU, BYU and Utah, all picked to finish first, second and third in the conference.

For BYU ... The Cougars are on a two-game skid, both losses coming on the road. In order to defend their 2006 title, BYU must protect its turf. A loss would send the Cougars reeling.

THE TRENDS

For Air Force ... The Falcons enter the game allowing the fewest points in the league and are second in total defense. The Falcons have won five of the last 10 games with BYU. Prior to that success, the Falcons had lost 16 of the first 17 games.

For BYU ... The Cougars are the most proflic offense in the MWC but have two losses due to penalties — 25 in the last two games combined — and turnovers including a pair of interceptions returned for touchdowns.

THE EDGE

Air Force will win if ... The Falcons can get three turnovers, win field position and pressure Max Hall into throwing another pick for six.

BYU will win if ... The Cougars control the line of scrimmage, limit AFA third-down conversions and avoid turnovers and penalities.

SCHEDULE

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