BYU football gameday

No. 18 BYU (4-1) at UNLV (2-3)

Sunny, about 77 degrees at game time.

Saturday, 8 p.m. ? Sam Boyd Stadium

Artificial turf ? Las Vegas

TV: mtn. ? Radio: 1160AM, 102.7 FM

THE STAKES

For BYU ... The Cougars need a victory to jump-start a stretch of seven straight league games they hope will end with a Mountain West Conference championship.

For UNLV ... The Rebels are looking to turn around their season, which took a big hit last week with a 63-28 loss to in-state rival Nevada. Coach Mike Sanford's job is in serious jeopardy.

THE TRENDS

For BYU ...The Cougars have never lost to UNLV at Sam Boyd Stadium in seven meetings.

For UNLV ... In the last two games against BYU, UNLV lost by only 10 points in 2007 and just seven in 2008.

THE EDGE

BYU will win if ... it takes care of the ball and is able to rack up yards on the ground like Nevada (559 yards) did last week.

UNLV will win if ... the Rebels can force turnovers, control the clock and get big plays out of their talented receivers.

PLAYER TO WATCH

Max Hall, BYU QB: In five games, Hall has thrown 10 interceptions. Can he turn in a clean game against UNLV?

KEY MATCHUP

BYU's secondary vs. UNLV's wide receivers: Last year, the Rebel wideouts carved up the Cougar defensive backs. UNLV's Ryan Wolfe and Phillip Payne will pose a challenge to BYU's safeties and cornerbacks.

INJURY REPORT

BYU: McKay Jacobson (hamstring) is out for 4-6 weeks, linebacker Brandon Ogletree (groin) is doubtful and Vic So'oto (hand) is probable. Defensive lineman Russell Tialavea (knee), special teams players Tucker Lamb (concussion) and Steven Thomas (concussion) did not make the trip.

UNLV: QB Omar Clayton (shoulder) and receiver Rodelin Anthony are expected to play.

NEXT UP

BYU plays next Saturday (4 p.m. The Mtn.) against San Diego State. UNLV hosts Utah next Saturday (8 p.m., The Mtn.).

SCHEDULE

Date Opponent Time (TV)

Sept. 5 vs. Oklahoma W, 14-13

Sept. 12 at Tulane W, 54-3

Sept. 19 Florida St. L, 54-28

Sept. 26 Colorado St. W, 42-23

Oct. 2 Utah St. W, 35-17

Oct. 10 at UNLV 8 p.m. (mtn.)

Oct. 17 at San Diego St. 4 p.m. (mtn.)

Oct. 24 TCU 5:30 p.m. (VS)

Nov. 7 at Wyoming Noon (mtn.)

Nov. 14 at New Mexico Noon (mtn.)

Nov. 21 Air Force 1:30 p.m. (CBS C)

Nov. 28 Utah 3 p.m. (CBS C, mtn.)