Upset Weekend Gives BYU Fans a Smile

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?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

USA Today Coaches Poll
15. BYU

AP Top 25
18. BYU

Click here for complete rankings.

Controversial Win?

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

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

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

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

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.