5 keys for MTSU to beat BYU

MURFREESBORO – MTSU will play host to Brigham Young (4-4) for the first time in school history at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday in Floyd Stadium.

MTSU beat writer Will Borthick breaks down his five keys for the Blue Raiders (5-3), who can become bowl eligible for the third straight season with a victory.

Get run game going: MTSU's offense has been the most successful this year when some combination of running backs Jordan Parker, Shane Tucker, Reggie Whatley and Jeremiah Bryson have gotten going. Establishing Conference USA's third-leading rushing attack (218.2 yards per game) will help the offense find its flow.

Keep Cougars down: After four straight wins to start the year, BYU has lost its last four games after losing quarterback Taysom Hill for the season to a leg injury. Pouncing on the Cougars early and not allowing them any confidence will be critical in finding the Blue Raiders' sixth win of the year.

Win third quarter: The Blue Raiders haven't scored in the third quarter since Sept. 26 against Old Dominion and they have just 10 third-quarter points since Sept. 13 (six games). If this game is close at the half, which it likely will be, finding a way to stop the streak will be essential to earning a mild, home upset.

Be efficient passers: Quarterback Austin Grammer completed just 6 of 19 passes for 141 yards in the team's win against Alabama-Birmingham two weeks ago. BYU is allowing 305.5 passing yards per game. Grammer won't have to hit that average in order for MTSU to win, but he will have to have more than six completions.

Sack city?: MTSU has recorded 16 sacks in its last four games after getting just four in its first four of the season. Meanwhile, BYU has allowed 13 sacks during its four-game skid. And to add to the storyline, MTSU pass-rushing specialist Leighton Gasque is just 1.5 sacks from tying the Blue Raiders' all-time record.

Contact Will Borthick at wborthick@dnj.com. Follow him on Twitter @willborthick.