2011 BYU Football - BCS Buster - National Champs

BYU Football: Jake Heaps should remain starter, Riley Nelson for situational play

2011-10-03T19:32:00.000-06:00

On September 30, 2011, the quarterback controversy at BYU that began over a year ago (and was presumably solved) heated up again. This time its seems to temperatures hotter than ever before. By now, you know that during the 3rd quarter of BYU's friday night victory over Utah State, BYU elected to bench Jake Heaps and allowed Riley Nelson to earn his stripes, which is exactly what he did.

Nelson lead three solid drives before the game was through. Two of those drives ended in touchdown passes. The third appeared to be on the same path but ended in a DiLuigi fumble near the red (blue) zone. The point is, Nelson was clearly able to move the ball down the field, something Heaps seemed to be struggling with earlier in the game, passing for a mere 11/25 and 107 yards.

So the big question now at the hands of the BYU coaches is what to do at the quarterback spot. Do you bench Jake Heaps and let him redshirt during Nelson's senior season? It appears that's what many fans think should happen. However, this might not be the best thing for the team. Nelson still may not be the best quarterback. There are a few reasons why Nelson's stellar performance against Utah State may not carry into future games.

First, Utah State's defense was daring our quarterbacks to run. Brandon Doman noticed it before he put Nelson in. We know this because Heaps carried the ball on three designed quarterback runs. Albeit, two of those were sneaks, the third was a wide open hole that would have gone for a touchdown if Heaps was more of a runner. If the fans could see this, obviously, Doman could too. Therefore, he knew that having a Nelson type quarterback to run those plays would work...and it did. Nelson finished the game with 62 yards rushing, most of which came on the game winning drive.

Secondly, Nelson was playing against his former team. Since transferring to BYU, I can only imagine the anticipation that has been building in Nelson to play Utah State. Moreover, last season, he was injured and had to watch his team get trampled while he sat helpless on the sideline. I think the motivation was there and Nelson was going to whatever it took to beat Utah State.

Speaking of motivation, the third and final contributor to Nelson's success may very well be the bottled up aggression he has had since a hot shot freshman stole his starting job last year. In 2009, Nelson was Max Hall's back up and presumably the starter for the 2010 season until Jake Heaps showed up with his national press conference. That's enough motivation for anyone to come out and play better than they ever have before.

The challenging aspect to all of these points is that none are sustainable from a long term perspective. Not all teams are going to open up the middle for our quarterback the way Utah State did. They were preparing for a non-mobile Jake Heaps. When Riley Nelson showed up, it just took too long for them to adjust. Now that Nelson is on film, other teams will have to at least respect the fact that we can use him and will prepare accordingly.

The motivational factors of Nelson's former team speaks for itself as BYU does not play any other former teams of Nelson. Trying to prove himself against the younger Heaps may give Nelson motivation for a small period of time, but like the other two will not be sustainable over time.

So if Bronco Mendenhall and Brandon Doman elect to go with Nelson, I presume that we would see a great showing in the next game with the following performances tapering off until we see the same Riley Nelson of last year. Remember how the crowd and media were calling for Heaps.

This is not to say that I don't think Nelson is a competitor and a relatively good quarterback. I saw visible signs of improvement from last year. His short to medium range passes looked much improved. Also, I was very happy to see that his "run first" play style has diminished. It seemed, last year, he would only pass if the run/scramble wasn't open. Nelson did a great job of staying in the pocket and making plays not only with his feet but also through the air.

However, it is clear from Nelson's pass to McKay Jacobson on the final drive of the game that his arm strength just isn't there. Even in his post game interview, he said that it was more of a prayer than a targeted throw.

So, if you are the BYU coaching staff, what do you do?

The best option for BYU at this point is to continue with Jake Heaps as the starter and the "main" quarterback. However, Riley Nelson's role should be increased as determined by the in-game situations. BYU can't continue only using Nelson on every 4th and two. Let him play in a short yardage situation and then keep him in the game to throw a quick pass on the next play. Keep the defenses on their toes. Right now, the defenses know that Riley comes into the game on 4th down and always runs an option left. This cannot go on for BYU to be successful.

Riley Nelson may not have the talent to be the starting quarterback, but he has proven that he is more than the 4th down quarterback. He has the skill to move the ball and be an integral part of the a dynamic BYU offense. If used correctly, the combination of Jake Heaps and Riley Nelson could leave every defense left on the schedule shaking their heads ask what just happened to them.

BYU @ Ole Miss Football Pictures

2011-09-07T13:21:00.001-06:00

BYU got a not-too-pretty win in Oxford, MS last Saturday. The final score was 14-13 with BYU topping the Ole Miss Rebels by a point. Below I have highlighted some pictures of the game. Enjoy!

Jake Heaps leads the team out of the tunnel before the game.

Bryan Kariya is brought down after a large gain.

McKay Jacobson carries the ball.

Jake Heaps adjusted his passing attack for a much better showing in the second half.

Kyle Van Noy pops the ball loose on 3rd down for the eventual game winning fumble and recovery

Kyle Van Noy recovers the fumble he caused in the end zone for the game winning score

Pre-season BYU Football Pictures

2011-08-26T09:55:00.002-06:00

As the BYU Football Cougars get ready to go to Oxford, MS to play the Ole' Miss Rebels, I thought I would share some of my favorite photos from last year. Just looking at these got me excited for the 2011 Season.

Jake Heaps - Ready to Fire

Cody Hoffman straddles the sideline in route to a touch down against UTEP

The next Harvey Unga - Josh (Juice) Quezada

Bryan Kariya - I know this is from 2009, but I couldn't resist putting in a picture of when BYU beat Oklahoma

This is from warm ups last year because Ross Apo didn't actually play due to injury, but who can't be excited for this kid

2010 BYU Football Schedule

2010-03-30T12:56:00.002-06:00

The 2010 BYU Football Schedule has officially been posted. BYU will match up with two school that are up and coming in their respective conferences. BYU football will take on Washington to open the 2010 football season. Two weeks later they will face Florida St in Tallahassee, Fl. Listed below is the rest of BYU's 2010 football schedule.

DATE	OPPONENT	LOCATION	TIME (MT)	TV
Sat., Sept. 4	Washington	Provo, UT	5:00 PM	CBS C
Sat., Sept. 11	Air Force	USAFA, CO	2:00 PM	Versus
Sat., Sept. 18	Florida State	Tallahassee, FL	TBD	TBD
Sat., Sept. 25	Nevada	Provo, UT	TBD	TBD
Fri., Oct. 1	Utah State	Logan, UT	TBD	ESPN
Sat., Oct. 9	San Diego State	Provo, UT	4:00 PM	The MTN
Sat., Oct. 16	TCU	Fort Worth, TX	2:00 PM	Versus
Sat., Oct. 23	Wyoming	Provo, UT	12:00 PM	The MTN
Sat., Nov. 6	UNLV	Provo, UT	12:00 PM	The MTN
Sat., Nov. 13	Colorado State	Fort Collins, CO	12:00 PM	The MTN
Sat., Nov. 20	New Mexico	Provo, UT	4:00 PM	The MTN
Sat., Nov. 27	Utah	SLC, UT	1:30 PM	The MTN

BYU Football - TCU - Pregame

2009-10-22T12:46:00.001-06:00

Everyone in the country will turn their eyes to Provo this weekend, as ESPN's college gameday showcases this weekend's only football game between ranked teams.

The no 8 TCU Horned Frogs come to visit the no. 16 BYU Cougars. The BYU football team is hoping to make up for their embarassing loss to TCU a year ago. In that game, the tables were turned. BYU was a top ten team believed to be headed for a BCS bowl and TCU spoiled their hopes. The cougars hope to return the favor this year in Provo.

Earlier this season many believed that the BYU football game against Oklahoma would be the biggest one of the season. After Oklahoma's turn of bad events that game isn't carrying as much weight any more. BYU needs this win in order to gain back some of the national recognition that has been lost after the Oklahoma mediocrity and the Florida State loss.

While many believe that BYU can't get into a BCS bowl game this year, there are people that believe that a dominant win againt TCU and a dominant win againt Utah could do the trick. It would probably also require a Boise State loss.

The game this saturday will be an interesting one. TCU has one of the best defenses in the nation and BYU has one of the best offenses in the country. Without a question, the game will hinge on BYU's defense. If they can shut down the TCU offense, BYU can win the game. If not, BYU can start playing re-run tapes of last year's game.

Last week against San Diego State, I think BYU saw one of the best offenses in the MWC. QB Ryan Lindley is an accurate passer and he has receivers that can catch the ball. TCU doesn't seem to have quite the offensive attack that SDSU had. They run a lot more than they pass. And BYU's run defense has been pretty solid this year. The gaps have been in the pass defense. Look for TCU to try to take advantage of BYU's small corners.

In the end, I think BYU has what it takes to win this game. I believe that if BYU can play solid defense and score early they will win the football game.

Prediction
BYU 34, TCU 28

College Gameday Coming to Provo

2009-10-19T09:19:00.001-06:00

ESPN's College GameDay is coming to Provo for the BYU, TCU football game this saturday. The game is set to kick off at 5:30pm. However, the college gameday show will begin at noon. The game will not be televised on ESPN or ABC, but the day's college football action will be brought to you from Provo.

Over the weekend the first BCS standings came out. BYU fell into place at 16. TCU is the leader of the conference at number 8. The no. 8 vs. no. 16 match-up is definitely the reason ESPN is coming to Provo this weekend.

This morning KSL interviewed Bronco Mendenhall and asked him how he felt about ESPN coming to LaVell Edwards Stadium for the game. He said that he was proud of his team. He feels they are a good football team and have deserved that kind of recognition. When asked how he would keep his team focused on the game and not the attention that will be brought to Provo on Saturday, he said that the preparation will be similar to how the team prepared for the Oklahoma game.

BYU Football - UNLV - Pre-game

2009-10-10T00:00:00.002-06:00

This saturday, BYU football heads on the road again. This week they will take on UNLV at Sam Boyd Stadium in Las Vegas, NV. BYU has been dominant in the series with UNLV over the past few years and it doesn't look like this game will be a problem for them either.

BYU is coming off a strong home win agains Utah State last week. However, now BYU is without their star receiver McKay Jacobson who injured his hamstring while stretching during warm ups.

This will allow room for some new receivers to shine. I expect that we will see a lot from Luke Ashworth and Spencer Hafoka. Each has seen more playing time this year than last, but has still essentially been playing in the shadow of Jacobson.

Many people are concerned with how this will affect BYU's passing game. However, I see it as a blessing in disguise. Over the past couple of years, BYU's passing game has had one or two dominant receivers that seem to stand out. Last year, it was Pitta and Collie. This year it is Pitta and Jacobson. I think this limits our abilities in the pass. It allows Max Hall to get comfortable with those few receivers and they always become his first targets. Which makes it that much easier for the defense to read. Just ask Hall, who has already thrown 10 interceptions this season, and just a couple of those were tipped balls.

It seems like BYU has the most success when they can throw the ball around the field to whoever they want. I think back to John Beck's senior season when he could throw to Collie (Zac), Allen, Meikle, Reed, Harline, Coats, Brown, and Vakapuna. I am excited to see this years receiving core develop into one where the defense has to play defense because they don't know who Hall is going to throw to.

I think we will see a lot more of that this game. I think BYU wins this one soundly.

BYU UNLV Prediction
BYU 42 - UNLV 14

BYU Football's Jacobson out 4-6 weeks

2009-10-05T22:23:00.001-06:00

While streching before Friday night's game against Utah State, BYU Football's McKay Jacobson injured his hamstring. He was held out of the game as a precautionary measure. Over the weekend, he had an MRI performed and it was found that he has a torn hamstring. Team doctors are reporting that he will be out four to six weeks.

