BYU Cougars football: Gameday glance

New Mexico St. (4-6) at BYU (7-3)

Saturday, 8:15 p.m.

LaVell Edwards Stadium (63,470)

Natural grass, Provo

TV: ESPNU

Radio: 1160AM, 102.7FM

The stakes

For New Mexico State ... the Aggies are looking to spring a big upset of BYU on national TV.

For BYU ... the Cougars want to send their 19 seniors out with a victory in their final game at LaVell Edwards Stadium.

The trends

For New Mexico State ... the Aggies have scored 30 or more points in five of their last six games, including a 48-point performance in last week's victory over Fresno State.

For BYU ... the Cougars are 21-3 under coach Bronco Mendenhall in the month of November. All three of those losses came at the hands of Utah.

The edge

New Mexico State will win if ... the Aggies force turnovers and capitalize on those with their explosive offense.

BYU will win if ... the Cougars are balanced offensively, avoid turnovers and find a way to slow down New Mexico State's offensive weapons.

Player to watch

Jake Heaps, BYU quarterback: The Cougar QB is making his first start in nearly two months. Can he build on his solid performance last week?

Key matchup

BYU's SECONDARY vs. NEW MEXICO STATE'S PASSING GAME: The Cougars have been vulnerable at times this season to big pass plays. Aggie quarterback Matt Christian threw for 360 yards last week and he has talented receivers at his disposal.

Injury Report

New Mexico State: Quarterback Matt Christian is nursing an injury to his non-throwing shoulder and his hip, but will play. Safety Donyae Coleman (shoulder) did not play in last week's win over Fresno State. He was replaced by Justin Smith, who recorded a career-high 13 tackles.

BYU: Quarterback Riley Nelson suffered rib and lung injuries last week and could be out until the bowl game. Offensive lineman Houston Reynolds (shoulder) is questionable and defensive back Mike Hague (shoulder) is probable.

Next Up

NMSU visits Louisiana Tech next Saturday. BYU has a bye.

Schedule

Date Opponent Time (TV)/result

Sept. 3 at Ole Miss W, 14-3

Sept. 10 at Texas L, 17-16

Sept. 17 vs. Utah L, 54-10

Sept. 23 vs. UCF W, 24-17

Sept. 30 vs. Utah St. W, 27-24

Oct. 08vs. San Jose St.W, 29-16

Oct. 15 at Oregon St. W, 38-28

Oct. 22 vs. Idaho St. W, 56-3

Oct. 28 at TCU L, 38-28

Nov.12 vs. Idaho W, 42-7

Nov. 19vs. New Mexico St. 8:15 p.m. (ESPNU)

Dec. 3 at Hawai'i 5:30 p.m. (ESPN2)