UNLV (3-4, 0-3) at BYU (6-1, 2-1)
Sunny, cool and nice. Highs near 60 degrees.
Today, Noon — LaVell Edwards Stadium (64,054) — Natural grass — Provo
TV: The mtn. — Radio: 1160AM, 102.7FM
THE STAKES
For UNLV ... The Rebels, who have lost three straight games, need three wins in their final five games to become bowl eligible.
For BYU ... The Cougars are looking to get back on track after suffering an embarrassing defeat on the road last week at TCU. With a tough November schedule on the horizon, BYU needs not only a victory, but an impressive one.
THE TRENDS
For UNLV ... The Rebels are mired in a 17-game conference road losing streak. Their last MWC win on the road? In 2004, when UNLV upset BYU, 24-20. The Rebels also won at LaVell Edwards Stadium in 2002, but were destroyed, 52-7, two years ago in Provo.
For BYU ... The Cougars have won 16 straight games at LaVell Edwards Stadium. They lead the all-time series against UNLV, 12-3.
THE EDGE
UNLV will win if ... it can force BYU turnovers and quarterback Omar Clayton and running back Frank Summers can make big plays against the Cougar defense.
BYU will win if ... the offense does not turn the ball over.
INJURY REPORT
For UNLV: Linebackers Ronnie Paulo (sprained ankle) and Beau Orth (bruised calf, sprained ankle), and offensive tackle Evan Marchal (sprained ankle) are all questionable.
For BYU: Defensive lineman Russell Tialavea (leg strain) is questionable. If he can't play, Ian Dulan will take Tialavea's spot at nosetackle.
PLAYER TO WATCH:
OMAR CLAYTON, quarterback: UNLV quarterback Omar Clayton. Clayton is mobile and an effective passer in the Rebels' spread offense. The sophomore QB has thrown 16 touchdowns and only two interceptions, completing 59 percent of his passes for 1,528 yards.
KEY MATCHUP:
BYU running back Harvey Unga vs. UNLV's run defense: Unga enjoyed a career day last year against the Rebels, rolling up 177 yards on the ground. The Cougars could employ the same strategy today against a UNLV defense that ranks No. 114 in the nation in rush defense.