In his stead, Bronco Mendenhall said that we will see Brett Thompson. Mendenhall made it clear that Thompson would not be taking the place of Ashworth and Hafoka. He would just be next in the depth chart and therefore would be seen on the field.

Assuming the worst (out 6 weeks), Jacobson would miss games against UNLV, San Diego State, TCU, Wyoming, and possibly New Mexico. This is a hard blow to the Cougars. Jacobson was really starting to come forth as taking the shoes of recently departed Austin Collie.

Austin Collie gets his First NFL Touchdown

2009-10-04T16:50:00.008-06:00

Earlier today, former BYU football wide receiver, Austin Collie, caught his first touchdown pass in the NFL. Payton Manning called an audible and found Collie in the corner of the endzone. It was a diving catch, which reminded BYU fans everywhere why Austin Collie is missed in Provo.

On the day, Collie caught 6 passes for 65 yards and 1 touchdown. It was a great afternoon for the rookie. We wish you the best Collie. Thanks for giving us a reason to watch football on Sundays.

BYU Football - Utah St - Final BYU 35 CSU 17

2009-10-03T09:18:00.000-06:00

I didn't get a chance to post my prediction about last night's game against Utah State, because I've been out of town. On the way to the game, I told my wife that I thought BYU would win the football game by three scores. However, I didn't expect it to play out the way it did. I actually expected BYU's score to be in the 50's.

The game started off as what looked like was going to be a shoot out. Utah State got on the score board first by capitalizing on a BYU turnover with a touchdown. BYU answered with a 6 yard TD catch by Dennis Pitta. The second quarter was owned by BYU. It wasn't the shootout that the game appeared it was going to be after the first quarter. BYU scored twice, including a touchdown in the final seconds of the second quarter on a turnover from Utah State. The third quarter may have been the most boring quarter of football I have ever watched. BYU didn't score and Utah State added only a field goal. The fourth quarter was better as BYU added two more scores and Utah State added one in the final seconds of the game.

BYU won the game soundly. After the second quarter, it didn't appear that Utah State had much of a chance.

McKay Jacobson didn't play in the game, which meant that Spence Hafoka and Luke Ashworth would take on more responsibility. Ashworth answered the call. He had 5 catches for 91 yards and one touchdown. I was impressed with his play.

BYU's BCS Hopes

2009-09-28T20:33:00.001-06:00

This weekend, my worst fear may have been realized when the new AP and Coaches polls were released. That is BYU most likely has no chance of going to a BCS bowl this year, even if they win the rest of their games.

This weekend, after what I felt was a solid win against a Colorado State football team that had been receiving votes in the polls, BYU football fell one spot in both the Coaches and the AP polls to 21 and 20 respectively. I was, quite honestly, surprised. I felt that the win showed that BYU was back on the right track and is still a powerful football team. In addition, four top twenty-five teams that were ranked ahead of BYU lost. However, of those teams only one of them fell below BYU in one poll (Mississippi). All of their losses were blowouts and the teams looked much worse than BYU did against FSU.

Here's the punchline. Big name programs hold on to their rankings better than BYU and voters won't put BYU back in a position that would allow them to play in a BCS game. Even if Boise State and Houston lose games and BYU beats TCU, the odds are that BYU won't ascend into the top 12 and therefore will not be allowed to play in a BCS bowl this year. Las Vegas Bowl, here we come ... for the fifth year in a row.

BYU Football - Colorado St - Final BYU 42 CSU 23

2009-09-26T23:40:00.000-06:00

It was a great game today for the BYU football team. In a game that many believed would be close, BYU jumped out to a quick 21-0 in the first quarter. Although Colorado St managed to put 23 points on the board, the game wasn't ever really close.

I was happy to see BYU football playing like traditional BYU football. Last week's loss to Florida St got me a little bit scared. (In addition, don't get me started on how mad I am that Florida St fell apart today against USF.) It looks like the team is back to what we saw against Oklahoma and Tulane.

BYU Football - Colorado St - Pre-game

2009-09-23T18:37:00.003-06:00

This week BYU football takes on the Colorado State Rams in Provo. Colorado State is currently 3-0. This week they look to open conference play with a statement game against19th ranked BYU Cougars. This is the best start the Rams have had in 15 years and you can bet they will be excited to play against the team that has dominated the MWC for the past three years. They won't go down without a fight.

At the beginning of the season, I thought of this game as sort of a gimme game for BYU football. CSU is usually a mid MWC team, that hasn't given BYU much trouble. Although, they had an impressive growing season last year, I didn't think they would present a large challenge for BYU.

However, after last week's humiliating loss to FSU, BYU showed they were vulnerable. The defense that had been unbreakable the first two weeks in the season, broke. They broke badly. The good news for BYU is that CSU's quarterback, Grant Stucker isn't as mobile as Christian Ponder. I don't think BYU will have trouble putting a fair amount of pressure on him.

In CSU's first three games, they have shown they can play with quality opponents and, in fact, beat them. Look for it to be a good game this weekend, but not as close as some may think. BYU's running game is better this year than it was last year. CSU has shown they are suceptible to the run allowing 169 rushing yards in their game against Nevada. Unga and Kariya will both have career days and the Cougars will win by three touchdowns.

Prediction

BYU 45 CSU 21

BYU Football - Florida St - Final

2009-09-19T20:55:00.001-06:00

As hard as it is for me to say, BYU got it handed to them on their home field today by Florida State. The defense that had been touted across the country as one that was unbreakable, broke. After only allowing 16 points their first two games of the season, the BYU defense allowed 54 points today.

The offense seems pretty reasonable. Max Hall's stats looked about average, but his average this year has be below what I would expect for a Sr. quarterback at BYU. In three games he has already thrown for 6 interceptions. That just won't get it done, when you are playing big name teams.

On a good note, I was happy to see Riley Nelson get a chance to take a few snaps. He appears to be an already developed quarterback and it will be fun to see him compete for the starting job next season. It was nice to see Harvey Unga back in the game. He rushed for 97 yards and appeared healthy on the plays he was in on.

I will say this 54-28 loss appears to completely dash any hopes that BYU had of playing in a BCS bowl. It may not be impossible, but it certainly looks grim.

Onward and upward, I guess. Next week the Cougars face Colorado State, a team that is on the rise. With today's loss I am concerned about the Rams. I hope Bronco has something in mind for practice this week that can get his team back on track.

The Mountain West is Gaining Recognition

2009-09-18T09:26:00.001-06:00

I found an article today on ESPN that ranks the FBS conferences based on what has transpired thus far in the season. Currently the Mountain West is sitting at the number four spot. The biggest boost they got was when the BYU football team beat Oklahoma 14-13 the first week of the season. The current conferences above the Mountain West are the SEC, the Big 12, and the PAC-10. The current rankings are:

1.   SEC
2.   Big 12
3.   PAC-10
4.   Mountain West
5.   ACC
6.   Big 10
7.   Big East
8.   Conference USA
9.   MAC
10. WAC
11. MAC

Complete Rankings

Max Hall Davey O'Brien Award Finalist

2009-09-17T13:00:00.001-06:00

The BYU football program has a long standing tradition of excellent quarterbacks. This year is no different. Max Hall has already proved that he belongs on the list of names that are known as great BYU quarterbacks.

Max Hall is currently in 3rd place on the Davey O'Brien finalist list. Fans are allowed to vote in the semifinalist rounds. Their votes account for 5% of the total vote. 5% is much higher than I expected for a fan vote. Rarely do fans ever get more than 1%. This is our chance to help BYU football return to its national recognition in the area of quarterbacks. Go vote today.

Davey O'Brien Voting Website

BYU Football - Florida St - Pre-Game

2009-09-16T19:14:00.005-06:00

This Saturday BYU will defend it's 18 game winning streak at Lavell Edwards Stadium. The BYU football team has not lost a game at home in three seasons. The journey to make it a fourth season will begin this Saturday at 5pm MT.

This weekend's match-up was one that I became very excited about before the season began. However, I have since lost some of the enthusiasiam due to the recent performance of Florida State. Against Miami, they played an okay game. I told myself that it was just a rivalry game and they are probably better than they looked. Then last week against Jacksonville State, I realized they may not be as good as originally thought. Their passing game seems solid, but that is about the only thing they have. Their run defense on the year has been loose and their pass defense has been worse.

The BYU football team has made leaps and bounds since last year. One area that didn't a lot of help, but has improved, is the pass game. Max Hall is more poised and has the potential to tear apart the Florida State defense. The variety of receivers that Hall can throw to this year has increased due to the loss of Austin Collie. This year 12 players have already caught at least one pass.

What has impressed me more than anything this year has been BYU's defense. I have enjoyed watching the defense mix things up. I was happy to see them confuse the Oklahoma offense. The BYU front defensive line many times didn't set up until seconds before the ball was snapped. It was an interesting tactic that wouldn't allow the Oklahoma offense to not get a read on the defense or who was blitzing.

One final note about the overal attitude of the BYU football team this year. The last few years, it has almost seemed that the attitude of BYU football is that it is wrong to get too excited. This year has been different. I have seen the players get excited about playing football and get excited about their wins. Way to go, Bronco!

Prediction
After two road games, BYU will be excited to finally play at home. The passing game will immediately be effective against the mediocre Florida State defense. When they try to adjust, BYU will open up the run game and the dominance will be shown. The saturday BYU football will win this one fairly easily by 24 points.

BYU 41, Florida State 17

BYU Football - Tulane - Post Game

2009-09-12T16:47:00.004-06:00

Max Hall is certainly making a name for himself after a second week passer rating of 170.49 in the BYU football team 54-3 victory over Tulane. With the exception of one interception, Max played the game just about as well as he could have. He completed passes to the open players. He made the right decisions on the key downs.

BYU soundly beat up on the Tulane this weekend, claiming a 2-0 starting record. I knew that Tulane was no Oklahoma, but I grossly over-estimated their abilities. I sincerely thought they would score at least two touchdowns in today's game. I guess if that says anything, it certainly says that BYU has a strong defense.

I would have to say that I feel Max Hall was the player of the game. Although he wasn't in pressure situations during this week, like he felt last week, he still held himself as the captain of the BYU football team. My hat off to him. He is showing himself as the leader that was lacking last season. This season he appears much more mature and more of a person that stays composed in pressure situations.

Bryan Kariya has stepped up in the stead of Harvey Unga. Unga didn't play in the game opener against Oklahoma, and he left early in today's game. However, without Unga no gap was felt in the back field. Kariya has showed he can run, he can catch, and he can block.

Up next - Florida State...in Provo.

BYU Football - Tulane

2009-09-11T07:42:00.003-06:00

I am not sure what to think about this weekend’s BYU football game against Tulane. I heard an interview with Tulane’s head coach yesterday. He spoke about the youth and inexperience of their program. He said that he hoped his team would be able to play competitively with BYU. It almost sounded as though he had no faith that his team would be able to even put up a fight against BYU.

It seems odd to me that a coach would be willing to admit that his team didn’t stand much of a chance against a top 10 team. Even though I agree with him, I wonder how you present that to your team in the locker room before the game. Therefore, I am not buying it.

Everyone around the country thinks that BYU is going to dominate Tulane in tomorrow’s football game. Therefore, why shouldn’t the coach play into their opinions and allow BYU to be lulled into a false sense of security. I think the only person in America that truly believes that Tulane can win this football game is their head coach.

Even if it is a ploy to get the BYU football team to look ahead to Florida State, I don’t think they will buy it. The culture of the BYU football team is different this year than it was last year. BYU is focused. They take time to celebrate their wins, but they continue to focus on the next game ahead while not looking ahead to what could come in the future.

I think this is a fairly easy game for BYU. I wasn’t impressed with Tulane’s game against Tulsa last week. BYU wins the football game soundly by three touchdowns.

