NO. 15 BRIGHAM YOUNG (1-0)
AT WASHINGTON (0-1)

Kickoff: Noon Saturday, Husky Stadium.
Television: FSN. Radio: 950-AM.

The series: Washington leads 4-2 overall and 3-0 in Seattle. BYU took the most recent meeting, 35-28, in 1999.

Weather: High in the low 70s, and partly cloudy skies.

What to watch: The Huskies were disappointed by their offense, defense and special teams play last week at Oregon and want to do better in front of their home fans. … Offensive coordinator Tim Lappano indicated the UW offense will open up this week, with increased efforts to get the ball to tailback Chris Polk in space. … TE Michael Gottlieb (hamsting) expected to return after missing opener at Oregon. … Unlike high-risk/high-reward Ducks last week, these Cougars are efficient with a move-the-chains offense and bend-but-don’t-break defense. … There has been speculation about what kind of reception coach Tyrone Willingham will receive from the expected crowd of about 65,000. … Spirit, the Huskies’ live Alaskan malamute mascot, will miss the game due to a shoulder injury suffered while chasing a squirrel.

What’s at stake: BYU’s 2008 slogan is “Quest for Perfection,” indicating their need for an unbeaten season to fulfill their hopes of qualifying for a BCS bowl. … The Huskies desperately want to avoid an 0-2 start, especially with No. 4 Oklahoma visiting next weekend.

Pick: BYU, 37-31. The UW offense is expected to open up today, but the defense may not be up to stopping the Cougars.

More information: My Saturday story compares the game to the Husky-Boise State game of last season. While this Salt Lake Tribune story looks back to the UW-BYU meeting of 1996.

The University of Washington has announced its actual four-legged Alaskan malamute mascot "Spirit" won't be on the Husky Stadium sidelines for the home opener Saturday against Brigham Young due to a shoulder injury suffered while chasing a squirrel.

His status -- and I'm afraid I'm not making this up -- is week-to-week.

Details are available at gohuskies.com.