NO. 15 BYU (0-0, 1-0) at WASHINGTON (0-1, 0-1)

Partly cloudy, high 72 degrees

Today, 1 p.m.(Mountain) — Husky Stadium (72,500) — FieldTurf playing surface — Seattle

TV: Fox Sports Net — Radio: 1160AM, 102.7FM

THE STAKES

For BYU: Boasting a No. 15 ranking and riding a nation-best 11-game winning streak, a win against a Pac-10 opponent — even if it is one that is struggling — is imperative for BYU.

For Washington: After three straight losing seasons, coach Tyrone Willingham is on the proverbial hot seat. The Huskies need a victory in their home-opener.

THE TRENDS

For BYU: BYU hasn't won a non-conference road game outside the state of Utah since 2001, when they defeated Mississippi State. The Cougars have lost nine straight non-conference road games.

For Washington: Washington has lost 10 of its last 12 games dating back to last year.

THE EDGE

BYU will win if ... the offense doesn't turn the ball over and the defense doesn't allow Husky quarterback Jake Locker to make big plays with his legs and his arm.

Washington will win ... if it forces the Cougars into fumbles and interceptions and is able to consistently put pressure on Max Hall.

NEXT UP

Next up: vs. No. 23 UCLA, which upset Tennessee Monday. The Bruins have a bye this week.

PLAYER TO WATCH

JAKE LOCKER, Washington quarterback: Locker broke the Pac-10 record for rushing yards (986) by a quarterback last season as a redshirt freshman. He is one of only 19 players in NCAA history to pass for 300 yards and rush for 100 in the same game.

KEY MATCHUP

BYU's running game vs. Washington's run defense.

History says that when the Cougars establish an effective ground attack, they beat Pac-10 teams. When they don't, they lose. The onus will be on the offensive line to open holes for Harvey Unga.