Two QB System is a Success so far as BYU edges out Washington 23-17.
The nerves were on displays as BYU beat Washington 23-17. A number of questions were answered, but there are still some lingering questions that I had as the 4th quarter clock ran out. I feel it necessary to address the most obvious question that most of us had going into this first game of the year, will the 2 quarterback system work? I feel like I can check that off with a yes. BYU won, so how can you deny the success that it had for this game. Will it work for the remainder of the season? Only time will tell.
I found myself going back and forth with Nelson and Heaps. Riley Nelson would be in the game and he would have some really good scrambles and short five yard passes and I would think to myself,”Nelson should stay in.” Then he would make some bad passes, one being an incomplete pass to a wide open McKay Jacobson, last time I checked a pass should be thrown to a receivers hands not feet. Then BYU would bring in the freshman, Jake Heaps. Man, this kid has a strong arm, sometimes to strong. Heaps would make pass on the run, once again Jacobson being involved in this play. Then Heaps, for some reason, decided to start throwing his passes a 100 mph. Now I could chalk it up to 1st game jitters and leave it at that, but we won’t be able to make that assessment until BYU’s next game.
Now both QB’s had somewhat successful games, but with this 2 QB system in place you had a feeling that they couldn’t get a good rhythm going with the Y’s offense. Still, I was impressed with Nelson and his stats for the game. Riley Nelson was 11 for 17 on his passes for 131 yards, and two TD’s. Heaps pleasantly surprised me by going 13 for 23 on his passes for 131 yards, but wasn’t able to finish the drives he was in on like Riley Nelson was able to. So if you look at it from that standpoint then I guess the better QB for the game was Nelson.
This win would not have been possible if it was not for J.J. Di Luigi. He had a combined total of 152 yard through his rushing attempt and his receptions, and I don’t know about you but to me it seems as if J.J. seems a little bit faster. DiLuige was somewhat able to escape Harvey Unga’s shadow but some plays showed why we’ll miss Unga’s service this year. Running up the middle is an area BYU will need to work on. Now I am not laying the sole blame on Di Luigi’s shoulders but with his size you needed a power runner like Kariya to come in so the Cougars could run it up the gut. I still love the breakout game that Di Luigi had, I have been waiting for 2 years for him to be the feature back.
The Offensive line did an excellent job in there pass blocking by not giving up a sack, but their run blocking needs a little tunning up. When a defensive tackle meets our running backs in the back field, you really can’t expect the running back to make much out of that run. Now, I am trying to still figure out whether we were just spoiled by Pitta and George last year, or are our Tights ends really just not that reliable and inexperienced. Now Wilson had a good game with 3 reception for 45 yards, but the tightends just seemed like they were never in the game. So that is one of my question going into next week, will the tightends be used more thus freeing up our wide receivers?
I was disappointed somewhat with McKay Jacobson. He had a chance to establish himself as a leader in the Offense, but he seemed to get lost in the mix. Sure, some of the pass left a lot to be desired, but a good receiver gets past that and makes the most of the chances that he has. Also, can O’Neill Chambers go one game without fumbling. He had some good returns, but my heart was always in my throat every time he was running it back. Still waiting for you to live up to your own hype Chambers.
Speed on defense was my next question I had going into this game. Is it better? It did seem a little better, the mob mentality to the ball was on the mindset of the Cougars defense. But our DB’s still are playing 10 yards of the opposing teams receivers, which drives me nuts. It’s give’s the chance for the other teams WR’s to catch and run with the ball. Now the DB’s did have some good deflections, but honestly, was it more of Locker under throwing the receiver or were our db’s playing that good? You can answer that for yourself.
The Cougars defense did contain Jake Locker somewhat. Instead of opening the flood gates they just allowed a constant drizzle. But to me, it seemed as if Washington wasn’t allowing Locker to run like he has in the pass. Now one could chalk that up to BYU being able to contain the Huskie QB, or one could surmise that Lockers history of injury concerned the Washington coaching staff. Either way I was satisfied with how we played Locker. Yes, he did go 20 for 37 of his passes for 266 yards and 1 passing TD, but when the Cougs defense can hold him to 29 yards rushing on 11 attempts then I consider that a success in my book.
