Mom and dad.
Even though their dimensions are drastically different, Todd and Travis Watkins are brothers. Both are 6-foot-3, but that's where the similarity stops.
A junior at Brigham Young, Todd is lucky to push 190 pounds. Travis goes a tad more, as a 305-pound senior for Southern California.
"As soon as you see my dad, you'll understand that," said Todd. "My dad's a big, big man. I guess I take after my mother more. She's tall and lean."
At 6-4, Don Watkins was a lineman for Pasadena (Calif.) City College and also played for the San Diego police department's team. Cindy is a slender 5-11.
The brothers will play against each other for the first time Saturday at LaVell Edwards Stadium.
"It's going to be strange," said Don, a longtime detective. "I'm going to stay neutral."
The 21-year-old Todd is younger by 17 months. Separated by two grades, they played together for one year at San Diego's Helix High, the same school that USC running back Reggie Bush and Utah quarterback Alex Smith attended.
With divided loyalties, the Watkins clan will be well represented at the game. Expected to begin traveling to Provo today are Don and his wife, Vickie, the players' mother and numerous extended family members and friends.
To commemorate the game, Don had shirts made for the family. They feature each son's number, 1 and 63, with school helmets clashing in the middle.
"To them, it's not a big deal, but to me and their stepmother and their mother it is," said Don. "We're very fortunate that these guys are both going to Division I schools. You never think you'd have two boys playing Division I football, let alone playing against each other."
In between the various team meetings both players have to attend Friday, their father hopes for a little family time. The goal Saturday is for both teams to play well, with a Watkins contributing to each side.
In his first season, Todd has become BYU's leading receiver. He has 11 receptions for 204 yards.
Travis is listed as a second-team guard.
The brothers say they talk several times a week. They've been comparing notes on each team's schedule, which includes common opponents Notre Dame, Colorado State and Stanford.
The top-ranked Trojans, riding an 11-game winning streak, are heavy favorites to beat BYU, which lost by 27 points last week at Stanford. USC destroyed Colorado State 49-0.
"I'm rooting for both guys to have a good game," Don said. "That's the easiest way to do it."
Probably the best part about the game is it helps dad's budget. He doesn't have to worry about making two trips.
For the next several weeks Don plans to be at one of his son's games. He attended BYU's season-opening win over Notre Dame. Last week he was in the Los Angeles Coliseum.
"American Express and Mastercard love me right now," he said.
With USC planning to fly home shortly after the game, the brothers plan to get together on the field before kickoff. They probably will go light on any trash talking.
Todd might saddle up to Bush, who is a year younger.
"He's real excited to come out here," Todd said. "I'll let him know he doesn't know what kind of defense we've got ready for him."
Cougar notes
Linebacker Matt Ah You has rejoined the team. Ah You was in the rotation last season as a freshman. . . . Saturday will be the third time BYU has played the defending national champion. The Cougars beat Miami, which also was ranked No. 1 to begin the season, in 1990. They lost to Florida State, which was the national champion in 1999, in LaVell Edwards' last season in 2000.
