Both teams are coming off byes, but both have some injury issues. The Spartans will be without their leading receiver, Tyler Winston, while BYU will be without three starting offensive linemen (Ryker Mathews, Kyle Johnson, Lui Lapuaho) and backup running back Riley Burt.
The Cougars are 8-4 after a bye week in the Bronco Mendenhall era. Last year, they lost 35-20 to Utah State after their first bye, then beat UNLV 42-23 after their second bye.
What is the key to finishing strong for BYU?
"Man, I think just working to improve our team," Mendenhall said.