Prediction

BYU 38, Tulane 17

Max Hall's Redemption

2009-09-10T12:25:00.002-06:00

ESPN Article

I found this article on ESPN today and I think it is worth a read. It talks a little about how Max Hall felt after last season, as the BYU Football team struggled to live up to the expectations that were put on them at the beginning of the 2008 season. It is heartfelt and I think it truly reflects Max's feeling on how BYU football has improved from last season.

ESPN Article

2009 BYU Football Schedule

2009-09-10T10:40:00.019-06:00

Date	Time (MT)	TV	Opponent	Location	Outcome	Articles
9/5	5:00PM	ESPN	Oklahoma	Arlington, TX	W, 14-13	1, 2, 3
9/12	1:30PM	ESPN2	Tulane	New Orleans, LA	W, 54-3	1, 2
9/19	5:00PM	Versus	Florida St.	Provo, UT	L, 54-28	1, 2
9/26	4:00PM	MTN	Colorado St.	Provo, UT	W, 42-23	1, 2
10/2	7:00PM	MTN	Utah St.	Provo, UT	W, 35-17	1
10/10	7:00PM	MTN	UNLV	Las Vegas, NV	W, 59-21	1
10/17	3:00PM	MTN	San Diego St.	San Diego, CA	W, 38-28
10/24	5:30PM	Versus	TCU	Provo, UT	L, 38-7	1
11/7	12:00PM	MTN	Wyoming	Laramie, WY
11/14	12:00PM	MTN	New Mexico	Albuquerque, NM
11/21	1:30PM	CBS C	Air Force	Provo, UT
11/28	3:00PM	MTN	Utah	Provo, UT

BYU Oklahoma Game

2009-09-07T21:00:00.009-06:00

What a weekend it has been for college football. Okay, not really. Most of it turned out the way the analysts predicted, with the exception of one game - BYU vs. Oklahoma. Nobody expected BYU to play as well as they did against the number 3 team in the country.

Key to the Win
Many people have said it was Max Hall who was instrumental in BYU's upset of Oklahoma. While I feel he was key leader in the game and led a very important scoring drive in the fourth quarter, I feel there was anothe key to BYU's suceess on the football field. The defense was excellent. They held the Sooners to only 265 total yards in the game. If you want to blame that on Bradford's injury, think again. The reigning heisman trophy winner, only threw for 96 yards in the first half, which means he was on track for about 200 or so total yards passing. Wasn't his average last year something like 500 yards per game? The Cougar defense was impecable.

The offensive line deserves credit too. While many say that Oklahoma's struggles began with their "rookie" offensive line, I believe that BYU's "rookie" offensive line did an excellent job of protecting Max Hall. They are "rookie" and did make some mistakes. So I can't call them the key to the win, but I do feel that they did an excellent job and will undoubtably soon be as strong if not stronger than last years line.

One Last Thought
I am happy to have McKay Jacobson back from his mission. Austin Collie will be missed, but Jacobson will fill his shoes well. He was a bit jittery in his first game back and in front of a crowd full of his family and hometown friends. But he will do better and become BYU's leading receiver this season.

Way to go Cougars. You beat the Oklahoma and got your picture plastered all over ESPN's front page.

BYU Oklahoma Results

2009-09-05T20:37:00.006-06:00

BYU upsets Oklahoma in incredible fashion, and on national television. With three minutes left in the game Max Hall hit wide open McKay Jacobson in end zone to put BYU on top of Oklahoma, 14-13. In a last effort, OU kicked a 54 yard field goal that was wide left and short. BYU kneeled on it three times and upset the No. 3 ranked Oklahoma Sooners.

More of my thoughts to come later...right now I am celebrating.

Jake Heaps to sign with BYU

2009-06-03T23:34:00.003-06:00

It was announced today that the nation's number one high school quarterback, Jake Heaps, will announce tomorrow, June 4, 2009, that he plans to sign with BYU after his senior season of high school football. Heaps just finished his junior year at Skyline High School in Seattle, WA, where in two seasons he has helped is team to a 28-0 record.

The announcement comes at a perfect time for BYU fans everywhere. Heaps, as strong leader, will step in just in time to fill the shoes of current quarterback Max Hall. Hall will be completing his senior season this fall and BYU will need a new leader to step up and lead the cougars as the compete to become again a national power.

Stay tuned for more to come on the announcement of Jake Heaps.

BYU 2009 Official Schedule

2009-04-15T08:47:00.004-06:00

BYU recently announced their complete schedule for the 2009 football season. It includes some exciting match ups including, Oklahoma, Florida St, Utah, and TCU for homecoming. Below is the complete schedule.

Sept 5 - Oklahoma (Dallas, TX)
Sept 12 - Tulane
Sept 19 - Florida State
Sept 26 - Colorado State
Oct 2 - Utah State
Oct 10 - UNLV
Oct 17 - San Diego St.
Oct 24 - TCU (Homecoming)
Nov 7 - Wyoming
Nov 14 - New Mexico
Nov 21 - Air Force
Nov 28 - Utah

Home games listed in bold.

Austin Collie to Enter 2009 NFL Draft

2009-01-10T12:51:00.004-07:00

In a press conference yesterday, Austin Collie declared that he would forgo his senior season with the Cougars and enter the 2009 NFL Draft. For complete details, click here.

BYU 2009 Schedule

2009-01-09T10:08:00.005-07:00

BYU has finalized their non-conference schedule for 2009. There are some revisions to the original opponents, but if you're a BYU fan, you can't complain about who the cougars will play. 2009 already looks to be a good year posting the best home schedule BYU has played in years. Home opponents will include, Florida State, Utah State, Air Force, Colorado State, TCU, and Utah.

In addition to an excellent home schedule, BYU will also face Oklahoma in what proves to be a quality season opening game. The game will be played on September 5, 2009 at the new Dallas Cowboys stadium in Arlington, Texas. The BYU-Oklahoma match-up will be the first game played in the new stadium which will be the new home of the Cotton Bowl. The Labor Day weekend contest will kick off in primetime and be televised on ABC or ESPN as part of the second annual ESPN Kickoff Week presented by Gillette.

For complete details, click here.

The rest of the non-conference schedule is as follows.

September 5 - Oklahoma - Arlington, TX
September 12 - Tulane - New Orleans, LA
September 19 - Florida State - Provo, UT
October 2 - Utah State - Provo, UT

Future Opponents

2009-01-05T09:56:00.002-07:00

BYU will have good chance to make a run at the BCS again next year, especially since Coach Bronco Mendenhall has said that he won't schedule any more FCS opponents. The 2009 schedule boasts non-conference powerhouses from the PAC-10 and the ACC. Below I have listed the non-conference schedules for 2009, 2010, 2011, and 2012.

2009 BYU Schedule
@ Arizona State
Florida State
Utah State
Nevada

2010 BYU Schedule
Washington
@Florida State
@Utah State

2011 BYU Schedule
@ Washington
Arizona State
Utah State

2012 BYU Schedule
Washington
Utah State
Boise State

BYU at Utah - Pre-game thoughts

2008-11-20T13:32:00.003-07:00

First thought: Utah is beatable. Many of the news media and sports analysts think this game is no question. They say BYU doesn't have a chance. I disagree.

With that being said, I will not go as far as to say that BYU will dominate Utah. To say that would mean that I haven't been watching football at all this year. I do believe that Utah is a good team. They have beaten some quality teams this year.

However, in my opinion, Utah's offense is its greatest flaw this year. This is evidenced by the fact that their kicker is idolized by everyone at the University. A truly good offense does not rely on a kicker, but rather sees their kicker as last resort in case they are not able to get into to the end zone.

In five of Utah's games this year (Michigan, Air Force, Oregon St, New Mexico, and TCU), their win has come in the last few minutes of the game. Some credit Brian Johnson for leading such brilliant come backs. However, I believe that, in some instances, it was the poor play of Johnson earlier in the game that required him to put together a come back. I'm not saying that Johnson is not a good quarterback, but he is definitely not a good quarterback all the time. That inconsistency makes the Utes beatable. When the oposing defense has shut down Johnson, the Ute defense has had to win the game for them.

The Utah defense is getting a lot of well deserved praise for its quickness. However, they have yet to face a passing attack like what BYU has in place. The only way to get to BYU's passing offense is to get to Max Hall. I don't see this happening. Utah has one of the smallest defensive lines in the conference. BYU has the biggest offensive line. I believe that Utah's quickness won't make up for the lack of size against the BYU front five. Utah's quickness might help them to get one sack, but otherwise Max will have the time he needs to find Pitta, Collie, Reed, George, or Unga.

BYU's defense continues to get criticism. Nobody seems to remember that this is the defense that allowed only 10.17 ppg in its first 6 contests, including two shutouts. I will be the first to admit that BYU's defense hasn't been playing as well lately, but I saw a change during the second half of the Air Force game. BYU looked more like the defense they played at the first of the year. Although BYU's UCLA shutout has proven to not be as presigous as it seemed, BYU will come into this weekend's game with the same type of intensity.

Keys to the Game
BYU's defense needs to stop the direct snap plays. TCU showed the conference that directly snapping the ball to the tailback, works against BYU. Since that game, everyone has done it. Utah will be not different. They will snap it to Asiata or Mack 10 or so times.

Score in the red zone. Utah's defense has been stingy this year. BYU needs to capitalize on every opportunity they get to score. Utah's offense has proven that it can't score on a consistent basis. So if BYU can constantly score, BYU should win the game.

Predicted Score
BYU 27, Utah 23

Road to the BCS

2008-11-18T15:45:00.004-07:00

So, here come all the questions. What are the implications of this weekend's rivalry game between BYU and Utah? Obviously, for Utah, it means a MWC title and a BCS berth. The real question is this. If BYU wins, will it be enough to boost them above Boise St and give them a BCS berth. Your guess is as good as mine, but here is what I think.

Earlier in the year, no. 24 TCU beat no. 9 BYU. TCU essentially plays the same schedule as BYU with the exception of Oklahoma, who beat TCU. After beating BYU, TCU jumped nine spots to 15 in the USA Today's coaches poll. Now before you start doing the math (i.e. no. 14 BYU beats no. 7 Utah = jumping more than nine spots) remember that was mid-season. This game will be played at the end of the season. You may wonder what's the difference. Some even think that a win at the end of the season carries more weight.

It is true that a loss later in the season is harder to make up, but that doesn't necessarily mean that games later in the year carry more weight. As a matter of fact, I would venture to say that they actually carry less. The BCS computer rankings use averages, therefore each game carries less and less weight as every other game is played. Let me give you an example.

Suppose you were to take the price of a hamburger in three different locations and find the average price. Let's say the prices are as follows:

location 1 - $3.50
location 2 - $3.25
location 3 - $7.50

The average of these burgers is $4.75, which means that obviously the burger in location 3 carries a lot of weight. Now let's add three more locations.

location 4 - $3.00
location 5 - $3.25
location 6 - $3.50

Now the average of all six locations is $4.00. So you can see that each location carries less weight. The same thing happens with BCS computer rankings. As you accumulate more games, each game carries less and less weight.

Therefore, I don't believe that BYU beating Utah will boost BYU enough in the computer polls to surpass Boise St. However, I think it would put BYU one rank below them.

But wait there are two other components to the BCS standings - the human voters in the coaches poll and the harris poll. This is where I think BYU will surpass Boise State. An impressive victory over a no. 7 Utah team will give BYU a stronger resume than Boise State, even if they do end up undefeated.

So my thoughts are, yes, BYU does still have a shot at the BCS. They are going to have to beat a decent Utah team, but I think they can do it.

Pre-Game Thoughts - San Diego State

2008-11-07T13:26:00.003-07:00

I have put off writing this week's pre-game thoughts because, well it's San Diego State. I know that you are supposed to have respect for every opponent, but let's be honest. Does San Diego State have what it takes to really even make it a game.

