Reed's return

The past few weeks, BYU players and coaches have been talking about how much the offense has missed wide receiver Michael Reed. On Saturday against New Mexico, the Cougars will get him back. With teams paying so much attention to Austin Collie and Dennis Pitta, Reed gives quarterback Max Hall another reliable target. In the three games Reed played in before injuring his knee, he was clutch in third-down situations. After three games, BYU led the nation in third-down conversions, converting an amazing 79 percent. In their last two games, the Cougars have converted only 15 of 32, for 46.8 percent.

Will Reed’s return to the lineup make a big difference for the offense?

As reported on this blog earlier in the week, coach Bronco Mendenhall said he’s not concerned about the weather and that it won’t affect the game plan for New Mexico. Until he was asked about it on Tuesday, he had no idea that it’s expected to be chilly and wet on Saturday. The forecast calls for rain and snow and a high temperature of 45 degrees. BYU will have to deal with not only inclement weather, but a New Mexico team that is very physical.

Expect turnovers to play a big factor in this game. The Lobos have turned the ball over eight times — four fumbles, four interceptions — in their last two meetings with the Cougars. A year ago in Albuquerque, BYU converted five UNM turnovers into 24 points. The Cougars have been adept at forcing turnovers in recent weeks. BYU has taken the ball away 14 times in its last three games.

Another stat worth noting: The Cougars have outscored their opponents at home this season, 144-17.