BYU football gameday

Today, 1:30 p.m. Superdome

THE STAKES

For Tulane ... If the Green Wave could somehow find a way to knock off BYU, it would be a huge upset and a big boost for a struggling program.

For BYU ... Following a landmark victory last week against Oklahoma, the nation's spotlight is on the Cougars, who have jumped into the top 10 rankings. A loss to lowly Tulane would be devastating.

THE TRENDS

For Tulane ... The Green Wave have lost nine consecutive games, dating back to last season.

For BYU ... The Cougars are 28-7-1 all-time against opponents from Conference USA.

THE EDGE

Tulane will win if ... it forces several BYU turnovers and is able to score on big plays and trickery.

BYU will win if ... it continues to play the way it did against Oklahoma, with a physical defense and potent aerial attack.

PLAYER TO WATCH

BRIAN KARIYA, BYU: If Unga continues to be sidelined, can Kariya, one of the heroes of the Oklahoma game, build on his last performance and give the Cougar offense help out of the backfield?

KEY MATCHUP

BYU'S SECONDARY VS. TULANE RECEIVERS JEREMY WILLIAMS AND CASEY ROBOTTOM: The Cougars acquitted themselves well against a potent Sooner passing game last week. They could be tested again against Green Wave quarterback Joe Kemp and his two favorite targets, Williams and Robottom.

INJURY REPORT

Tulane: Nothing significant

BYU: The status of running back Harvey Unga (hamstring) will be made at game-time.

NEXT UP

BYU entertains Florida State in its home-opener next Saturday in the first meeting between the two schools since 2000.