Saturday the Cougars play their last home game of the season. They are 5-0 at home this season and it looks like they will be 6-0 at home by the end of Saturday afternoon. San Diego State has had a rough season, to say the least. Their low point was a 7-70 loss to the New Mexico Lobos. The closest they got in conference play was a heart breaking loss against Colorado State. Their final three games will probably prove to be their hardest ones of the season, at BYU, Utah, and UNLV. Their best chance is to beat a banged up UNLV team that doesn't have their star quarterback.

With TCU falling to Utah last night, a win for BYU would definitely put them about TCU in the BCS standings. It also means that BYU still has a shot at winning a share of the MWC if they beat Utah on November 22. Which brings me to an interesting question. If BYU, Utah, and TCU all end the season with one conference loss and essentially all tie for the MWC title, would any go to a BCS bowl?

Many analysts say that none would go to a BCS bowl because there would be no way to decide which to take. I, however, have a different oppinion. TCU will fall this week because of their loss to Utah. They won't fall far because it was a close game and Utah was ranked ahead of them, but TCU only has one game left this season. Their fall will probably push them at least to the lower teens and one win against Air Force won't be enough to get them back into the top 12, especially since they have two bye weeks when other teams will be playing.

Utah will move up in the polls this week, but probably not much. The top 8 are pretty solid, but one will definitely lose because Texas Tech and Oklahoma St play each other. Utah might jump one spot. I think when BYU plays in Salt Lake City, Utah will be 6th or 7th.

A win this week for BYU and a win against Air Force, will get BYU into the upper teens by November 22nd, probably 11 or 12. By this same time, if BSU keeps winning, they will probably stay around 9 or 10. I don't think voters will give them much more than that since the WAC is weak this year. With that being said, if BYU beats Utah, they could theoretically jump BSU in the BCS standings and end up as the top non-BCS qualifier. The selection committee would have no choice but to put BYU in a BCS bowl, because they would have earned the automatic berth being the highest ranked non-BCS conference champion.

Well that was a mouthful of a pre-game thought article, but it is a lot more interesting than talking about how much BYU is going to whoop SDSU by.

Predicted Score
BYU 42, SDSU 7

Pre-Game Thoughts - Colorado State

2008-10-31T10:53:00.003-06:00

Other than a home match up against San Diego St. in a couple of weeks, BYU's final stretch doesn't look too easy. Colorado St. has definitely benefited from new head coach Steve Fairchild. A program that won only two games last year is now flirting with bowl eligibility sitting at 4-4. With Wyoming, on their schedule they really only have to worry about winning one other game. But it won't be easy as they still have to play BYU, Air Force, and New Mexico. All three teams are leaders in the MWC this year.

Knowing they don't have an easy road to bowl eligiblity, Colorado St. will be well prepared for BYU this saturday. The might also be very angry after coming off a close win that should have been a blow out against San Diego St. In a game where Colorado St. racked up 507 total yards compared the SDSU's 392, you would have thought the game would have been decided by a lot more than 4 points.

BYU should be finding some anger as well after narrowly winning a shootout with UNLV last saturday. Many of the national media felt the win should have been much more lop sided, and therefore BYU stayed static is the polls while multiple other teams leapfrogged the cougars. However, the fact of the matter is UNLV is playing much better than their record shows. Their team is taking every game down to the wire and simply not finding a way to close the deal. How easily critics forget that this is the same UNLV team that beat a 13th ranked Arizona St team and a very good Iowa St team. They are a very good football team.

This week BYU will look to quiet the national media (or get them saying the right things, which ever you prefer) by beating a much improved Colorado St team. However, they are going to have to do it soundly to get any national attention. This week all eyes are on Utah and TCU as they prepare for a thursday night showdown next week in Salt Lake City.

This game, just like last week, has the potential to be a shoot out. Colorado St has the ability to put points on the board. They will score and the cougars need to be ready to also put points on the board. Although the potential is there, I don't believe this game will be as close as last week's. BYU has a defensive front that matches up well with the running game of Colorado St.

Predicted Score
BYU 42, Colorado St. 20

Pre-Game Thoughts - UNLV

2008-10-24T12:56:00.003-06:00

As a BYU fan, you typically wouldn't think of a UNLV team as a challenge. However, this weeks match up brings with it the same set of challenges as the last two games. UNLV delivers a powerful run game, with the back pocket option to pass.

As the year has progressed, UNLV has seen its good games and bad games. While their record doesn't show a lot of consistency, there is no mistaking that Omar Clayton is getting better with each game he plays. Last week against New Mexico, he completed 19 of 30 passes for 251 yards, averages for a BYU quarterback, but pretty good numbers for the rest of the conference. His offensive counterpart big Frank Summers is a monster in and of himself. Clayton is really just a back up if Summers can't get the job done. Averaging almost 5 yards per carry, Summers is a force to be reckoned with.

The rebels are coming off a tough one point loss to Air Force. They are greedy for revenge. And with BYU losing last week they will be looking for blood this saturday.

The cougars haven't lost back to back conference games since 2005, but be careful because in 2005 the first of those two losses was to TCU.

Last week's defeat was difficult for BYU. Although they played tough, mistakes seemed to plague both the offense and defense. Multiple turnovers and missed opportunities kept the cougars to only 7 points on the board, while those same turnovers turned into points for TCU. I have no doubt that this weeks practice regime was not easy for the cougars. Bronco has said that the team simply wasn't prepared for TCU. I'm sure that won't be the case this week.

Keys to the Game
Run Defense
I keep saying this, but it keeps killing us. BYU has got to stop the run. Allowing teams like TCU and New Mexico to run, opened up pass opportunities that shouldn't have been available to them.

Get back to BYU
BYU has traditionally been a passing team. Harvey Unga has added a ground element to their attack this year. BYU can't leave it all on the shoulders of Harvey. He really is a secondary weapon to the BYU passing attack. BYU needs to come out and play like the BYU that clobbered UCLA.

MWC Mix Up

2008-10-23T10:04:00.004-06:00

I have been avoiding my blog for the past week, but realize now that I have to start writing again. After BYU deflating loss to TCU last week, I think everybody is Provo is down.

Although, getting BYU to a BCS bowl would take a small miracle, the MWC champion is still far from decided. Still in the running are Utah, TCU, Air Force, and BYU. Unfortunately for Air Force and BYU, they aren't completely in charge of their own destiny. Even if either BYU or Air Force win the remainder of its games, they could still end up in second place. BYU needs to beat Utah and have TCU lose. Air Force needs to beat TCU and have Utah lose. So you can see there is still quite a bit of football left to play that will decide the MWC champion.

So, here the question that everyone wants answered. Could BYU still go to a BCS bowl? The answer is yes. The odds are that they won't, but here's how things would have to work out for them to go. BYU first and foremost has to win the MWC. If they don't, there's no chance. If they win the MWC, that would mean they would have beat Utah in the last regular season game, which would put them ahead of Utah in the polls. If the win the MWC, that would mean that TCU lost and would also be behind BYU in the polls. Essentially, BYU should be the top MWC team in the polls. The only other non-BCS team would be Boise St. If Boise St. goes undefeated, they will probably end up higher in the polls than a one-loss MWC team, but with how weak the WAC is this year, people have said they could fall below a one-loss MWC team. If BYU could somehow leap frog Boise St. there is hope. The next question becomes, how high would BYU have to be ranked? This year is looking good for that question. Normally a non-BCS conference champ would have to be ranked 12 or above to earn the automatic berth. However, if they are ranked 16 or above and ranked higher than a champion of a BCS conference they get an automatic berth. This year the ACC and the Big East are struggling. It could easily end up that the champion of either of those conferences ends up below 16 in the final BCS standings.

That was a mouthful, but that's what would have to happen for BYU to get to a BCS bowl this year. I know it sounds impossible, but we can dream.

ESPN Showcasing BYU

2008-10-16T15:11:00.004-06:00

Checkout the front page of ESPN.com. The lead article showcase's BYU as the top non-BCS school in the country and one of ESPN's top picks for the 2008 season.

This picture was actually from earlier today. The picture has moved to the bottom of the page, but it can still be seen along with other pictures of Max Hall. Apparently BYU's match-up tonight against TCU is one deserving of national attention. Obviously it is, this game and the November 22 clash against Utah will decide the fate of BYU in the BCS. It's nice to see BYU getting some of the attention it deserves.

Below are the links to ESPN's current articles about BYU.
Hall poised to become one of BYU's best QBs
Breaking the huddle at the season's halfway point

BYU at TCU, Pregame Thoughts

2008-10-15T12:34:00.003-06:00

Thursday's match-up between BYU and TCU will is shaping up to be the most important game BYU will play until November 22, when the Cougars face their in-state rival the Utes. TCU has once again proved it deserves national recognition by jumping back into the Coaches poll. They currently sit at number 24, which makes this game that much better for BYU's BCS hopes.

Last week, the Cougars faced a powerful rushing offense in the New Mexico Lobos. It gave the BYU defense some difficulties, but their "bend, but don't break" philosophy seemed to work well for them. Although they gave up 285 total yards, they only gave up 3 points on the score board.

TCU has a similar run game, but struggled against a rebuilding Colorado St. team last week. Their high powered run offense was limited to only 13 points on two scores, all of which came in the first half.

This game will be BYU's first real test against a team that deserves all the hype they are given before the game. UCLA was supposed to be a tough team that would give the Cougars trouble. 59-0 made UCLA look like a Jr. College team. Since then the Bruins haven't done much and will be lucky to end the season as a mediocre Pac-10 team. TCU is different. They have already proved that they deserve the attention they are getting. Their only lose was to then no. 1 Oklahoma, who very much deserved to be no. 1 at the time. (The evidence is that they only dropped a few spots after their loss to Texas.)

Even though there are those out there that favor TCU, I believe BYU can and will pull it off on Thursday.

Keys to the Game (Similar to New Mexico)
Run Defense
TCU is good on the ground, maybe better than New Mexico. The "bend, but don't break" philosophy won't work against TCU. If BYU allows TCU to have ground yardage, they will score. If they can't run, TCU has a hard time passing.

Quick Start
We saw how BYU struggled agains't New Mexico, when they didn't score first. It is imperative they score first. I would say, if BYU wins the coin toss they should want to recieve.

Two-dimensional Offense
BYU needs to establish a run game and a pass game. TCU's defense is too good. If they stop one of BYU's offensive attacks, BYU won't stand a chance with the other. They have to keep the defense honest.

Predicted Score
BYU 31, TCU 27

Pre-Game Thoughts - New Mexico

2008-10-09T18:09:00.004-06:00

BYU comes into Saturday's game still holding on to the nation's longest win streak (15). The Cougars will square up with the Lobos in a game that many believe will keep BYU's win streak alive. Although New Mexico may be BYU toughest test yet, most analysts pick BYU by 23 points.

BYU is coming off a poor 4th quarter against a Utah State team that really didn't play as well as the score made it look. During that 4th quarter the Cougars gave up two touchdowns, while almost giving up a third. During the quarter BYU didn't score and Max Hall was called for a personal foul that he seemed to commit out of frustration.

New Mexico prides itself on its running game. They average over 200 yards per game, which a split between their two stars, Rodney Ferguson and Paul Baker. New Mexico has struggled to win this year, but thier signature win over Arizona leaves every opponent wondering if that New Mexico team will come to play.

Overall, I have to agree with the the analysts. Even though New Mexico has that potential, BYU is playing at home and should win by at least 3 touchdowns.

Keys to the Game
Run Defense
This season BYU defense has shown that its only weakness is run defense. BYU has played two games that they have not completely dominated, Washington and Utah State. The reason they struggled was because of the run. Both teams were allowed to run when they wanted to. New Mexico has the potential to do the same.

Keep Poised
BYU fell apart in the fourth quarter against Utah State. They were flagged for multiple penalties in the quarter. Not to mention they had 12 total penalties for 123 yards.

