The stadium begins to fill as Boise State prepares to host Brigham Young University in NCAA football in Boise, Thursday, Sept. 20, 2012.
Ravell Call, Deseret News
BYU (2-1) at No. 24 Boise State (1-1)
Thursday, 7 p.m.
Bronco Stadium, Boise
Blue Field Turf
TV: ESPN
Radio: 1160AM, 102.7FM
The Stakes
For Boise State ... The Broncos jumped back in the rankings this week and they're aiming to earn another win on a national stage.
For BYU ... The Cougars are looking to bounce back after a bitter defeat at the hands of Utah last weekend.
The Trends
For Boise State ... The Broncos are 59-10 when playing on national television. They own the best home winning percentage in the country since the start of the 2000 season with a record of 75-3.
For BYU ... The Cougars are 3-1 under coach Bronco Mendenhall when playing a Thursday game immediately following a Saturday game.
The Edge
Boise State will win if ... the Broncos force turnovers, limit BYU's rushing attack, and put together sustained drives against the Cougar defense.
BYU will win if ... the Cougars play composed in front of the loud crowd at Bronco Stadium, and avoid the many offensive and special teams blunders that plagued them last week at Utah.
Player To Watch
Riley Nelson, BYU: The senior quarterback is dealing with a back injury and he struggled at times against Utah. Can he make enough plays for his team to pull the upset?
Key Matchup
BYU's offensive live vs. Boise State's defense: The Cougars had issues protecting the quarterback and opening holes up the middle vs. Utah. BYU is counting on improved play from the O-line this week.
Injury Report
Boise State: Right tackle Jake Broyles, who suffered a minor injury last week and did not play against Miami (Ohio) is expected to play Thursday. Defensive tackle Ricky Tjong-A-Tjoe is back from a one-game suspension.
BYU: Offensive lineman Houston Reynolds suffered a season-ending Achilles' tendon injury against Utah.
Next Up
Boise State visits New Mexico on Sept. 29, while BYU hosts Hawaii (6 p.m., ESPN) on Sept. 28.
BYU Schedule
Date Opponent Time/result
Aug. 30 Washington State W, 30-6
Sept. 8 Weber State W, 45-13
Sept. 15 at Utah L, 24-21
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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Sorry fellow Cougs fans, but I think our mighty Cougs come out of tomorrow nights game 2-2. We had almost zero running game against the Utes. How are we going to have one against a BSU defense, especially with Reynolds out. Also, we need a completely More..
@byufan1993
You feel BYU is the better team? Byu wont beat themselves tonight...the Broncos will do that for them. Get ready to be embarrassed you Cougars and Cougar fans
Should be a fun game to watch..
Can we please end this joke that is Riley Nelson?