So, I am satisfied. Why shouldn’t I be, the Cougars came away with a win against a talented team when they had a lot of uncertainty going into this game. I still have some questions going into next week. Can you at least leave one of the Y’s QB’s in longer then one series before you throw in the next QB? Lets see if the offense can get some consistency going. Also, will McKay Jacobson step up into his leadership roll that he did so nicely last year? My last question is, can J.J. Di Luigi handle being a featured back, meaning more carries and more bruising hits on his small but stout frame? Now, don’t get me wrong, I am very happy with the result, but BYU left a lot to be desired. Lets see if they can correct these mistakes and once again have a great season. GO COUGARS!
Most Wonderfull Time of The Year!
Well, I am finally back. After being without a computer last season I was itching to get back in the saddle again. But with so much uncertainty I was a little apprehensive about what to write about for my first entry of the season. I could write about BYU going independent and how this is a great move for the Y, both financially and exposure wise, but that has been done. Plus if you caught the press conference on BYU TV then everything was pretty much covered. I am excited for this but also nervous. It kind of feels like your first day of high school, your not sure what to expect but your excited at the possibilities. So I am going to leave it at that, we still have an exciting season left of Mountain West football, it will be fun to watch……if you have the right cable/dish package.
Next comes the quarterback issue, which had all of Cougar nation sitting on pins and needles about who is going to start. The big announcement came and we were basically left with the same feeling we had before the announcement, whose the true started? Sure, Riley Nelson will take the first series, but going by what coach Mendenhall said, Jake Heaps will also get his share of snaps. It honestly feels like spring ball again. Now, don’t get me wrong, I am really excited about the two dueling slingers. Both Nelson and Heaps could be starters at a number of Division 1 schools, so we should feel lucky to have both of them. I see it as Nelson will get a little more of the snaps then Heaps, unless Nelson just chokes then all hail Mr. Heaps. Then by the time Nelson is gone in two seasons, Heaps will be a seasoned veteran Ask J.J. Diliugi how that has worked out, I don’t think he would be one to complain.
Now comes the Washington game, it hard to give predictions for this game when there is the uncertainty that BYU has coming into this season, so I’ll keep this short. Jake Locker will be an issue, but the buzz coming out of Provo is that our defense is a lot faster then last years, so I am crossing my fingers on that one. This is were I think Riley Nelson has been invaluable to BYU. In preparation it wouldn’t surprise me if he gave the Cougars, during practice this week, a preview of what to expect from Locker. So, can the Cougars stop Locker, I don’t know. I am just hoping that they can somewhat contain him. The Huskies do have big receivers, but that doesn’t really concern me to much. BYU has a wealth of big receivers that our DB’s can practice and prepare against.
So here are my predictions for Saturday, I am not giving out numbers like Vegas, but just what I suspect will happen on Saturday. Riley Nelson will struggle at first but then will have a great game with a mixture of rushing and short throws here and there with maybe a long one that we all will be holding our breaths for. When Jake Heaps take his snaps we will be teased with a preview of what he can and will be for us in the future, but expect him to work out his nerves first, he is playing his 1st div. 1 football game. McKay Jacobson will have 100+ receiving yards, and I am praying that O’Neil Chambers will finally live up to his own hype, if he can give us punt returns like he did last year against the U then I’ll be satisfied.
What I can’t wait to see is how Ross Apo will do, I think we will all be pleasantly surprised by him. I am also very excited about seeing our RB’s. J.J. will be his own shifty self, and will be a nightmare for the Huskie defense. Just when they get him figured out, they get a taste of the bruising running style of Kariya. Then the Huskies will have to try to stop a hybrid of the two when the face Joshua Quezada, he might not get a lot of playing time but what we’ll see will have us yearning for more. I am also interested to see who will become the next great tight end for the Cougs, we were spoiled last year by having Pitta and George for our viewing pleasure. Now, the one wish I have is please Cougar defense, stop Jake Locker, or at least contain him somewhat.
