PROVO, Utah (AP) - Mike Leach has rejuvenated Washington State's football program - and produced some restless nights for opponents - all before he's even coached a game.

A Brigham Young defensive assistant acknowledged as much as he prepared for Leach's Air Raid attack in Thursday night's opener in Provo.

BYU coach Bronco Mendenhall is familiar with the Air Raid: He was New Mexico's defensive coordinator when the Lobos faced Leach's Texas Tech teams three times a decade ago. The Red Raiders won 24-3, 42-30 and 49-0, respectively.

The nationally televised game is full of subplots. Leach is coaching his first game since being fired in 2009 amid allegations he mistreated a player with a concussion. The game is on ESPN, who Leach is suing. And it's against his alma mater, BYU.