BYU football gameday

BYU vs. Nevada matchup

BYU vs. Nevada

Saturday, 4 p.m.

LaVell Edwards Stadium

Surface: Natural Grass

City: Provo

TV: The Mtn.

Radio: KSL 1160 AM, 102.7 FM

Weather: Sunny, 80 degrees

The Stakes:

For Nevada ... The Wolf Pack are hungering for national respect. A victory today will likely get them into the Top 25 for the first time.

For BYU ... The Cougars are hoping to halt a two-game losing streak and establish consistent production on offense.

The Trends

For Nevada ... The Wolf Pack are No. 3 in the nation in passing offense (560.3), No. 5 in rushing (302), No. 29 in passing (258.3) and No. 4 in scoring (50.7).

For BYU ... The Cougars are 24-2 at home since the start of the 2006 season, but they are averaging only 15 points per game.

The Edge

Nevada will win if .... Quarterback Colin Kaepernick runs wild against BYU's defense.

BYU will win if ... The Cougars can find a way to contain Kaepernick and the offense can somehow outscore the Wolf Pack.

Player to watch

Jake Heaps, BYU: The true freshman will be making the first start of his career. Having been handed the reins of the offense, can Heaps manage the offense, move the chains, and avoid turnovers?

Key matchup

BYU'S DEFENSE VS. NEVADA'S OFFENSE: The Cougars are No. 119 in the nation in rushing offense. That doesn't bode well this week as BYU faces Kaepernick, who averages 120 yards per game on the ground. He's also No. 2 in the country in total offense.

Injury report