Do I think the Cougars can win? Yes, they are playing at home, and they do have talent which is young but very talented. Will they win? Here it comes, yes. It will be a close game but the 4th quarter is where I think the Cougars will separate from the Huskies. If you want numbers for the final score, then go to a Vegas website. This time of year is exciting for me, Cougar football is starting and I get to watch my nephews play football in the Jr. league for the Cottonwood Colts. So GO Cougars, and go Colts.
Big News on the BYU Football Front.
Well, I know it’s taken me a long time to come back here to write about BYU football, but can you blame me? The way the Cougars ended the season left a really bad taste in my mouth. Prior to the season I didn’t expect the Cougars to jump out to the type of start they did. I was in the mindset that they would be building up for next season. I felt that they would have continued the tradition having a good season and ending it with an 11-2 record. Even though they were one off from that, I am not to disappointed in the record, there are a lot of teams that would kill for the record the Cougars had. I am just one of the many that was caught up in the overly hyped Cougars. Are they a good team? Yes. Are they a great team? Not yet, but they have a chance to be next year.
That leads to my next reason why I chose to write today. It was announced by WR, Austin Collie, that he would forgo his Senior season and declare himself for the NFL draft. Now as a BYU fan this comes as bitter-sweet news for me. We have witnessed the best wide receiver, if not player, play his last game at BYU. While I would love to see him back next year, at the same time I can’t blame the guy for wanting to go to the next level to show off his skills, and get payed big bucks for it. In a later posting I will analyze where I think Collie will be drafted.
This brings me to the exciting news for next year. If your a true blue Cougar fan then you should already know about the Non-Conference schedule, but it doesn’t hurt to hear about it again. BYU will play the Sooners of Oklahoma in their first game of the year, Labor day weekend, at the New Dallas Cowboys stadium (http://stadium.dallascowboys.com/). This will be the first College football game to be played at the new Cowboys stadium, how lucky are we. And to further the exciting news, this will be nationally televised on either ABC or ESPN. The rest of the Cougars Non-Conference schedule is also just as exciting. The Cougars will travel to play Tulane in New Orleans at the Superdome, two great venues in two straight weeks, does anyone else feel giddy. Also, did I mention that this game will get a National viewing audience on either ESPN or ESPN2. See how I could see next year building up to be something special, and then it gets better. Florida State will travel to play BYU at LaVell Edwards Stadium, I have never been so jealous of my unlce’s and their season tickets. Besides seeing the FSU game, there will be the conference games at LES against TCU, and the team up north (The Utes, just in case your not following). For me it just seems that if the Cougars play great ball the pieces will fall into place.
This is why I was able to get over the way the season ended, because good news was just on the horizon. Now I know what your saying, how could Collie leaving be good news? Well it is and isn’t but later on I will write on what type of team we can expect the Cougars to have next season. ‘Til then……………Go COUGARS!
All I want for Christmas is a win in the Las Vegas Bowl.
With this Bowl season in full swing, I find myself more excited for the Christmas holiday then I do for the Cougars Bowl game. Don’t get me wrong, I love BYU football and I am very excited that they are in the Las Vegas Bowl let’s not forget that not to long ago BYU was just having trouble getting into a bowl game. The reason I am down this year is probably true for a lot of fans, we expected more. Whether it was our fault or the media’s, or maybe even both, we feel as though it is a let down. No I am not trying to discredit my hometown bowl, let me try to put it in a clearer perspective. It’s like you have a chance of getting a Cadillac Escalade and for three months you believe this to be true, then when you go to buy it you find out that due to your own fault you can only afford a Chevy Suburban. Now don’t get me wrong, a Suburban is a great SUV, but it is no Escalade. And while you appreciate what you are able to get you still long for what you could of had. Now enough with my winning and moaning, let’s get to the game.
