Brigham Young Cougars running back Michael Alisa scores a touchdown as Brigham Young University faces Idaho State in NCAA football in Provo, Saturday, Oct. 22, 2011.
Ravell Call, Deseret News
Weber State (0-1) at BYU (1-0)
TODAY, 1 p.m.
LaVell Edwards Stadium (63,470)
Natural grass, Provo
TV: BYUtv
Radio: 1160AM, 102.7FM, 1280AM
Weather: Sunny skies, with temperatures in the 80s.
The stakes
For Weber State ... The Wildcats have only played BYU twice, and they don't have many opportunities to compete on a big stage like this against an in-state opponent.
For BYU ... The Cougars must focus on the task at hand and not look ahead to next week's big showdown at Utah.
The trends
For Weber State ... In the two previous meetings, the Cougars have beaten the Wildcats by a combined score of 93-17.
For BYU ... The Cougars have outscored their last four FCS opponents by an average score of 46-9.
The edge
Weber State will win if ... The Wildcats can force numerous turnovers and capitalize on those.
BYU will win if ... The Cougars finish drives and execute in the red zone, unlike in the second half last week against Washington State.
Player to watch
Michael Alisa, BYU: The Cougars want to establish the run game. Alisa could record his first 100-yard rushing game of the season.
Key matchup
BYU's offensive line vs. Weber State's defensive line: After a less-than-solid performance last week, the Cougars have made some adjustments in both run-blocking and pass protection. BYU is looking for marked improvement in this game.
Injury report
Weber State: Two of Weber State's co-captains, defensive end Trevor Pletcher and linebacker Anthony Morales, are listed as questionable for today's game.
BYU: Tight end Devin Mahina (broken hand) is likely to play. Defensive back Skye PoVey (foot) is expected to be out for 2-10 weeks. Defensive lineman Ian Dulan (back) is probable.
Next up
On Sept. 15, Weber State hosts McNeese State, while BYU visits archrival Utah (8 p.m. MT, ESPN2).
Schedule
Date Opponent Time/result
Aug. 30 Washington State W, 30-6
Sept. 8 Weber State 1 p.m.
Sept. 15 at Utah 8 p.m.
Sept. 20 at Boise State 7 p.m.
Sept. 28 Hawaii 6 p.m.
Oct. 5 Utah State 8:15 p.m.
Oct. 13 Oregon State TBA
Oct. 20 at Notre Dame 1:30 p.m.
Oct. 27 at Georgia Tech TBA
Nov. 10 Idaho TBA
Nov. 17 at San Jose State 2 p.m.
Nov. 24 at New Mexico St. 1:30 p.m.
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byu is looking like garbage so far after the first quarter
No problems here. Just make sure there are zero injuries!
BYU is starting to the the offense going; but, yes, they look like garbage offensively. The big concern is the offensive line. They haven't been run blocking very well. Nor have they been pass protecting very well. Weber St. does have a More..