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To salvage the shambles of a once promising season, the Cougars desperately need this one. Amidst three straight losses plagued by execution issues, turnovers and defensive struggles, the Cougars are lost in the wilderness with one of the toughest matchups of the season coming up Friday night. BYU travels to the "smurf turf" to take on a 5-2 Boise State squad that is undefeated at home and 3-1 in the Mountain West this season. Still, this is as good a week as any for the Cougars to turn it around, a combination of desperation and Christian Stewart looking more comfortable with each passing week making a road win possible. Will BYU be able to right the ship and start the tail end of the season on a winning note? Or with Boise State continue the Cougars' prolonged collapse? Here's a position-by-position look at this week's matchup and which team will have the edge heading into Friday's game:

Quarterback

Christian Stewart has been a mixed bag for BYU since taking over the starting gig, but the flashes of potential are there. Stewart put up big numbers against Nevada's defense last week, tossing four touchdowns and completing 39 passes for 408 yards. However, his lack of experience appears at the worst times, culminating with his decision to take off and run on BYU's final drive of the night that led to a game ending fumble. Stewart has the ability athletically and is a talented passer, but must learn to make better choices with the ball, while the coaches probably can't rely on him to throw 63 times per game like they did against Nevada.

The Boise State offense flows through the running game, but senior Grant Hedrick can make plays when he needs to. Hedrick has thrown for 1,831 yards this season and eight touchdowns, averaging 261 yards per game. However, he's also turnover prone and forces the ball on occasion, tossing 10 interceptions for the Broncos this season. If BYU can slow down Jay Ajayi and force Hedrick to win the game through the air, the Cougars have a great shot at generating turnovers and winning the game.

Edge: BYU

Running Back

The Cougars have been forced to take a "next man up" approach at running back. Jamaal Williams was penciled in to be dominant alongside Taysom Hill, but he's been hampered by injuries alongside a snakebitten backfield that's seen Algie Brown, Paul Lasike and Adam Hine all miss time. Nate Carter was the latest guy to tote the rock for the Cougars, rushing for 87 yards on seven carries against Nevada, but the lack of consistency is alarming against a Boise State team that allows only 3.5 yards per carry.

BYU's run defense will face its toughest test of the season this week going up against the human wrecking ball that is Jay Ajayi. Ajayi has been absolutely dominant for Boise State, rushing for 867 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2014, along with a per game average of 124 rushing yards. Against Fresno State last week, Ajayi took over, rushing for 158 yards and two touchdowns. In three of Boise State's last four, he has at least 150 yards rushing and two touchdowns. His performance could single-handedly decide this game on Friday night.

Edge: Boise State

Pass Catchers

Mitch Mathews exploded against Nevada and has formed a fast partnership with Stewart in the passing game. Mathews worked the sideline and won jump balls to the tune of 16 receptions for 182 yards and two touchdowns and looks to be replacing Jordan Leslie as the centerpiece of this passing offense. Still, Leslie has been a reliable target and seems to work the holes in zone coverage better than anyone, catching six passes for 47 yards against Nevada. The Cougars will need similar performances from both guys to take the road win this week.

Boise State lost not only the team's leading receiver, but also an emotional leader in Matt Miller. The senior, who leads the team this season with 461 yards and three touchdowns, had ankle surgery earlier this week that ended his season. Next up is Shane Williams-Rhodes, who had 41 yards and a score against Fresno State. Williams-Rhodes leads the team in receptions and is second in yardage with 343 yards. He'll need to keep the Cougars' secondary honest with a couple of big plays to take pressure off Ajayi.

Edge: BYU

Offensive Line

The BYU offensive line continues to be a liability for the Cougars. Taysom Hill's rushing ability masked some of the unit's deficiencies, but Stewart isn't quite as mobile. Nevada was able to bring him down for sacks six times and could be in trouble if BYU is forced into throwing as often as they did last week. Boise State ranks second in the Mountain West with 22 sacks, setting the stage for a potentially long day in the trenches for BYU.

On the flip side, Boise State holds up well in pass protection, ranking right in the middle of the Mountain West with 15 sacks surrendered. The guys up front are also plowing the way for Ajayi's success in the run game, an underrated factor in the Broncos' success this season. This is a pretty clear advantage for Boise State.

Edge: Boise State

Defensive Line and Linebackers

BYU continues to have difficulty generating pressure, managing only one sack against Nevada. Bronson Kaufusi came back and looked good, finishing the game with five tackles and two tackles for loss. The absence of newly minted pass rushing star Sione Takitaki was felt, while Fred Warner appears to be finding his feet for the Cougars. Alani Fua's ankle is still an issue, but if the senior can go Friday, the Cougars will be in much better shape.

As was said earlier, the Broncos have no trouble rushing the passer. Boise State has racked up 22 sacks this season and a phenomenal 58 tackles for loss. Leading the charge are Beau Martin and Kamalei Correa, who have combined for seven sacks and 16 tackles for loss between them. The Broncos have great depth on the defensive side, with 13 different players generating at least one sack this season. The Broncos grab an advantage here as well and could have a field day against a leaky Cougars front.

Edge: Boise State

Secondary

BYU's secondary fared much better than the defensive front against Nevada. The Cougars surrendered only one touchdown and 285 yards passing to Nevada quarterback Cody Fajardo. Still, the holes in the secondary were there when Fajardo needed to make a play. BYU should have a good week if even a little bit of pressure can be generated. Hedrick won't beat many teams with pure passing and there will be chances for tipped and picked balls.

Boise State is in the lower half of the Mountain West in terms of pass defense. The Broncos surrender 245 yards passing per game and have given up the second most passing touchdowns in the conference with 14. However, Boise State is the best in the conference at generating turnovers in the passing game with 13 interceptions. Safety Darian Thompson and cornerback Donte Deayon have combined for eight interceptions and will have a big impact on this game if Stewart is careless with the ball.

Edge: Even

Prediction: This isn't the easiest game for BYU to turn this season around, but there is potential for a victory. Stewart should easily outduel Hedrick and the BYU receivers will outpace Boise State's pass catchers easily. However, if Stewart can't take care of the ball, Boise State's defense could wreak havoc while Ajayi slowly grinds down the Cougars. The homefield advantage and disarray of the Cougars will give Boise State a 27-21 win.

Twitter: @BrennanJSmith