Pre-Game Thoughts - New Mexico

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

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.

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.

BYU defeats Northern Iowa 41-17

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.