College Football

How to watch Boise State vs. BYU: Preview, TV schedule, odds and more

Here’s the information you need in order to catch the game between the Broncos and Cougars.

Oct 25, 2013, 2:00 PM UTC

Jim Urquhart-USA TODAY Sports

Boise State steps out of conference this week for a tough road trip to BYU, where the Broncos will be the underdogs. The Broncos haven’t looked like the elite team of years past, but they also don’t have any bad losses on their résumé, either.

BYU has convincing wins over Texas and Georgia Tech under its belt, and the Cougars aren’t far from being undefeated -- their two losses this season were by a combined 10 points. Their defense has been a strength for them this season; the unit is giving up just 4.76 yards per play, which ranks 18th nationally.

Boise State will have to contend with that group without starting quarterback Joe Southwick, who recently suffered a significant injury.

The numbers

Rankings and records: Unranked BYU is 5-2 this season, while unranked Boise State is 5-2 (3-1). The Broncos own a 3-0 edge in the all-time series.

Vegas: BYU opened as a seven-point favorite. The over/under opened at 62.5.

Weather: A high in the low 60s is expected in Provo, and there’s a slight chance of rain.

Three names to know

Taysom Hill -- Hill’s passing numbers aren’t impressive, but his ability to extend plays with his legs makes him a tough matchup. He has 772 yards rushing this season, putting him on pace to easily surpass the 1,000-yard mark.

Grant Hedrick -- Joe Southwick broke an ankle against Nevada, so this is Hedrick's show for the foreseeable future. Hedrick was able to lead the Broncos to a win over the Wolf Pack, and he finished the day 18 of 21 for 150 yards and an interception. It wouldn't be surprising to see him struggle against the BYU defense

Jamaal Williams -- With Hill keying things, the Cougars are averaging 263.1 rushing yards per game. Williams will be getting the bulk of the carries when Hill isn’t running it, and he is second on the team with 626 yards on the ground.

Two things at stake

BYU is on a roll and it can still make some noise on the national level this season; games against Wisconsin and Notre Dame are still to come. The Cougars need to keep winning to get themselves back in the polls, and that starts with Boise State. One more win makes BYU bowl eligible as well.

Boise State is also a win shy of bowl eligibility, and fortunately for the Broncos, if they happen to lose, it won’t have any bearing on the Mountain West race. Boise is currently tied for first in the Mountain Division with Utah State.