BYU Cougars vs. Boise State Broncos, Thursday, 7 p.m.

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

Matchup

Preview

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.