BYU has a few things going for them. First they still have an amazing offense with the most overlooked, underrated wide receiver in the nation in Austin Collie. Collie will once again have a good game, but Arizona’s defense will double team him for obvious reasons. QB Max Hall needs to learn that he has other options, even more so then Dennis Pitta. The problem that Hall sometime has is when his number 1, and 2 receivers are covered he tries to force it, hence the interception frenzy against Utah. BYU also has to establish the run, let Unga pound the ball and tire down the defense, and when they least expect it then go over the top. The easiest way to get a throwing game going is to have a successful running game. You have to be balanced in all aspects of the offensive game to be successful. Hall needs to not be afraid to get rid of the ball once in awhile, if it is not the then it’s not there. A throw out of bounds is better then a sack, and an interception. With almost a month to prepare I honestly think that the Cougars Offense will be ok.
The defense on the other hand is a question mark. Arizona has BYU’s kryptonite, and that is a mobile QB. If BYU cannot stop Arizona’s QB then once again it will be up to the offense to do what they had to do for the last few games, and that is out scoring the other team in an offensive free for all. BYU needs their leaders on defense to step up, first starting with Jan Jorgensen, he need to get to and contain the QB. David Nixon also needs to step up and lead the linebacking core. Now I don’t know the Status on CB Scott Johnson, but heaven help us if he is not able to play. As weak as our DB’s and Safeties are, he was one of the few bright spots.
In the end I feel the Cougars will come out on top, but once again it will be a close game, and high scoring. I figure there will be a combined score between the two team in the 60′s, and low to mid 70′s. Get ready to pull out you antacids Cougar fans because it will be one of those nights. Merry Christmas and Gooooooo Cougars!
Max Hall leads BYU to a win as the Cougars barely defeat Colorado State 45-41.
I’m wondering if any of you had the same feeling as I did when I was watching the BYU game versus CSU. My feeling was that I was watching an old WAC game from the 80′s, and 90′s (sorry, but I don’t mention 70′s because I don’t go back that far, age wise). While I was in this state of confusion, I kept on hitting the info button on my remote to see if I had accidentally turned it to the BYU channel during one of their classic game replays. But to my disappointment, I was on the right channel. I kept thinking to myself that there should be a warning that maybe states,”please do not adjust your television sets, BYU’s defense is really this bad.” Come on, giving up 41 points to Colorado State?? Really!?? I chalked up BYU’s last laughable game (against UNLV) as a hangover from the TCU embarrassment. BYU can’t blame this on a hangover from the TCU game, plainly enough, their defense stunk up Fort Collins, and I heard it’s cow country, so go figure.
Let me just quickly address the defense because, like I said before, I am beginning to sound like a broken record, and I just can’t take typing the same thing over and over again. I guess there is always the copy and paste option, but another day, another time. First off, the defensive back…..as I previously stated, I was under the impression from an interview of former Couger, Quinn Gooch, that the DB’s themselves decide how far off they play a receiver. Now I am beginning to doubt that. As Cougar DB, Bradley was lining up on a CSU receiver, he was only giving them about a 4 to 5 yard bumper. What caught my eye was when Bradley glanced over to the sidelines, shook his head, and backed up 5 more yards. Thus giving us the typical BYU bumper on any opposing WR. Hey, we’re not going to let you beat us long, but we’ll keep on giving you first downs thus prolonging the drive and inevitable resulting TD, because heck, we can’t stop anything. Unless there is under a minute left to play, then we play just hard enough to win the game….resulting in heart attacks for all of our fans.
I am sorry people, but I just keep having flash backs to the WAC days because that’s how a majority of BYU defenses played. Remember how we would cover it up: “Oh, BYU’s a second half team.” Now it’s a flip of a coin on when they are going to show up. Ok, I am done ranting on the defense. I feel like I just went through a few rounds with George Foreman, pre-grill days.
