Game day

There’s been a lot of off-the-field news for the BYU football program in recent weeks and months.

But, finally, it’s time for a game. And not a moment too soon.

It’s a beautiful Saturday here in Provo. This afternoon’s game between the Cougars and Washington Huskies should be a good one. Of course, there will be plenty of focus on quarterbacks, what with UW’s Jake Locker, one of the nation’s top Heisman Trophy candidates, and all the intrigue regarding BYU’s two quarterbacks, Riley Nelson and Jake Heaps. How the Cougars plan to use both of them will be interesting to watch unfold.

Before kickoff, former BYU quarterback Jim McMahon will be the alumni flag bearer, leading the Cougars out onto the field. Another former Cougar QB, Virgil Carter, will be the Y-Lighter. They’re two of eight BYU All-American QBs that will be honored at halftime, along with Gifford Nielsen, Marc Wilson, Steve Young, Robbie Bosco and Ty Detmer. Will Washington coach Steve Sarkisian, one of those All-Americans, stick around for a little bit to be honored at halftime?

Earlier today, every former BYU quarterback was invited to participate in a breakfast. Last night, the All-American QBs participated in a dinner/auction to raise money to endow athletic scholarships. BYU’s hope is to announce today that the goal of $1 million was reached.

Today’s game is sold out, marking the 19th straight sellout at LaVell Edwards Stadium.

CBS College Sports’ pregame show will be broadcast live from inside the stadium. The CBS-C halftime and postgame shows will also be televised from Edwards Stadium.

A little more than two hours until kickoff …