At the end of September, we were talking about the Cougars playoffs chances if they were to run the table. A month later BYU has lost four straight, and might not even get to play in a bowl game. The Cougars are a favorite on the road this week against a Middle Tennessee team that is 4-0 at home. I'll take the points thank you very much.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Taysom Hill - The Cougars season was ruined when their star QB suffered a season ending injury in a home loss to Utah State on October 3. His replacement Christian Stewart completed just 10-of-29 passes for 172 yards and three picks in that game, and he's completed just 56% of his passes with 8 TDs and 5 picks so far.

2. BYU Defense - Perhaps the offensive failures are partly to blame, but this defense has surrendered an average of more than 40 points during this four game losing skid.

3. X-Factor - The Blue Raiders are 7-1 ATS in their last eight at home, and 5-1 ATS coming off a bye week.
Selection: This is a play on the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders (8*)