The Offense showed up for the most part, minus a few mishaps. First, the 3 and out right off the bat really bugged me. Also the interception peeved me, but that was also the receiver’s fault, so I’ll let Hall pass on that. Another interesting thing was brought up by color commentator, Todd Christiansen. He stated that Unga always follows Vakapuna when he is carrying the ball. So for all opposing defenses, just look where Vakapuna is going and you’ll probably find Unga with the ball. Now for the life of me, I hope they change this–I know they have heard of diversion plays.
On the plus side, Max Hall had another great day going 28-35 for 389 yard, 5 TDs, and 1 INT. He had some great passes, but still once in a while he was too confident in his arm and threw into double coverage, but an all-around good game. Then there is Austin Collie who had 156 yards receiving on 9 catches for 3 TDs. The one-handed catch for a 58 yard touchdown,–just amazing! His other two touchdowns came in the first half, which is also amazing. Now CSU knows how BYU’s defense feels. Also I would like to say:”Welcome back, Dennis Pitta!” He had 12 catches for 175 yards, and two touchdowns. His first touchdown for 23 yards where his literally had his helmet knocked off was just as spectacular as Collie’s one-hander. Thanks for your play Pitta, we really needed you. As much as I razzed Unga, he still had a good game as he rushed for a game high of 133 yard on 24 carries for 1 TD. Nothing personal Unga, still have much love for you.
Well as much as I was negative, I am still very happy that BYU won–I just wish they would do it in better fashion. As stressed and as loud as I get while watching their games, I will still be there in front of the tube every Saturday . I just won’t tell the doctor, he told me to take the most stressful thing out of my life. Not watching BYU football?? THAT will never happen. Go Cougars!
BYU looks to improve defense against Colorado State.
I am going to keep this short and sweet for two reason: one, I am feeling crummy this morning; two, every time I do a long article on BYU and their next opponent it seems to jinx them. Now, I am not usually a person who believes you can jinx a team, but at this point I will believe anything if it helps BYU.
Two simple things BYU needs to do against Colorado State: one-score, and score often. CSU has allowed over 250+ points on them this season. So unless BYU chokes, they shouldn’t have an issue moving the ball. The second thing the Cougars need to do is have a decent defensive game. Even though CSU has had more points scored on them than they have scored, the simple this is they can score. Anyone at this point could score on BYU, and I will have that view until they prove me wrong.
Thereou go folks, two simple things BYU needs to do. Go Cougars!
BYU is taken down to the wire as they escape with a win against UNLV 42-35
Well, were do I start with this one, folks? BYU is starting a trend that I hope doesn’t stick around because my heart can’t take it. They are hoping that their offense can out-score the opposing team because their defense cannot stop anyone. One of my main issues (that I brought up the other day) is that BYU could not give UNLV hope at the beginning of the game, they just needed to take it to them. Well, unfortunately, BYU gave UNLV hope throughout the whole game. The Cougars defense at this point could not stop a high school offense. With just a couple of plays that you could hang your hat on with BYU’s defense, they were relatively a non-factor.
UNLV, at will, marched down the field and only through their own mistakes they had to punt the ball, or turn it over on downs. Yes, BYU won the game 42-35 but it was no thanks to their defense. Right now the Cougars best defense is their offense. When you go by that logic, you just hope that your offense can continue to score, and hopefully make it a long drive at that. I hate to think what would have happened if the Cougars scored faster and the Rebels had a little more time to try and tie BYU at the end of the game. I would also like to address the DB’s for BYU but I don’t know what else to say that I haven’t said before. They have about as much confidence as a self-conscience nerdy teenage girl going out on her first date with the most popular guy in school. I know that’s reaching for it, but that’s the only comparison I could come up with–so deal with it.
