From Deseret News archives:

College football game day

Published: Saturday, Nov. 15, 2008 12:07 a.m. MST
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No. 16 BYU (9-1, 5-1) at Air Force (8-2, 5-1)

Today, 1:30 p.m. — Falcon Stadium — Field Turf — Colorado Springs, Colo.

TV: CBS C — Radio: 1160AM, 102.7FM

THE STAKES

For BYU ... The Cougars still have a shot at a conference championship, but must win today to be in a position to accomplish that feat.

For Air Force ... The Falcons, who are celebrating Senior Day, are also gunning for a league title.

THE TRENDS

For BYU ... The Cougars have won 22 of 28 meetings with Air Force, including four in a row. They have also won six straight road games in the month of November.

For Air Force ... Since 1995, the Falcons have won five of 11 meetings with BYU. Air Force defeated the Cougars at Falcon Stadium in 2000 and 2002.

THE EDGE

BYU will win if ... it doesn't turn the ball over, finishes drives and limits the Falcons' triple-option. Quarterback Max Hall and his weapons need to be efficient today.

Air Force will win if ... it can maintain control of the clock with time-consuming drives, keeping BYU's defense off-balance with a mix of the run and play-action pass.

INJURY REPORT

For BYU: Running back Harvey Unga has been day-to-day this week as he heals up from a neck stinger and a shoulder injury. He is expected to play today, but how effective will he be?

For Air Force: Senior inside linebacker Brandon Reeves (shoulder) is questionable for today's game. Fullback Todd Newell (ankle) is listed as probable.

PLAYER TO WATCH

TIM JEFFERSON, quarterback: Just a freshman, Jefferson is 5-0 as a starter for Air Force. Last week in the Falcons' 38-17 victory over Colorado State, he completed 6 of 8 passes for a career-high 171 yards and two touchdowns.

KEY MATCHUP

BYU's defense vs. Air Force's offense: Prior to last week's win over San Diego State, the Cougar 'D' had given up at least 32 points in three straight outings. It will be tested today against the Falcons' triple option. In addition to Jefferson, another freshman, running back Asher Clark, is a big-play threat.

No. 8 UTAH (10-0, 6-0) at San Diego St. (1-9, 0-6)

Clear and nice. Game-time temperature about 72 degrees.

Today, 6 p.m. — Qualcomm Stadium (54,000) — Natural grass — San Diego

TV: The mtn. — Radio: 700AM

THE STAKES

For Utah ... The Utes can clinch at least a share of the Mountain West Conference championship (for the first time since 2004) with a victory. In addition, they're still pursuing a berth in the Bowl Championship Series.

For San Diego State ... The injury riddled Aztecs are playing for pride. Their lone win this season was a 45-17 non-conference decision over Idaho on Sept. 27. Since then, SDSU has lost six straight MWC games.

THE TRENDS

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