Predicted Score
BYU 41, New Mexico 17

BYU continues winning streak against Utah St, 34-14

2008-10-04T07:53:00.003-06:00

In a game that was never a question for BYU fans, Utah State made the score look like it was a lot closer than it really was. The BYU defense shut out the Aggies for the first three quarters, but allowed two scores in the fourth quarter after defensive capitain David Nixon left the game with an injury.

BYU started this game quickly scoring 24 points in the first quarter. The defense forced USU to punt on their first posession. After that it only took three plays for Max Hall to find Austin Collie. Collie hauled in the pass and turned the corner on two USU defenders to go 76 yards for the touchdown.

That was just the beginning of the first quarter scoring frenzy for BYU. On the next USU posession, quarterback Diondre Borel fumbled the football. BYU defensive back, Brandon Bradley, scooped up the ball and ran it 35 yards for the touchdown. On the next USU posession, the BYU defense caused another fumble, and the offense capitalized with a 44 yard field goal by Mitch Payne. USU's next posession was ended on the first play when David Nixon intercepted a pass. The offense took one play to score. Harvey Unga ran it in from 11 yards out to make the score 24-0 at the end of the first quarter.

The second quarter was really rather boring, with no points being scored by either team. The third quarter picked up with BYU scoring 10 more points, putting them ahead 34-0 and continuing an 11 quarter shutout. It ended, however, in the fourth quarter, when the BYU defense looked like it was playing its first game of the season. They allowed two scores, and almost three. USU put one in the end zone with only a few seconds on the clock, but it was called back by a penalty. BYU ended the last play of the game by sacking QB Diondre Borel.

This game reminded me of Nick Saban's comments on his Alabama team's big win over Georgia a week ago. He said that the game was a coaches dream because they won the game, but his team played so poorly in the second half that he still had so much to work on in practice. I imagine Bronco Mendenhall has similar feelings. I'm sure he was happy to win the game, but probably walked out of the stadium with a list of things to work on before they take on New Mexico next week.

Player of the Game
Austin Collie
Collie hauled in 8 passes for 132 yards and two touchdowns. His long of 76 was a signature play that will show up on Collie's highlight reel for years. Although Pitta appeared to be Hall's favorite target as the season opened, Collie has now emerged as the top BYU reciever.

Pre-Game Thoughts - Utah State

2008-10-01T10:07:00.004-06:00

This Friday the Cougars travel to Logan, where they hope to put up another dominating win on their journey to the BCS. The eighth ranked Cougars have pitched two straight shutouts in their last two outings and it's not unlikely to think that they could put up a third one this weekend.

Utah State finally got its first win last week against Idaho. Surprising to most people, USU actually looked pretty good in the second half, particularly in the fourth quarter. They scored three times making the score against Idaho, look pretty lopsided. USU racked up 580 total yards in the game, which is a season best for the USU offense.

USU's second half against Idaho, is probably the only thing that makes USU even look like they have a chance at beating BYU. Although I don't think USU has much of a chance against Max Hall and his arsenal of offensive weapons, after last week, we have learned that every team has to be prepared for every opponent. This doesn't exclude BYU from preparing for the Aggies.

Keys to the Game
Shut down the run. USU has made most of their yards they year on the ground. While BYU's defense has been tough on opponents, the run is the one weakness that could be expoloited by the right team.

Get Started Early. USU has shown that they can get at a team in the fourth quarter. BYU needs to jump out early and create a lead that can't be broken down in the fourth quarter.

Predicted Score
BYU 42, USU 0

Upset Weekend Gives BYU Fans a Smile

2008-09-28T09:13:00.004-06:00

Even though the cougars were off yesterday, there was plenty of reason for cougar fans to be watching college football this weekend. It all started with USC being upset by Oregon St, but it didn't stop there. Three other top 10 teams fell also. No. 4 Florida lost on a blocked extra point to Mississippi St. No. 9 Wisconsin got beat my Michigan in the big house. Then, in prime time, No 3. Georgia fell badly to a national champion type performance by No. 8 Alabama.

This shake up can only be good for the no. 11 Cougars. I imagine Florida and Georgia will remain in the top 15 in this week's polls. Wisconsin will fall at least 10 spots, but will probably still remain in the top 25. The question then becomes, "Will voters have the guts to put BYU ahead of Florida and Georgia?" I think BYU will actually end up inbetween the two. Georgia will only fall a few spots because there loss was to a very good ranked opponent. BYU will fall behind them. Florida will fall a couple of spots below BYU. Here's how I see it.

1. Oklahoma
2. Alabama
3. Missouri
4. Texas
5. LSU
6. Texas Tech
7. Georgia
8. BYU
9. Penn St.
10. Florida

As an important side note, the upsets also helped Max Hall's hopes for the Heisman. He now sits in the number 3 position behind, Missouri's Chase Daniel, and Oklahoma's Sam Bradford. Click here.

Does USC's loss to the Beavers help BYU?

2008-09-26T13:58:00.004-06:00

If you haven't heard yet, you must be brain dead, because it's been all over ESPN all day. Last night, the lowly Beavers of Oregon State took on the mighty Trojans and won. I won't recap the game for you. There are plenty of good reviews out there. Here is one.

So, the question becomes, "What does this mean for other teams around the country? (Especially BYU)" Well, it doesn't mean that we have to be worried about Oregon State jumping into the polls and creating competition for the BCS. They didn't look that good. USC just looked bad, real bad. To say they looked like a top 10 team would be an absolute lie. To say they looked like a top 25 team, would be a stretch. I estimate they will drop at least 9 spots in the polls this week. It should be more, but USC seems to have a pretty reliable following.

What this does for BYU and other BCS hopefuls is give them a little more hope this year. It is now very likely that we will see a national championship with two "one loss" teams. As the top SEC team play each other, they will inevitably knock each other off. So will the Big Ten and Big 12 teams. If BYU can complete the season undefeated, they can pretty much count on a BCS invitation.

Some say there is a chance of BYU playing in the national championship. As much, as I would like that to happen, I don't think it will. We would have to see all of the top 10 teams with two losses and BYU undefeated. BYU can and will go undefeated this year, but we won't see teams like Oklahoma, Missouri, and Florida with more than one loss.

What are your thoughts? How much does Oregon State's win help BYU?

Hall Getting National Heisman Attention

2008-09-23T16:40:00.003-06:00

In a recent article about week 4 performances in college football, ESPN's Mark Schlabach mentioned Max Hall's name with the other Heisman candidates.

Since the beginning of the season, Max Hall's name has been thrown around in Provo as a Heisman candidate, but not much national attention has been shown. However, in today's article "On the Mark: Week 4" by Mark Schlabach, not only was the Mountain west conference mentioned a being better this year than the Pac-10, the ACC, and the Big East. Max Hall was also brought up as a candidate for this years Heisman trophy. Of course, leading BYU to a BCS game this year would certainly help his cause.

For the complete article click here.

Analysts put BYU in the BCS

2008-09-23T09:39:00.004-06:00

Last week, ESPN analyst, Mark Schlabach, predicted that BYU would face up against Georgia in this years Allstate Sugar Bowl. This week, his co-worker, Joe Fieldman, has joined in with similar feelings. Joe put BYU in the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl against the the Sooners of Oklahoma. Complete bowl predictions can be found here.

With the way BYU is playing, its hard to not see national attention. In the past two games the extremely efficient BYU offense has scored a combined 103 points and the defense has allowed 0 points. That's right two shutouts in a row, and with Utah State on the way there is a good chance it could end up being three shutouts in a row.

If the two shutouts don't grab your attention, check out the season stats for the defense. In four games the BYU defense has caused 8 fumbles and intercepted 4 passes. The defense has scored twice (fumble recovery ran in for touchdown, interception ran back for touchdown). But overall, how's this stat for you. The defense only gives up an average 11 points per game. Its counterpart offense scores an average of 43 points per game. This combination makes BYU nearly a tough opponent on either side of the ball.

Thank you national media for finally giving BYU the recognition it deserves.

BYU gets second straight shutout with 44-0 win over Wyoming

2008-09-20T19:16:00.006-06:00

For the second straight week, BYU walked all over their opponent. However, today's offense wasn't quite as impressive this week because the defense did a lot of the work. In both the first and third quarters, the defense turned turnovers into points on the board without the help of the offense.

On the first drive of the game, Wyoming seemed to be making a quick strike. They threw a lateral on the BYU 36 yard line. The pass was incomplete, but Scott Johnson was smart enough to recognize that the incomplete pass was actually a fumbled ball. Johnson scooped up the ball and ran it 64 yards for the score.

That was BYU's only score in the first quarter. The second quarter was when the offense started to get together. BYU scored three times. One on a one yard run from Harvey Unga. The other two came on Austin Collie receptions, including a 62 yard pass from Max Hall.

Collie was Hall's favorite reciever today. He had 8 receptions for 122 yards and two touchdowns. Hall also connected with Harvey Unga in the third quarter for Hall's third touchdown pass.

It was in the third quarter that the defense put their second set of points on the board. Wyoming's quarterback Karston Sween attempted a pass. It was tipped and David Nixon came down with the ball and ran it 17 yards for the score. With the exception of a 31 yard field goal, by Justin Sorensen, that ended BYU's scoring for the day.

BYU pull all of its starters by the mid third quarter. Obviously this was to done in part to preserve the health of the starters and give other's some experience. Some criticize Bronco Mendenhall for not trying to boost the teams stats and look better for the nation critics. Bronco's response was simple. "If that's at the expense of polls, rankings or points, then it's at that expense," Mendenhall said. "I have been around selfish teams that do that. That's not who we will be."

Although BYU's stats only looked "average" in todays win, the nation will have no way on not acknowledging two straight shutout wins by the Cougars.

Player of the Game
This week's player of the game goes to Austin Collie. Collie had 8 receptions for 122 yards and two touchdowns. His long today was 62 yards for a touchdown. Collie has proved to be consistently Max Hall's primary target. During the first two games, many believed that Dennis Pitta was emerging as the Hall's primary reciever. However, in 4 games Collie is averaging 7.5 catches and 96.5 yards per game.

BYU-Wyoming, Pre-game thoughts

2008-09-18T09:23:00.003-06:00

Its hard to give your true pre-game thought to this game without being disrespectful to Wyoming. However, I will try.

Wyoming is 2-1 (0-1 MWC). Their two wins came over Ohio and North Dakota State. Both wins were close games that the cowboys easily could have let slip away from them. Their only loss is to Air Force, who came to Wyoming and walked all over the cowboys, handing them a 23-3 loss.

BYU owns the nation's longest winning streak at 13 consecutive wins. They look to lengthen that to 14 this saturday at home where they have not lost to the cowboys since 1987. BYU's high powered passing attack averages 387 yards per game, which is the fifth highest in the country. And BYU doesn't do it with one reciever alone. They keep you guessing while throwing to at least 5 recievers on a constant basis. (That number will shrink just a little with Michael Reed being out for 2-4 week on a knee injury.) The good news for Wyoming is that their defense has held its opponents to under 300 total yards in all three of its games. The bad news is they haven't played anyone with nearly as explosive an offense as BYU and we haven't even talked about BYU's running game yet.

Wyoming's running game, however, is the silver lining in their offense. The combination of Devin Moore and Wynel Seldon has given people trouble this season. Combined they average 158 yards per game. This could be their only hope against BYU, especially since their quarterback Dax Crum is not known for passing. He only has 273 yards this season and 3 interceptions.

Even with Wyoming's solid running game, its hard to imagine that they have much hope against BYU's defense that such out a decent UCLA team last week 59-0. The defense caused 4 fumbles and 1 interception against the team the beat previously ranked Tennessee. On top of that, BYU capitalized by scoring points on every single one of those turnovers. Wyoming is going to have to come up with an attack to combat a BYU defense that Bronco Mendenhall said of the UCLA game that he was impressed with the physical level of play with which his defense played. He said it was probably the most complete game his defense has played since being named the head coach at BYU.