Now I am going to at least try to brighten my column up by talking about the Cougars offense. (I feel if I continue to discuss their defense I will go into a very dark place that I won’t like.) I know I am sounding like a broken record, but once again BYU’s WR Austin Collie comes to the rescue and has another 100+ receiving yards day. He finished the day with 114 yards on 7 receptions. Also QB Max Hall was able to bounce back and have a somewhat solid game by going 24-30 for 247 yards passing and 4 TD’s. As good a day as he had, he still doesn’t seem like himself. He is making mistakes here and there that could have major repercussions in future games if he doesn’t work them out. For example, he was sacked for an 8 yard loss when he had plenty of time to get rid of the ball. He also tried once again to force a pass into double coverage, fortunately UNLV’s DB’s have bad hands. But no worries on my part because if he can make those mistakes and still win, then I’m good with that. Knowing Hall and the BYU coaches, they will catch those mistakes and work on it this coming week.
Even though I am sounding like a person who’s team just lost a game, I want you to know that I write this way because I’ve come to have high expectations for BYU. When your expectations aren’t met, you tend to get mad, but as mad as I am, I will still take this victory any day over a loss. The Cougars still need to work out the kinks and improve in various areas of their game, they still have a tough schedule remaining. Don’t make this harder then it has to be; you were given the respect at the beginning of the season for a reason; you’re a good team–now act like it. If you play to your potential, then the wins will follow. One last thing………….Go Cougars.
BYU approaches uncommon ground, preparing for a game after a loss.
I am going to keep this short and sweet because I am still in a sour mood from BYU’s last game against TCU, in which we all now know they folded and lost. Because of this, BYU now has to do something that they haven’t done since the beginning of last season. They have to prepare for a game after a loss, a demoralizing one at that.
As I thought about how I could keep my article short about the up and coming game against UNLV, a few things came to mind. First, I had a positive thought about the UNLV game. Luckily BYU will get to face them at LaVell Edwards Stadium as opposed to the Rebels home. Even though some call Sam Boyd Stadium “BYU South”, there still just isn’t anything like home. My other thought was that BYU has to come out like a gunslinger, not give UNLV any hope because they will pounce on it. UNLV for the most part has been a 1st half team and for the last few games BYU has been a 2nd half team (TCU game is an exception).
UNLV also has a mobile QB in Omar Clayton, he is accurate, and doesn’t turn over the ball much. But one that excites me is that UNLV builds of the run. They want you to get used to them running then BOOM, they throw the ball. The Rebels defense doesn’t scare me much, their DB’s, like ours, are nothing special. They’ve had their fair share of being burned–just ask them about the UNR game, salt in the wound that game is. Also they have had some devastating injuries so their defense, like BYU, lacks experience. But don’t overlook them, because what they lack in experience, they make up for in speed which (last time I checked) killed BYU.
Once again I state that BYU needs to come out firing on all cylinders. They need to establish the run, and also QB Max Hall needs to realize that there are more receivers then Collie and Pitta. As much as I love these guy, and they are amazing, when a team knows who you are going to constantly throw it to, then they key in on those receivers. While I was talking to my Uncle Ron he brought that to my attention, the point that Hall is just passing to a few receivers and no one else. This is why Hall is throwing near interceptions and interceptions. As good as Hall’s arm is, very few people can complete a pass to their recievers when they are in double coverage.
I would address the defense but at this point I feel like a broken record. I keep on saying the same thing over and over again, maybe I will just keep my mouth shut and they will surprise me this weekend. One last thing the Cougars need to do is realize that the year is not over, you’ve only lost 1 game, some teams out there would kill for BYU’s predicament right now. Keep on treating each game as the most important game of the year, because it is. Finish out on a respectful note. The only way to do that is to continue to play with all your hearts. One last thing……………….Go Cougars.
BYU loses in all aspects of the word as TCU rolls over them 32-7.
