BYU to play Middle Tennessee without Jamaal Williams

Provo — BYU will play without leading rusher Jamaal Williams on Friday night night, when the Cougars play host to Middle Tennessee at LaVell Edwards Stadium.

Kickoff is 7 p.m. The game will be televised on ESPNU.

Williams, who rushed for 378 yards in BYU's first three games, was injured during last week's 20-13 loss to Utah. He suffered a concussion and severe stinger in the third quarter and was carried from the field.

Williams spent the night in Utah Valley Medical Center before being released the next day. Before being injured, he had carried 13 times for 52 yards against the Utes.

Meanwhile, BYU will also play Middle Tennessee without senior receiver Cody Hoffman, who is serving a one-game suspension for violating team rules.

Hoffman is the Cougars' leading receiver, despite missing the opener at Virginia because of a hamstring injury. He had 10 receptions for 171 yards in games against Texas and Utah.

A near capacity crowd is expected for BYU's battle against Middle Tennessee, which is 3-1 so far this season. The Cougars are 1-2 after a 40-21 win over Texas was sandwiched around losses to Virginia (19-17) and Utah.

The weather probably won't be a factor for the Blue Raiders of the Cougars. Although there is snow at the top of the nearby mountains, skies began clearing about two hours before kickoff. Temperatures during the game are predicted to drop into the 40s.