Predicted outcome - BYU 42, Wyoming 3

BYU a BCS Contender

2008-09-16T08:04:00.003-06:00

Watch out BCS, BYU is coming at you. In recent bowl predictions, BYU was found in the Allstate Sugar Bowl against Georgia. This is the first regular season prediction that has BYU in a BCS bowl, but keep watching. As the season progresses, you'll see plenty more.

Max Hall - National Player of the Week

2008-09-16T07:47:00.003-06:00

For his stellar performance against UCLA on Saturday, Max Hall has been named the Walter Camp National Player of the week. Walter Camp is known as the father of modern football. The Walter Camp Player of the Year award is given at the end of the season to a college football player that showed superior performance throughout the season. It is considered by many to be the runner up award to the Heisman Trophy. This is a well deserved honor for Max, especially since he is considered a the Heisman. ESPN said, "Quarterback Max Hall needs to be considered a dark horse for the Heisman if he's not already."

For the complete press release on this award, click here.

Week 3 Rankings

2008-09-14T14:30:00.000-06:00

USA Today Coaches Poll
11. BYU

AP Top 25
14. BYU

ESPNU Fan Poll
12. BYU

Click here for complete rankings.

BYU Hands UCLA a Humiliating Loss, 59-0

2008-09-13T18:40:00.003-06:00

I always try to use pictures of BYU players on the blog, but this picture seemed so fitting of UCLA's performance today. BYU handed them their worst loss since being shutout 76-0 by USC in 1929.

In the first quarter of today's game, many believed it would be a close game. At the end of the first 15 minutes of the game, the score had BYU ahead 7-0. Both defenses looked pretty solid. UCLA allowed BYU to score once, but stopped them on their other drive.

In the second quarter BYU let loose, scoring 35 points. Most of those points came off turnovers. BYU's defense caused three fumbles and blocked one field goal. All of which, BYU's offense was able to capitalize on.

The blocked field goal also gave BYU a little more crediblity that they can block field goals, and not just when the officials move the ball back. "We certainly have proven that we are a team with the propensity to block field goals," Coach Bronco Mendenhall commented in a post game interview.

Closing the third quarter, BYU capitalized on an interception. Wayne Latu scored from 13 yards bringing the score to its final resting point at 59-0.

Player of the Game
This award can't be given to one person. Today the game ball goes the the BYU defense. Being short at the linebacker position, the defense was forced to play in an unfamiliar 3-3-5. Coach Bronco Mendenhall has used the 3-3-5 in the past, but since coming to BYU is hasn't seen much action. By the end of the game, BYU had 2nd and 3rd string player going up against the UCLA starting offense, and they still managed to keep the goose egg on the score board.

UCLA at BYU, Pre-game thoughts

2008-09-10T19:09:00.004-06:00

After a close call at Washington, BYU is back at home this week hosting the UCLA Bruins. This is the third time BYU and UCLA have clashed since last September. UCLA beat BYU 27-17 in Pasadena in their first meeting. Then BYU beat UCLA 17-16 in an unforgettable Las Vegas Bowl in their second match-up. With the record being 1-1, there is a lot at stake this Saturday. However, for both teams there is a lot more at stake than owning a three game series.

For UCLA, this is a chance for them to show the nation that they are real. Over the past few years, UCLA has been a up and down team. Some weeks showing that they can play with anyone and other weeks losing game that should have been no brainers. Their win against Tennessee was impressive, but will mean nothing if they play as they have over the past years losing to mediocre teams in the Pac-10.

For BYU, a win against UCLA would not only mean continued hopes of a BCS bust. It would also give them a chance to prove to the nation that they do deserve the ranking they have been given. There are many doubters in the nation that think BYU doesn't deserve to be ranked as high as they are. The fact that BYU allowed a bad Northern Iowa to score 17 points and only beat a mediocre Washington by 1 point gives some validity to their argument. If BYU can beat up the Bruins, the arguments about whether or not the Cougars deserve their ranking will be lessened.

This Saturday's game will probably be a close one. I don't think anyone believed this game would be as tough as its going to be until we saw UCLA beat a very good Tennessee ranked number 18. Quarterback Kevin Craft, had a good second half for the Bruins. In the first half he just didn't seem to have it together. He himself said, "It was just a matter of settling down. I wasn't nervous at all. I just wasn't in a good rhythm. In the second half, I found it." And find it he did. In the second half he picked apart Tennessee, going 18-23 and 193 yards and a touchdown. He performed much better than any 3rd string quarterback is supposed to.

On saturday, UCLA's hopes will depend on his performance. Will he play like the star quarterback he was in the second half or will he throw interceptions and fumble like he did in the first half.

On the other hand, BYU's offense continues to be powerful. The Hall-Pitta combination remains the strongest passing attack in the country. Dennis Pitta is the number one tight end and reciever in the nation and Max Hall ranks number two in passing in the nation. Their combination still has yet to be well defended by any team. And let us not forget Austin Collie. With all of the attention on Pitta, Collie is able to hide out in the wings and average a measly 130 yards per game.

As I see it, UCLA's defense was what allowed them to stay in the game against Tennessee. Without it Craft's incredible performance in the second half would not have produced enough points to beat the Vols. That being said BYU will have to continue to run their high powered offense and wear down the Bruin defense.

Keys to the Game
Harvey Unga
Unga needs to have a good game. Everyone knows BYU can pass. Unga adds another dimension to BYU's offense. If the Bruins have to defend the run, it will open up more passing opportunities from Hall to Pitta and Collie.

Defense, defense, defense
BYU's "young" defense needs to grow up this game. The last two games it has been okay for BYU to allow some points, because the teams were mediocre. However, UCLA is a big dog. The defense needs to tighten up. Without a strong defensive front, Craft could have the ability to pick us apart when he wants to.

Game Changing Performance

2008-09-08T14:33:00.004-06:00

BYU's blocked PAT against Washington earned them a nomination for the Pontiac Game Changing Performance of the Week. It's now up to us as BYU fans to vote and make sure it wins. Click here to cast your vote.

Voting began on Sunday and ends at midnight on Wednesday. ESPN will announce this week's Pontiac Game Changing Performance winner on Thursday night during the Pontiac G6 Halftime Report.

As a side note, the PAC-10 released an official statement on the controversial finish of the BYU Washington Game. It can be found here.

Week 2 Rankings

2008-09-08T09:03:00.002-06:00

USA Today Coaches Poll
15. BYU

AP Top 25
18. BYU

Click here for complete rankings.

Controversial Win?

2008-09-07T08:29:00.003-06:00

ESPN's Opinion of BYU's Last Second Victory of Washington

If you watched ESPN's Sportscenter yesterday, you probably saw the clip I have posted above. It seems that the ESPN analysts and others feel that BYU's win over Washington was given to them by the officials.

They say that somehow the outcome would have been different had the officials not flagged Jake Locker for throwing the ball in the air. I guess they are right. BYU would have blocked the PAT from the 2.5 yard line and still would have won.

Okay, let's talk about the rules. Here is what it says.

"After a score or any other play, the player in possesion immediately must return the ball to an official or leave it near the dead-ball spot.

This prohibits: ...
(c) Throwing the ball high in the air."

Take a look at the video. Jake Locker clearly throws the ball into the air. It is not simply throwing the ball over his shoulder, like some of the analysts are claiming. He throws it at least 10 feet in the air. If that is not considered "high in the air" then I don't know what is. It is clear that Jake Locker violated the rule. That can't be disputed. If you don't like the rule, take it up with the NCAA at the end of the season, because nothing is going to be changed mid-season.

As for the outcome of the game, I have already said that it might have changed how BYU won, but not necessarily that BYU won. Let's not forget that BYU won the Las Vegas Bowl last December with a last second field goal block. The team is capable of winning a game by blocking a kick. The official's call did no create an automatic blocked field goal for BYU.

Also, Field goals are made from 35 yards out on a regular basis. It's can't be argued that the official's call made the PAT an impossible task. Yes, it was more difficult, but let's remember that BYU was the one that blocked the field goal. It was not like the Washington kicker muffed the kick. Had BYU not blocked it, odds are in favor of it going in for Washington. Like I said before, 35 yard field goals are made on a regular basis in college football.

Let's get over this dumb controversy. The officials made the right call. Like it or not, the officials did make the right call. Jake Locker clearly celebrated. It is sad that a game had to end with such a call, but it did. And no one is to blame but Locker.

Another Blocked Kick Keeps BYU in the Running for the BCS

2008-09-06T17:26:00.008-06:00

This is the second time in their last three games that BYU has blocked a kick at the end of the game to produce a win. With two seconds left on the clock BYU defensive end, Jan Jorgensen, blocked Washington's PAT that would have tied the game and sent it into overtime. The previous play, Washington quarterback, Jake Locker, ran it in from three yards out, making the score 28-27.

“I asked (Assistant Coach) Paul Tidwell if there was any chance they would have the nerve to fake it and he said, ‘there’s always a chance.’” Mendenhall said. “So I said, ‘all out rush.’ And the players nodded like they believed they could block it. They were smiling, just like they were against UCLA.”

Today's win not only was monumental to the Cougars because it keeps their BCS hopes alive, but also because BYU has not beaten a non-conference road game since 2002. This was the hurdle that BYU needed to surpass this year to prove to the nation that they are ready for the BCS. Over the years they have been critized about the non-conference road record. Today's game was tough, but they pulled it off. In a post game interview, Bronco Mendenhall, commented, "What I don't do is ever doubt these players. When it comes down to it, they find a way to win and that's why they are having the success they are."

BYU's offense operated just like they normally do. Max Hall threw for 339 yards and three touchdowns. On the ground, the offense (with the help of Harvey Unga) racked up 143 yards rushing. Total yards passing and rushing yards for this game was 482.

Player of the Game
Harvey Unga racked up 167 yard with 22 carries and 5 catches. Unga did not score this game, but provided the means of many touchdowns. When Washington found somewhat of an answer for BYU's passing attach, Unga kept the defense honest. They had no answer for his power running.

Areas of Improvment
The ball security problems from last week appeared to to by resolved. BYU only fumbled the ball once, and it was forced. This week's area of improvment with be the defense. Although they played well, they allowed more points than they should have. Washington's quarterback, Jake Locker, was allowed to run with the ball whenever he couldn't find a reciever open.

BYU at Washington, Pre-game Thoughts

2008-09-03T11:55:00.002-06:00

After Washington's devastating loss to Oregon on Saturday, I'm not sure what to expect from them in the upcoming game. Oregon literally picked Washington's defense apart and Jake Locker, a supposed premier quarterback, only completed 12 of 28 passes (less than 50%). However, I don't believe that Washington is really that bad. Not to mention, this Saturday's game will be at their place, where they seem to have more success.

I believe that the Huskies downfall came because of their youth. They started 10 freshmen or sophomores. I'm sure after those 1st game jitters wear off they will be much more ready to play.

BYU will have some of the same challenges. Many of the mistakes from the Northern Iowa game came as a result of youth. Bronco Mendenhall has told the media that these issues will be the main focus of this week's practice.

BYU's Keys to the Game
Ball Security
I don't need to say any more than "hold on to the ball."

Stop the Run
Washington likes to run the ball. Chris Polk is their touted running back and he is expected to be their star this year.

Communicate
At least two of the fumbles at the Northern Iowa game were caused by mis-communication.

Week 1 Rankings

2008-09-02T11:48:00.005-06:00

The week 1 rankings are out. With their 41-17 win over Northern Iowa, BYU moved up 2 spots in the USA Today poll to number 15. They also moved up in the AP Top 25 to number 15.

Also of note, Utah's win over Michigan earned them a number 23 ranking in the USA Today poll.

You can find the complete rankings here.

