PROVO — On the surface, BYU's in-state rivalry game against Utah State looks like a mismatch.
Both teams are headed in opposite directions heading into Saturday night's game (8:15 p.m., ESPNU) at LaVell Edwards Stadium, as the Cougars (7-4) enter the contest having won six of their past seven games while the Aggies (3-8) have lost four straight and seven of their past eight games.
As is often the case with rivalry games, those stats could be thrown out the window when high emotions are involved.
Here's a look at three keys for BYU as it heads into the season finale:
Get off to a fast start
BYU has struggled getting out of the gate fast this year, but now would be a good time to do so.