An old conference rivalry will be renewed as the Brigham Young Cougars take on the San Diego State Aztecs Thursday night at Qualcomm Stadium in the Poinsettia Bowl.

The Cougars and their fifth ranked defense have won their last six meetings against San Diego State, and lead the all-time series 27-7-1. Though the Aztecs may have an advantage playing in their own backyard.

These two teams were rivals in the WAC before BYU departed for the Mountain West in 1999, and eventually declared independent last season.

BYU has won three of its last four games, including their last contest against New Mexico State back on Nov. 24.

Senior quarterback James Lark threw six touchdown passes, with five of them caught by receiver Cody Hoffman in the 50-14. Lark went 34-for-50 for 384 yards, and Hoffman had 12 receptions for 132 yards.

The Aztecs are currently riding a seven game win streak after running back Adam Muema rushed for 225 rushing yards and four touchdowns in a 42-28 victory over Wyoming. The win gave San Diego State their first nine-win season in 35 years, and they gained 400 total rushing yards.

They might have trouble duplicating that performance against the Cougars second-ranked rushing defense, which allows 84.3 rushing yards per game.

Coverage begins at 8 p.m. EDT and will be broadcast by ESPN, or you can watch their live online stream at Watch ESPN here.

Betting Odds: BYU is favored by 3 points.

Over/Under: 47 points.

Prediction: Even with the Cougars tight rushing defense, San Diego State should feed Muema early and often. BYU will dispatch Hoffman, who will have huge game. Look for the Aztecs to pull off the upset with a strong second half.

Predicted Score: San Diego State 30, BYU 24

Qualcomm Football