Pitta and Hall National Leaders

2008-09-01T22:18:00.006-06:00

Today marks the end of week 1 of college football 2008. BYU tight end, Dennis Pitta, came in first among receivers nationwide for number of yards receiving. He had 213 yards on 11 catches in BYU's win over Northern Iowa on Saturday. His counterpart quarterback, Max Hall, also ranked nationally. He was among the top ten quarterbacks in the country with a passer rating of 198.60.

BYU defeats Northern Iowa 41-17

2008-08-30T22:06:00.004-06:00

This afternoon BYU won its second straight season opener extending the nation's longest winning streak to 11. The win, however, wasn't as simple as many expected it to be. The Northern Iowa Panthers put up a good fight against the nationally ranked Cougars.

“I give Northern Iowa credit,” said Mendenhall. “I think they are a very good team and coach [Mark] Farley does a great job with them. They are physical and their quarterback had an outstanding game in terms of heart.”

In the first half, BYU fans felt it was all their game. After the first two periods, BYU led the contest 27-3. All BYU right? Not quite. In the third quarter, UNI showed they came to play. A crazy reverse/wide reciever pass put UNI on the board in the third quarter. But that wasn't the worst part of BYU's third quarter. The Cougars were plauged with mistakes during the quarter, including 4 fumbles (3 recovered by UNI). One of those fumbles occured when Max Hall was hit in the back in his own end zone. UNI fell on the ball and 6 points went on the board. In the fourth, BYU started to put it back together. Two late scores put BYU well in front and ended the game 41-17.

Key Players
Max Hall and Dennis Pitta were the duo of the day. They connected 11 times for 213 yards, with an average of almost 20 yards per pass. Bronco even noted in the post game show that they planned their offense so that a defense could not cover all of the key positions. UNI chose to play the run and the wide outs. Therefore, they wouldn't be able to cover the tight end, which is exactly what happened.

Areas of Improvement
Ball Security. The first game jitters showed in the third quarter. Vetrans and rookies alike had problems holding on to the ball. “Ball security was one of the things we can improve on, and with that being different, most likely the game would have been much more convincing,” commented Mendenhall. “We saw enough mistakes and things that we can certainly improve on over the next week.”

Next Week
A test. BYU faces Washington on the road. The past two years, BYU has not won a single non-conference road game. This well be the real test of what BYU is made of.

Harvey Unga Nominated for Doak Walker Award

2008-08-29T11:59:00.002-06:00

Today BYUCougars.com reports that Harvey Unga has been nominated as a candidate for the Doak Walker award. You may remember that Luke Staley won this award some years ago. Unga had this to say. "I really am speechless. To even be compared and be a candidate for the same award that Luke Staley won is amazing. This is an honor I've dreamed about and worked towards, but never thought could happen. It's an honor and I'm very happy." Click here for the complete article.

BYU only non-BCS team that can bust the BCS

2008-08-29T10:32:00.004-06:00

ESPN The Magazine has release the statistics that from all of the previous BCS busters since 2003. They have marked the key attributes that were in common with all of the previous BCS busters they year before they went to the big dance. This year BYU is the only team that has all of the these key attributes. Here are what they say it takes to get the a BCS bowl if you are from a non-BCS conference. Last year, you must have:

1. Averaged 31 points or better per game.
2. Allowed fewer than 400 yards of offense per game.
3. Had either a 2,950 yard passer or a 1,700 yard rusher.
4. Had two or fewer regular season loses.

BYU hits the mark in all of these categories and ESPN the magazine predicts they will bust the BCS this year. Go Cougars!

Let's Hear From the Fans

2008-08-28T09:32:00.004-06:00

With the season opener only two days away, we would like to hear what some of the fans are thinking about this game. Feel free to make comments on any of these questions.

1. How will Northern Iowa fair against the Cougars?

2. What players will stand out?

3. Would you like to see Austin Collie under center?

4. How will BYU's "young" defense perform?

5. What will be the final score?

To give us your thoughts, simply click the "comments" button below this posting. This website was created to pump up BYU fans everywhere. So, let's get pumped up on our Quest for Perfection.

Austin Collie - Under Center

2008-08-27T10:46:00.000-06:00

Don't be surprised to see Austin Collie under center for a few snaps against Northern Iowa this weekend. In yesterday's MWC teleconference, Bronco Mendenhall, officially gave Collie the nod as back up quarterback under Max Hall.

"I was not happy with the play of our backup quarterbacks in our last scrimmage," Mendenhall said. "So, it appeared to me that [Collie] might be our next best option in case Max were to ever get hurt or a combination of Austin with another one of our backup quarterbacks."

Collie will maintain his starting duties at the wide receiver position. Due to a stress fracture in his leg earlier this year, he has had limited practice time. However, this week he began going full speed on his leg and is anticipated to play a big role in BYU's season opener against Northern Iowa on Saturday.

When asked if Collie would see time in the backfield against Northern Iowa, Coach Mendenhall responded, "Whether he'll be used in this game or any game early on remains to be seen. But I've been impressed with what I've seen and I think it could make what is a solid offense even better." I think that means "Your guess is as good as mine."

ESPN Picks BYU to Win MWC in 2008

2008-08-26T11:16:00.001-06:00

Yesterday, ESPN.com announced who they picked to win their respective conferences. No surprise BYU was the favorite in the MWC. They said that when BYU is playing at the top of its game no one in the conference can beat them. "BYU has the schedule to go undefeated."

It was also noted that Fresno State, the predicted WAC champion, did not have as complete a team as BYU.

Click here for the complete article.

Austin Collin at Quarterback?

2008-08-23T07:44:00.000-06:00

With Northern Iowa only a week away, BYU began its game week practice routine yesterday. After sitting out most of the season with a leg stress fracture, junior wide receiver, Austin Collie, began to see action again. However, he is looking at things from a different point of view now. After Wednesday's scrimmage, he was told that he would be practicing and attending position meetings as a quarterback.

“I was a little shocked and taken aback,” said Collie. “It’s a whole new world. The last time I played quarterback was when I was 10 years old. The coaches want to add more depth at the QB spot. There’s a lot to think about, but it’s definitely going to help me as a wide receiver—to read the defense and know where I’m going.”

Complete Story

2008 Team Captains

2008-08-21T22:52:00.000-06:00

This week BYU announced their football captains for the 2008 season. They players voted and these are who will be leading them in to battle. The offensive captains will be Max Hall and Travis Bright. On the other side of the ball, the Cougars will be led by Jan Jorgensen and David Nixon.

Coach Bronco Mendenhall reported that he was happy with the team's decision for their captains. He said, “If I were choosing, those are the exact four I would have chosen. I don't think the players could have chosen four better captains. These players are consistent, have good work ethic, are spokespeople and good examples. The more we as a coaching staff can hand over to them, the more our efforts can be focused on the game aspects.”

Mendenhall: Best Practice of Fall Camp

2008-08-20T14:51:00.000-06:00

Coach Bronco Mendenhall said that yesterday's practice (tuesday) was the best they have had all fall. Click here for the full article. It looks like our Cougars are ready to defend their spot in the rankings.

Brigham Young could be BCS-buster (LA Times)

2008-08-19T10:31:00.000-06:00

By Chris Dufresne

BYU has been anointed the team with the best chance in 2008 to crack the bigwig's glass ceiling, which hasn't been as tough to crack as some trust-busters once predicted.

In other words, maybe college football's postseason isn't a total scam/sham/fraud/money grab/monopoly. Maybe it's only a mockery.

Since 2004, three schools from the so-called "non-power" conferences have earned access to major bowl games.

Utah of the Mountain West Conference started the procession in 2004 when it finished No. 6 in the Bowl Championship Series rankings and earned a bid to the Fiesta Bowl, where it pounded Big East champion Pittsburgh.

Two years later, after access was relaxed to a top-12 finish, Boise State of the Western Athletic Conference finished No. 8 and shocked Oklahoma in the Fiesta Bowl.

Last year, Hawaii finished No. 10 and did not shock Georgia in the Sugar Bowl, but a 2-1 record against the big shots is impressive.

Undefeated won't buy BYU what it used to.

In 1984, long before the BCS, the Cougars actually won the national title by beating mediocre Michigan, in the Holiday Bowl, played on . . . Dec. 21.

The formula now used to select title-game participants makes it highly improbable -- but not, technically, impossible -- for a team outside the six power conferences to play for the national championship.

These days, you take what the commissioners give, and that's a guaranteed chance to play in the Rose, Orange, Fiesta or Sugar bowls.

In order, here's a look at the schools with the best chance to finish in this year's BCS top 12:

* BYU. It makes sense. The Cougars return the important pieces of the team that capped last year's 11-2 season with a win over UCLA in the Las Vegas Bowl.

BYU should get a better running start in the polls than Hawaii, which last year began No. 24 in the preseason coaches' index.

BYU has a tough enough nonconference schedule to satisfy the power-ranking police -- Northern Iowa, at Washington, UCLA -- and a reasonable chance to win all its games.

* Utah. Another Mountain West entry and the team that could supplant BYU for the BCS spot because . . . Utah hosts BYU on Nov. 22 in the regular-season finale.

Utah, 9-4 last year, has two chances to build trust with nonconference games at Michigan on Aug. 30 and an Oct. 2 home date against Oregon State.

* Texas Christian. This really could be the Mountain West's year. TCU has flirted with BCS berths before, and could be in the mix if it goes unbeaten in conference.

TCU's big problem is Sept. 27 at Oklahoma.

* Fresno State. Probably the best the WAC has to offer this year. The issue, as it is most years for Pat Hill's Bulldogs, is the schedule. Fresno State opens the season at Rutgers, comes home for Wisconsin and Toledo before a possible roadblock at UCLA. A 4-0 start against that schedule probably puts the Bulldogs in the top 10, and then it's only a matter of whacking everyone in the WAC.

Hall Named Walter Camp Player-of-the-Year Candidate

2008-08-18T16:11:00.000-06:00

by Jeff Reynolds, BYU Athletic Communications

NEW HAVEN, Conn. (August 18, 2008) – The Walter Camp Football Foundation has announced BYU junior quarterback Max Hall is one of 35 “players to watch” for its prestigious Player of the Year award, the nation’s fourth-oldest individual college football accolade.

“We are proud to continue the great work of Walter Camp and recognize the best college football players in the nation,” Foundation president John Barbarotta said. “This watch list is a great start to what is shaping up to be another exciting year of college football.”

In his first year as a starter in 2007, Hall put in the fourth best performance by a first-year quarterback at BYU to date and was the nation's top sophomore quarterback in terms of passing yards. On the season, the Mesa, Ariz., native completed 298-of-496 passes for 3,848 yards and 26 touchdowns.

With his performance, Hall led the 2007 Cougars to their second-straight Mountain West Conference title with an 11-2 record and a perfect 8-0 record against league opponents. Hall earned first-team All-Mountain West Conference honors as the league's top quarterback and help guide the Cougars to a Las Vegas Bowl victory over UCLA.

Five players on the 2008 watch list – Ohio State LB James Laurinaitis, Florida QB Tim Tebow, Texas Tech WR Michael Crabtree, Wisconsin TE Travis Beckum and South Florida DE George Selvie – were named to last year’s Walter Camp All-America First Team. Last year’s recipient was Arkansas running back and current Oakland Raider Darren McFadden.

The watch list will be narrowed to 15 semi-finalists in early November. The 2008 Walter Camp Player of the Year recipient, which is voted on by the 119 NCAA Bowl Subdivision head coaches and sports information directors, will be announced on the ESPN/Home Depot College Football Awards Show in December. The winner will then receive his trophy at the Foundation’s annual national awards banquet on January 10, 2009 at the Yale University Commons in New Haven.

