BYU, USU football: Game Day

Utah State (1-2) at No. 20 BYU (3-1)

Tonight, 7 — LaVell Edwards Stadium (64,045), Provo

Surface: grass at Provo

TV: The Mtn. - Radio: KSL 1160 AM, 102.7 FM

THE STAKES

For BYU ... The Cougars are looking for an in-state victory in their final nonconference contest of the season before finishing with seven consecutive Mountain West Conference games.

For USU ... The Aggies can take a huge step forward in first-year coach Gary Andersen's rebuilding project with an upset of a ranked BYU team. It would mark USU's biggest victory in years.

THE TRENDS

For BYU ... The Cougars have won 25 of the last 28 meetings overall and haven't lost to USU at home since 1978.

For USU ... The Aggies have improved their point total in each of their first three games (17 vs. Utah, 30 vs. Texas A&M, 53 vs. Southern Utah).

THE EDGE

BYU will win if ... it can effectively utilize its bevy of offensive weapons and victimize a USU defense ranked No. 117 in total defense.

USU will win if ... the defense can force Cougar turnovers and keep the ball in the hands of its improving offensive attack.

PLAYER TO WATCH

BYU QB MAX HALL: While Hall has led the Cougars to a 3-1 record, the glaring statistic has been his eight interceptions this season. Can he play a clean game tonight against USU?

KEY MATCHUP

BYU'S defensive front seven vs. Utah State QB Diondre Borel and running back Robert Turbin:The Cougars have been vulnerable to a mobile quarterback and good running backs. The dual threat of Borel and Turbin could give BYU's 'D' problems.

INJURY REPORT

For BYU: RB Harvey Unga (broken pinkie) is expected to play, as is LB Matt Bauman (knee sprain). Out are DL Vic So'oto (broken finger) and Russell Tialavea (knee).

For USU: WR Matt Austin (foot) and OL Ty Rogers (leg) are out.

NEXT UP

After three straight home games, BYU hits the road to face UNLV next Saturday (8 p.m., The Mtn.)

USU visits NMSU next Saturday.