Rain and possible snow. Temperatures in the low 40s.

Today, 4 p.m. — LaVell Edwards Stadium (64,045) — Natural grass — Provo

TV: The mtn. — Radio: 1160AM, 102.7FM — Live game blogs: deseretnews.com/blogs

THE STAKES

For BYU ... It's back to conference play for the nationally ranked Cougars. They are shooting for their 18th consecutive MWC victory. BYU is looking to remain in the top 10 and keep its BCS hopes alive.

For New Mexico ... The injury-plagued Lobos can shake up the MWC race, and the BCS picture, with an upset today.

THE TRENDS

For BYU ... BYU owns a 14-1 record as a ranked team when facing New Mexico. The last time BYU played as a top-10 team against the Lobos was in 1990, when it won, 55-31, in Provo. The Cougars have won 15 straight home games, including two shutouts in a row.

For New Mexico ... The Lobos have won two out of the last three meetings against BYU at LaVell Edwards Stadium, having beaten the Cougars in 2002 and 2004.

THE EDGE

BYU will win if ... it is able to finish drives, avoid turnovers and shut down the Lobos' running attack.

New Mexico will win if ... it is able to sustain long drives through an effective ground game and force BYU turnovers.

INJURY REPORT

For BYU: Wide receiver Michael Reed returns to the lineup today after undergoing knee surgery a few weeks ago. Linebacker David Nixon (leg bruise, sprained ankle) and cornerback Scott Johnson (leg bruise) are expected to play.

For New Mexico: While Porterie is out for the season, Ferguson, running back Paul Baker (foot) and defensive back Ian Clark (shoulder) are expected to be in the lineup.

NEXT UP

BYU visits TCU for a Thursday night showdown. New Mexico hosts San Diego State.

PLAYER TO WATCH

RODNEY FERGUSON, Running back: Ferguson sat out New Mexico's 24-0 win over Wyoming last week due to a bruised shoulder but has been cleared to play today. Ferguson leads the Mountain West Conference (No. 22 nationally) in rushing, averaging 104.6 yards per game. A two-time All-MWC performer, Ferguson has accumulated 2,982 career rushing yards, the third-most in MWC history.

KEY MATCHUP

BYU's defense vs. New Mexico's run game: The Lobos have rolled up 300-yard rushing performances in their last two games. With quarterback Donovan Porterie out for the season, UNM is relying almost exclusively on its running attack. The Lobos will try to hold the ball as long as possible to keep the Cougars' offense off the field.

No. 14 UTAH (6-0, 2-0) at Wyoming (2-4, 0-3)

Rain showers, possible snow. Temperatures in the low 40s.

Today, noon — War Memorial Stadium (30,514) — Synthetic turf — Laramie, Wyo.

TV: The mtn. — Radio: 700AM — Live game blogs: deseretnews.com/blogs

THE STAKES

For Utah ... . The Utes are pursuing perfection. They're 6-0 overall and 2-0 in Mountain West Conference play. A loss would almost certainly erase any Bowl Championship Series hopes.

For Wyoming ... The Cowboys are pretty much playing for pride at this point. Last year's humiliating 50-0 loss in Salt Lake City should provide plenty of motivation to succeed.

THE TRENDS

For Utah ... The Utes have moved up in the Associated Press Top 25 poll for four consecutive weeks — going from 22nd to 14th.

For Wyoming ... Wyoming is averaging just 9.33 points per game and has failed to score in two of its past three outings.

THE EDGE

Utah will win if ... the Utes are able to run the ball effectively. They tallied 278 yards on the ground in last year's lopsided win over Wyoming. The defense did its part by recording six sacks and forcing five turnovers in the 50-0 rout.

Wyoming will win if ... the Cowboys can put points on the board and slow Utah's offense. The odds of both happening aren't good. In fact, excelling in one is a longshot. Wyoming is 119th nationally in scoring and 85th in scoring defense.

INJURY REPORT

For Utah: No new significant injuries in the Oregon State game.

NEXT UP

Utah plays host to Colorado State on Oct. 18 at noon in Rice-Eccles Stadium.

PLAYER TO WATCH

DEVIN MOORE, Running back: Moore averages 5.3 yards per carry. He enters the game with 582 yards on the ground and is on target to top 1,110 by season's end.

KEY MATCHUP

Utah's ground game vs. Wyoming's defense: After giving up 317 yards rushing last week at New Mexico, the Cowboys face the Utes' one-two punch of Matt Asiata and Darrell Mack.