Walter Camp, “The Father of American football,” first selected an All-America team in 1889. Camp – a former Yale University athlete and football coach – is also credited with developing play from scrimmage, set plays, the numerical assessment of goals and tries and the restriction of play to eleven men per side. The Walter Camp Football Foundation—a New Haven-based all-volunteer group—was founded in 1967 to perpetuate the ideals of Camp and to continue the tradition of selecting annually an All-America team.

AP Top 25

2008-08-18T09:19:00.000-06:00

The AP top 25 poll was released yesterday. As expected, BYU continues to make the rankings. The AP poll puts them at 16.

1. Georgia

2. Ohio State

3. USC

4. Oklahoma

5. Florida

6. Missouri

7. LSU

8. West Virginia

9. Clemson

10. Auburn

11. Texas

12. Texas Tech

13. Wisconsin

14. Kansas

15. Arizona State

16. Brigham Young

17. Virginia Tech

18. Tennessee

19. South Florida

20. Illinois

21. Oregon

22. Penn State

23. Wake Forest

24. Alabama

25. Pittsburgh

Quest for Perfection

2008-08-15T14:47:00.000-06:00

Bronco Mendenhall speaks on this year's theme - The Quest for Perfection.

2010 Schedule

2008-08-14T13:22:00.001-06:00

BYU has completed its 2010 football schedule, announcing yesterday that a game with Nevada will be played in Provo.

It is the completion of a three-game series that began in 2001. The two teams will meet on Sept. 25, 2010, at LaVell Edwards Stadium.

Nevada pulled out of the Cougars' 2008 schedule to pick up a home game against Grambling State. BYU countered by signing a one-game deal for a home game against Northern Iowa.

With the addition of Nevada to the 2010 schedule, the Cougars will also play in Provo against Washington and will travel to Florida State and Utah State.

Wide receiver Reed gunning for a strong finish to his Cougar career

2008-08-14T13:21:00.000-06:00

Darnell Dickson - Daily Herald | Thursday, August 14, 2008, 2:00 am

The clock is ticking for BYU senior wide receiver Michael Reed.

After BYU's 17-16 Las Vegas Bowl win over UCLA in December, Reed took a break and went home to Baytown, Texas. While there, he thought about the fact he had just one more year of college football remaining.

"I was thinking that this is it for me," he said. "My years at BYU have flown by. I was thinking about the things I've accomplished and the things I still need to accomplish. I look at this team and say to myself, 'Hey I'm a senior. How great would it be to go undefeated and be a part of that?' "

That's Reed: He's always dreamed big. Before his sophomore season, he said one of his goals was to lead the league in receiving. While he's put up decent stats in his three years (87 receptions, 1,060 yards, eight touchdowns) he's mostly earned his reputation as a receiver who's not afraid to go over the middle and someone who can often make spectacular catches.

During fall camp he's been Max Hall's go-to guy, since No. 1 receiver Austin Collie is nursing a stress fracture.

"We all hope Austin gets back real soon because he's such a big part of our offense," Reed said. "But it's opened doors for younger players like (former Timpview standout) Luke Ashworth, O'Neill Chambers and Spencer Hafoka to show coaches what they can do. Things are looking good right now. I'm just excited for this year."

Head coach Bronco Mendenhall has been watching the young receivers closely.

"The last three days Luke has made a strong push in terms of confidence and knowledge of assignments," he said, "adding finishing plays with it. What I've seen is that most likely he'd be after Austin and Mike."

The BYU offense has opened things up a little in the second week of fall camp and has been finding the end zone regularly in practice.

"The offense has been picking it up," Reed said. "We have a few guys here with experience. The offensive line is doing an outstanding job for the quarterback, running backs and receivers."

When Collie, who has 109 receptions in two seasons, gets healthy, BYU will pretty much be at full strength offensively.

"We can be as good as we want to be," Reed said. "There's only so much our coaches can teach us about the plays, then it's up to us. If we just come together each day, the sky's the limit with this team."

ESPN Power Rankings

2008-08-13T16:33:00.000-06:00

ESPN recently released their pre-season power rankings. BYU came in at 14. Its seems as though the nation is starting to see that BYU football is a force to be reckoned with.

1. Georgia

2. USC

3. Ohio State

4. Florida

5. Oklahoma

6. Missouri

7. Clemson

8. West Virginia

9. LSU

10. Auburn

11. Texas

12. Wisconsin

13. Texas Tech

14. Brigham Young

15. Arizona State

16. Virginia Tech

17. Oregon

18. South Florida

19. Tennessee

20. Penn State

21. Kansas

22. Illinois

23. Alabama

24. Pittsburgh

25. Fresno State

Tialavea back, ready to make an impact

2008-08-13T15:58:00.001-06:00

Darnell Dickson - Daily Herald | Wednesday, August 13, 2008, 2:01 am

BYU head coach Bronco Mendenhall calls him "one of the great stories of the year."

He's talking about junior Russell Tialavea's return from a serious knee injury suffered before the start of the 2007 season. Last year, the Cougars turned to true freshman Eathyn Manumaleuna to fill the nose tackle spot, with Rick Wofley and Mosese Foketi coming off the bench. But Tialavea is back and healthy, and Mendenhall couldn't be more pleased to have the big San Diego native anchoring the middle of the defense.

"Russell has struggled on and off the field with his conduct, the classroom and his work ethic," Mendenhall said frankly. "He always had exceptional talent. He has declared himself committed by working hard and being consistent. I'm very proud of him. He's been one of the bright spots so far."

Tialavea redshirted as a freshman in 2005 and made an impact the following season, starting seven games and logging 22 tackles (11 solo) and two blocked field goals. But his sophomore season never got started. He was injured during fall camp and sat out 2007. With the help of strength and conditioning coach Jay Omer, Tialavea made his way back to health. He lost 30 pounds (down to 300) and impressed coaches with his renewed commitment.

"It feels really good to be out here," Tialavea said. "I missed it and I'm excited for this fall. I've been impressed with how I came out. Not so much like how it showed on the field but how my knee felt. I knew I had to work hard to come back from such a big injury. Coach Omer and Coach Mendenhall really helped me along the way."

The nose tackle in BYU's 3-4 is often used to tie up blockers, not necessarily to make plays. Ironically, Manumaleuna made perhaps the biggest defensive play of the 2007 season with his blocked field goal that preserved BYU's win over UCLA in the Las Vegas Bowl. After posting 25 tackles from the nose tackle spot, Manumaleuna is now serving an LDS mission.

Mendenhall said Tialavea brings something extra to the nose tackle position.

"He's a completely different player in terms of speed, quickness and explosiveness," Mendenhall said. "He's a playmaker and becomes more than a block occupier. He can make plays from B gap to B gap."

For his part, the soft-spoken Tialavea raves about his teammates abilities rather than his own.

"We can probably make a D-line for two teams right now," he said. "We have so many guys at all the spots that look good. I bring a little experience to nose, and a couple of other things. We'll see how it goes."

The defensive line is as deep as any position on the team. Junior Jan Jorgensen, who said earlier this summer that Tialavea is often the best player on the field when he lines up, returns at one end after leading the MWC in sacks. Juniors Ian Dulan and Brett Denney will likely split time at the other end, with redshirt freshman Matt Putnam impressing coaches with his rush end ability so far in fall camp. Junior college transfers Tevita Hola and Bernard Afutiti have arrived to give BYU a lot of options on the line.

But it's Tialavea who might make the biggest impact on game day.

"I'd rather play nose than any other position," he said. "It's closer to the quarterback and more fun because there's a lot of fighting in there. I can't wait, especially playing with my boy Vic (linebacker Vic So'oto, who grew up with Tialavea in the San Diego area). That's what I'm most excited about. I'm glad he came over to the light side."

• The old ball coach: BYU coaching legend LaVell Edwards was on hand Tuesday and chatted briefly with Mendenhall during practice.

"He said it looks like we're making wise decisions on handling practice," Mendenhall said. "As a young coach, that's reassuring to hear. It's nice to have that wisdom."

• Coming out, going in: BYU worked on situation specific 11-on-11 drills -- coming out from the goal line and going in from the 20, or blue zone. Max Hall had touchdown passes to tight ends Dennis Pitta and Andrew George from near the goal line. He also completed a third-down pass to senior wide receiver Michael Reed for a 25-yard touchdown and zipped a 32-yard completion to redshirt freshman Spencer Hafoka earlier in practice.

"There was a lot of great teaching from coming out," Mendenhall said. "If the defense doesn't have sense of urgency, they'll give up field position. In the goal line scoring, the offense was very proficient today. That's not surprising because of who we have coming back on offense. We're a different football team with Dennis and Harvey (Unga) in there."

• Fair caught: While Mendenhall had Unga returning punts and kicks during Tuesday's practice, don't expect to see the starting tailback doing it during games. The players who would have been returning punts were either being held out of practice or on the punt cover team during the drill. Mendenhall said junior wide receiver Austin Collie, senior wide receiver Reed White and sophomore wide receiver Luke Ashworth are his top three return men so far for both punt and kickoff returns. Younger players like true freshman O'Neill Chambers will also be developed for returns.

• On the mend: Senior running back Fui Vakapuna (hamstring) was healthy enough to get his most work of fall camp. He had a couple of solid lead blocks that sprung Unga for nice gains during team drills.

"He looked better," Mendenhall said. "It's fun to be able to see him move faster. He knows what to do and he's making progress, though it's probably slower than he or I would like. Today was the first sign of us being able to push him a little bit."

• Early captains: Team captains won't be selected until the end of fall camp but Mendenhall announced three of the four special teams captains: Matt Bauman (punt), Jorgensen (kickoff return) and David Nixon (kickoff). As a point of emphasis after a poor performance in 2007, the punt return captain won't be picked until later. These captains, with the help of the coaches, pick personnel and decide on depth charts for their units.

• A pat on the back: During special teams drills, walk-on defensive back Tana Uyema forced punter C.J. Santiago to abort a punt attempt by breaking through the blocking wall. Some 40 yards away, Mendenhall called Uyema over to tell him "nice job" and slapped hands with him.

• Extra points: With David Tafuna out (concussion), redshirt freshman Jordan Pendleton has been getting some work at the Kat safety spot with the No. 1 defense. Mendenhall said Pendleton was in a three-way battle for the No. 4 safety spot with true freshman Shiloah Te'o and Daniel Sorensen. ... Junior linebacker Matt Ah You (bruised sternum) sat out of practice on Tuesday. Junior Shawn Doman played in his place. Bauman, who injured his foot riding a scooter before fall camp began, was back participating in all drills for the first time. ... The second unit offensive line consisted of sophomore Garrett Reden at center, JC transfer Jesse Taufi and sophomore Jason Speredon at guards and sophomore Nick Alletto and freshman Brock Stringham at tackles.

BYU and Utah in BCS?

2008-08-13T15:34:00.000-06:00

In a recent article by Graham Watson of ESPN, it was said that the end of season rivalry game between BYU and Utah could not only decide the MWC champion, but also could send one of the teams to the BCS. We all know which team it will be. You can find the complete article here. Might I also mention, that this article was on the front page of the ESPN college football section.

Max Hall considered a clutch player for 2008

2008-08-13T15:13:00.000-06:00

ESPN announced on August 1, 2008 that Max Hall has been named to the top ten clutch players of 2008 list. He is expected to be one of the leading quarterback in the nation this year. As a part of this list he is among the likes of Pat White (West Virginia) and Tim Tebow (Florida). Both players were Heisman trophy candidates in 2007 and Tebow won the award. Click here to find out what else ESPN had to say about Hall.

Pre-Season USA Today Poll

2008-08-13T14:50:00.000-06:00

The BYU cougars will begin the season ranked number 17 in the nation. This should give them enough of an edge to break into the BCS games in January.

USA Today Poll

1. Georgia

2. USC

3. Ohio State

4. Oklahoma

5. Florida

6. LSU

7. Missouri

8. West Virginia

9. Clemson

10. Texas

11. Auburn

12. Wisconsin