BYU football notebook: Running game important for Cougars to beat Oklahoma

What others are saying: Click here to read a story about the offensive line at Oklahoma.

PROVO — While much is made of BYU's passing attack, there's no doubt that for the offense to be effective against Oklahoma, the Cougars need to be able to run the ball.

The fact running back Harvey Unga has been slowed by a hamstring injury could be seen as a concern for the Cougars. But BYU is confident that Unga will be ready for the Sooners, though he hasn't been involved in contract drills during fall camp.

For his part, Unga said he'll play on Saturday.

"I feel good. Like any other injury, it just takes time to heal," said Unga, who rushed for 1,000-plus yards in both 2007 and '08. "It's just recovery time. It'll be good to go."

"Harvey's Harvey. Some way, some how, he always figures out how to be 100 percent on Saturday to play well," quarterback Max Hall said. "He's done a very good job with his rehab and getting ready for the game. I'm excited about him. I think he'll be okay."

"Whether he's 100 percent or not, he's still going to be able to contribute a lot," tight end Andrew George said. "That's just the kind of player he is. I don't think it will change things up too much."

George added that the return of fullback Manase Tonga, who was academically ineligible last year, is big for the offense.

"We have some good running backs and good depth there," George said. "Manase is a player. It's good to have him back."

Coach Bronco Mendenhall said both Unga and safety Scott Johnson, who suffered a concussion last week, are "just one day closer to being 100 percent. I feel they'll both be ready on Saturday at a level that will really help us play well."

Asked about the importance of being able to gain yardage on the ground Unga said, "It's one of those things you've got to have. And not just for Oklahoma, but any team we play. We've got to establish the run game, which will help us play our game. If we hold that run game down, it opens up stuff for Max, the wideouts and tight ends. It's pretty important, I'd say."

KEY MATCHUP: Like BYU, Oklahoma returns only one starting offensive lineman from last season. The one returning is right tackle Trent Williams, an All-Big 12 performer.

Cougar defensive lineman Jan Jorgensen said Williams has impressed him.