Ladies and Gentlemen, I was going to start this article off by saying I come to you a humble man, but that just isn’t true. I come to you as an angry man, no humbleness about it. The reason being is that, unfortunately, I had some inkling in the back of my mind that this might happen. Heck, TCU had one of the best defenses in the nation; true, the only real competition they’ve played plowed over them, but Oklahoma has done that to alot of team’s this year. I was under the impression that BYU had one of the great offenses in the nation with all the fireworks they’ve shown, but an even greater defense cancels that out as we all witnessed last night.
Now please don’t assume that I don’t like BYU’s offense, if anyone has been an advocate for them, it is me. They were just simply over matched yesterday. From their line to the D-backs being quicker than the WR’s. If TCU’s DB’s and linebackers had better hands, then I hate to say that QB Max Hall might have had 1 to 2 more interceptions. Don’t worry, I am not jumping off the BYU train, I’m a passenger for life. I made it through the Crowton era, I think I can make it through 1 loss in the last 16 games. I just like to be honest in my oberservation of BYU.
One thing with the offensive line that I noticed is that they don’t handle speed very well because that’s the thing that doomed them. It wasn’t size–BYU outweighed TCU’s d-line by 40+ pounds. It was the ability of TCU to get around the edges to be able to get to Max Hall multiple times. I have a feeling that this will be an area addressed this upcoming week in practice (along with many others). Also one thing that I hoped Max Hall had cleansed from his system was the forcing of passes to receivers that didn’t have any separation from the defensive players. He would sometimes throw into double coverage, and triple coverage. He has a great arm, but even the greatest can’t and don’t do that, and I hope Hall soon realizes that.
I don’t really have that much negatively to say about RB Harvey Unga. Yes, he only had 53 yards rushing on 14 carries, but it all comes down to the trickle down effect. If the offensive line does not block for you, then you do not get positive yards. Unga worked with what he had, you can’t fault a man for that. Another part of the Cougar’s offense that I am not too bummed about are the wide receivers. They did their best with what they were given. Once again, Austin Collie had a decent game with 6 receptions for 116 yards. Are there things that the WR’s and RB’s could have done better? Yes. But when you’re a true fan, you try to find at least a few positives in a pile full of negatives.
Now I come to the defense. Remember the “bend but don’t break” defense that I was accusing BYU of having? Well they broke….unfortunately and badly. From multiple missed tackles to numerous opportunities that were missed when they could have changed the momentum of the game by stopping TCU on a third down. Also, can someone please explain to me why, after playing numerous games against mobile QB’s, that there isn’t a constant spy on the opposing teams QB’s. The thing that killed me the most was the play of the defensive back. I’m sorry, but can someone explain to me that when it is third and 12 why BYU’s DB’s are playing 8 to 10 yards off the recievers?? Of course they are going to convert when there is nothing between them and the 1st down marker.
At the beginning of the year there was a lot of talk about what it would take for BYU’s BCS chances to be crushed. Various sports writers wrote the play of their defense, and at that time I agreed with them. Unfortunately that came true, just a couple of stops here and there, especially on the 3rd and long, and the final score might have been different. Here’s to dreaming, and unfortunately, it would have taken more than a few stopped drives from the defense. A consistent drive from the Cougar’s Offense would have helped.
Now, I’m a man who also looks at this as a glass half full approach. Maybe it’s good for BYU to lose to TCU, because I have a feeling if BYU went to a BCS bowl game, the outcome would have been a lot worse, thus ruining their opportunities for next year. Yes, BYU is still going to have a good year; they are still going to a bowl game; and we still have a chance to spoil it for Utah. So please, Cougar fans, keep your heads up, it’s not over. I have a gut feeling that it’s only just the beginning for our beloved Cougars and the things that they can accomplish in the future. Don’t forget………………..Go Cougars!
BYU’s toughest test yet.
