Elder Ronald Rasband cheers on the BYU team prior to the game against Washington State in Provo Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012.
Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
Washington St. (0-0) at BYU (0-0)
Thursday, 8:15 p.m.; LaVell Edwards Stadium (63,470); Natural grass, Provo
TV: ESPN
Radio: 1160AM, 102.7FM
Weather: Temperatures in the 80s at kickoff, partly cloudy, 20 percent chance of precipitation.
The stakes
For Washington State ... the Cougars are kicking off the Mike Leach era, and they would like nothing more than to win their first game on national television — at Leach's alma mater.
For BYU ... the homestanding Cougars want to make a big splash in their season-opener to set the tone for their second year as an independent.
The trends
For Washington State ... the last time the Cougars won a road game in the season-opener was 2004 at New Mexico.
For BYU ... the Cougars have won five consecutive season-openers, dating back to 2007.
The edge
For Washington State ... the Cougars manage to consistently move the ball against BYU's defense and force turnovers.
For BYU ... the Cougar offense rushes for 150 yards or more and the BYU defense is able to put consistent pressure on the quarterback.
Jordan Johnson, BYU: Making his first career start, the sophomore cornerback is expected to match up often with Washington State's star receiver, Marquess Wilson, who has two 1,000-yard seasons on his resume.
Key matchup
BYU quarterback Riley Nelson vs. Washington State's defense: The senior QB should be able to take advantage of weaknesses in the WSU defense. Nelson is focusing on avoiding turnovers and completing a high percentage of his passes.
Injury report
Washington State: none.
BYU: DL Ian Dulan (sore back) and backup Zac Stout (Achilles) will be sidelined.
Related coverage:
BYU vs. WSU from a WSU insider perspective
BYU Cougars vs. Washington State Cougars: The matchups
Cougars host their own late night show vs. Washington State
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@Chris B
Your posts on the Sports page completely destroy any credibility on any other DN page
Chris B. I have studied your BYU football predictions and I have calculated that you are wrong almost 84% of the time (83.33%), which means you are right only about 16% of the time for 5 out of the 6 years combined when compared to the actual More..
Chris B
"If BYU beats Utah I won't post all year"
Your predictions are like your promises, easily made and easily broken.
Didn't you make the same promise the day Jimmer and company played at SDSU, More..