Week 6: BYU at Utah State

The Cougars are the hottest team in the country, having won 14 straight games and beaten their past two opponents by a combined total of 103-0.

Utah State is on a much more modest streak. The Aggies have won three straight WAC games against the dregs of the conference, but haven’t beaten anyone other than Idaho or New Mexico State in two years.

Historically, this in-state rivalry is close. However, BYU won 38-0 last year and has won 18 of the last 19 meetings and every meeting since 1993.

This one could get ugly. BYU owns the 10th-best offense in the nation at 482 yards per game and Utah State owns the ninth-worst defense at 443.3 yards per game. BYU quarterback Max Hall ranks sixth in the nation in pass efficiency at 180.8.

Notes:

Both coaches were hired in 2005. BYU’s Bronco Mendenhall is 32-10. Utah State’s Brent Guy is 7-32.

Utah State is 1-46 in games against ranked teams. The Aggies might see five such teams this season — Oregon, Utah, BYU, Boise State and Fresno State.

Utah State receiver Otis Nelson has made a catch in 22 straight games.

BYU has scored first in every game this season and 26 of the last 29 games. The Cougars also have scored a touchdown on their opening drive in 12 of their last 15 games.

Key Player (Cougars) — Max Hall, QB

Hall is breaking quarterback records at BYU, and that’s hard to do. He tossed six touchdown passes in the first half against UCLA, a school record, and seven in the game, a Mountain West record. He is being promoted as a Heisman Trophy candidate — and for good reason. The junior has 15 touchdown passes against two interceptions and has completed 74.3 percent of his throws.

Key Player (Aggies) — Diondre Borel, QB

Borel made his first start two weeks ago against Idaho and sparked an outpouring of offense from the Aggies. He rushed for 93 yards and a touchdown and passed for 191 yards and two touchdowns. BYU should provide a great learning experience for him — and prepare him to face some of the better teams in the WAC.

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