With BYU, yet again, coming off another mediocore performance, they have little time to worry about what they could have done better against New Mexico. With TCU in their sights for tomorrow’s game, I assume that Bronco Mendenhall did his all too famous “give you 15 seconds to celebrate after the New Mexico game”. I’ve said this before, but this next game scares the living day lights out of me. I’ve said this for other games, but for different reasons, in all games BYU was largely favored. In the TCU game, BYU is slightly favored and rightly so–TCU is 2nd in the nation in total defense. Plus the Horn Frogs have a two-quarterback system in Andy Dalton and Marcus Jackson, which as you all know gave the Cougars some trouble last game. Furthermore, the two QB’s for TCU have great mobility. The two previous statements are the main reasons I am a little uneas– plus the fact that BYU is playing at TCU.
What does BYU need to do to win, you ask? Well, I know Coach Mendenhall is really good at preparing his team,(and who am I to question him and his staff?), but I would still like to put in my two cents. Hey, I wouldn’t be a true fan if I didn’t question the team that I give my undying loyalty to. First, let’s start with the offense, which is the main attraction of the Cougar football team.
One thing I’ve noticed is that BYU has less three and outs when they are running the ball well–or at least trying to run the ball. When the Cougars are struggling, they are not running the ball at all or not well. BYU should not have this problem, they have one of the premiere lines in the nation that averages 6ft 5in, and 326 lbs. They easily out weigh any opposing team’s defensive line by at least 30 pounds. By those stats alone they should be running more. Also the O-line has only given up 1 sack this season, which is unheard of. They need to know that they intimidate opposing teams like a sumo wrestler would a buffet owner.
Next on my list is QB Max Hall. So far he has had an amazing year, enough so to be mentioned in the mid-season Heisman talks. But lately I’ve noticed that his passes are flying on him. I know it’s not nerves because Hall is what I like to call an iceman, ready for any tough situation. He proved this to me against Utah last year. I feel that he is trying too hard to try and get the ball in the tightest spots. Just be patient, your receivers will be there, just look at your completion percentage. That’s all I really have to say about Hall, you really can’t fault the man on anything else, heck he has a td to interception ratio of 20 to 4. Anybody that has that is alright in my book.
Now comes the unsung hero of the Cougars, WR Austin Collie. Now before you get in an uproar about me
saying ‘unsung’, let me explain. I am talking about the media. When they mention BYU they don’t mention Collie as much as they should. The man has had 5 straight games of 100+ recieving yards. Because of his great play in the last game he is now listed as #6 all time on the BYU receiving yards list. Let’s just be straight forward, if it wasn’t for Collie in at least a few games this year, BYU’s overall record would probably be different. So the moral of this story, kids, is get Collie the ball as much as possible and success will follow. What success would that be, you ask? Well besides the obvious one–that it gives BYU a better chance of winning–there are other reasons. Once TCU’s defense sees the Cougars going to Collie on a consistent basis, then they will put their attention towards him, which in turn will open up Pitta, Reed, George, Unga (and that’s pronounced Ung-a), and all the other offensive weapons the Cougars have.
Now the Cougars defense has the most to prove because they don’t have the greatest track record when it comes to mobile QB’s, let alone two on the same team. Just look at UNI, Washington, and New Mexico. Yes, they won the games but the QB’s made them look ridiculous. Even though they won’t face another QB quite like Jake Locker of UW, you still have to be concerned with the two QB’s of TCU. They pass well and run really good. Now, I’ve looked at the stats for TCU and BYU doesn’t have to be as concerned with their pass defense but their rush defense is truly going to be challenged. When TCU has 4 players that have rushed for 200+ yards and two of them are your QB’s, and the top rusher is one of your QBs, then I say BYU should be concerned. All I can say is BYU better have a spy on the defensive side with his sole job being to watch the TCU QB’s, and he must do better than the Washington and New Mexico game.
Well, I am not going to ramble on anymore because I’ve felt that I’ve addressed my concerns about tomorrow’s game. Once again, I am not going to predict, I am only going to hope. I am going to hope that the Cougars are ready for tomorrow; hope they come out shooting right off the bat; hope that they’ve gained the killer instinct that BYU so needs (you can make friends after the game). Here’s hoping BYU comes out with a win. Gooooooo, Cougars!