BYU running back Jamaal Williams could present a major challenge for Wyoming.
After a rough start, BYU has closed the season on a tear as it prepares to take on Wyoming in the San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl. The Cougars won seven of their last eight games to close the season.
Game info
BYU (8-4) vs. Wyoming (8-5)
Dec. 21, 2016
Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, California
How to watch
Game time: 9 p.m. ET
TV Channel: ESPN
Live stream: You can live stream the game here.
Players to watch
-With dual-threat quarterback Taysom Hill sidelined, BYU will turn to backup Tanner Mangum in his place. Mangum only attempted 18 passes this season, but he threw for 3,377 yards and 23 touchdowns in place of an injured Hill in 2015.
-Running back Brian Hill carried the load for Wyoming this year with 1,767 yards and 21 touchdowns. It was his second 1,000-yard season in a row, as he presently ranks fourth in the nation in rushing yards and touchdowns.
Key stats
-The Cougars have a seven-game winning streak over the Cowboys and lead the all-time series, 44-30-3.
-This is BYU’s 12th straight trip to bowl season; it has a record of 6-5 in those games but has lost the last three.
-The Cougars need a win in this game to match last season’s 9-4 record.
RELATED: College football bowl game predictions
-BYU’s last Poinsettia Bowl appearance came following the 2012 season — a 23-6 win over San Diego State which featured future NFL linebacker Kyle Van Noy.
-Jamaal Williams teamed up with Hill this season to provide a fearsome rushing duo for the Cougars; Williams finished with 1,165 yards and 11 touchdowns.
-Wyoming hasn’t beaten BYU since 2003 and has lost 10 of the last 11 meetings.
-The Cowboys opened the season 7-2 before dropping three of the last four games.
-Wyoming ranked 24th in points per game this season (37.1) but 105th in points allowed per game (34.8).
-A Wyoming win will give the Cowboys their first nine-win season since going 10-2 back in 1996.
Injuries
-BYU fullback Algernon Brown is questionable with an undisclosed injury.
-Hill is out for the year with an elbow injury for the Cougars.
