BYU-UNLV preview

Scouting UNLV:
Defense: hasn't been great all season. Last week, it was just plain bad. Giving up over 550 yards with over 10 yards/carry. Gave up an additional 200 through the air against a rival team.
Offense: they have somewhat lacked an identity this year. They want to be a passing team, but spread passing teams complete a higher % of their passes. They want to be a running team, but they lack a big, tough back that can carry the load. Their mobile QB may or may not play much in this game, which makes them more of a dropback passing and power running team.

Scouting BYU:
Defense: who knows which Cougar D will show up. They have shown some versatility on D, but have also showed some vulnerability, particularly through the air. With the MWC's best receiver on the other side this week, it should be interesting to see if they can handle him, or if he has a career day against the Cougar secondary.
Offense: if they can't cut down on turnovers this could be a fairly close game. They have done a good job deep in their own end and in the red zone, but between the 30's is where they have had a tough time hanging on to the ball. The Cougars should line up in the I-formation and run behind the big O-Line and tough-as-nails FB Manase Tonga. Once the D stacks against the run, utilize the play-action pass. In short, BYU can blow this game open by playing Big Ten style.

Outcome: this is UNLV's bowl game, because if they can't find a way to win this game, they are not going to a bowl game. Their coach is on the hot seat. Injuries are piling up. Will this pull them together for an outstanding team effort today, or will this pull them apart and lead to another abysmal performance? I think they will play well until something goes wrong (a turnover or a BYU TD), and then it all falls apart. If they can play a good first quarter, they will likely be able compete for all 4 quarters. I think if BYU gets the ball first, they march down the field, and amen to UNLV's chances of pulling off the upset. Or if UNLV gets it first and goes three and out or turns it over, they are done as well. They are in a fragile state right now.
BYU has played 4 consecutive bowl games in this stadium, in addition to playing UNLV every other year for the past decade. BYU is 7-0 against UNLV at Sam Boyd, 2-2 in bowl games. BYU has a huge following in Vegas, as well as fans that travel fairly well done there for these games. This is a de facto home game for them. BYU's defense is starting to get its mojo back. The offense has been unstoppable, averaging under 3 punts/game. The only who has looked capable of stopping them is themselves. They have turned it over more than they have punted! The name of the game today (and next week): ball security. Figure it out before TCU or your conference title hopes are done.
BYU 45, UNLV 13.