Cougar Nation

The Revenge of 1985

2010-12-04T17:45:00.000-08:00

The year was 1985, January actually. BYU had just been recognized as the 1984 Associated Press National Champions in football. With a strong team finishing the year and many returning for the next season, many believed BYU could win it all two years in a row. In the fall, along came the University of Texas El Paso, a team that would finish the 1985 season with one win. That win was against BYU, shattering all hopes at repeating as National Champions. BYU would lose that single game in 1985.

Fast forward to the year 2010. The BYU football team struggled early to put a quality game together. Following a firing and suspension, Cougar head coach, Bronco Mendenhall went on a journey to "find the soul of this team." He found that soul and what looked to be a dismal season ended with an invitation to play their 1985 dream breaker foe, UTEP, in the New Mexico Bowl on December 18.

While BYU has been improving, UTEP has been floundering this year. Following that trend, the Cougars should easily send UTEP packing. In all likelihood, BYU could finally come away with a shutout victory and tons of momentum heading into 2011.

Of all the teams from the old Western Athletic Conference, none were more prone to give up points to BYU than UTEP. BYU regularly put up 40 on the Miners while surpassing 60 twice. For those that love offense this will be a great game and should bring back memories of the old WAC shootouts.

Bowling!

2010-12-01T20:58:00.000-08:00

Earlier this evening, BYU announced that it had accepted an invitation to play in the "prestigious" New Mexico Bowl in Albuquerque, NM. The fact the Cougars are bowl eligible after a 2-5 start is simply amazing and as fans, we really can't complain about which bowl we're off to or who our opponent may be.

We had one chance to possible sneak into the Las Vegas Bowl again, but fate was not on our side and those pesky Utes BLOCKED our last opportunity. As Bronco always says, most games come down to one team making one more play than the other. In this year's edition of the rivalry game, it was Utah that made one more play as time expired.

Now back to the amazing turn around and the fact we even made a bowl game. The effort and results of the final 7 games of the season was really spectacular and only goes to show that we have one of the best coaches in the country and we should be grateful that Bronco Mendenhall is sticking around to bring up this program. There's nothing better than watching a team battle and leave everything out on the field. The most disappointing losses are the ones where you know the team didn't give their all. Bronco has an uncanny ability to reach his players and pull out of their core more than even they imagined. This BYU team is poised for great things over the next few years.

A quick side note on the BCS and what a crock it is. The Big East conference champion is guaranteed a spot in one of the BCS games. This year, that champion is likely to be UCONN, if they win this weekend to finish 8-4 on the season. I'm so glad they get an automatic bid...Meanwhile, teams like Boise St, Nevada and even a couple Big 12 and Big 10 teams with only 1 or 2 losses will be left out of the party to make room at the great table for a team that had merely a good year. Can we have a playoff now?

The End (of Sorts)

2010-11-24T18:58:00.000-08:00

As we prepare to invade Rice Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City, we must ponder the fact that this will be our last game vs Utah as conference foes. This is the last time we will say the game has conference standing implications. Yes, believe it or not, BYU can tie Utah for 2nd place in the conference with a win on Saturday.

What's a race for second place? Well consider we started the season 1-4 with a dismal loss to Utah State; bouncing back to win 5 of the last 6 is amazing. That feat has put our Cougars in the position to finish ahead of Utah (who started 8-0) in the conference standings once you take head to head into account.

This also means that a win could put BYU in a sixth straight Las Vegas Bowl. Simply amazing. The fact BYU is bowl eligible is a miracle. But to beat Utah will require our young Cougars to play their best game of the season in one of the most hostile environments available to them.

BYU has relied on their running game to turn around their season and it's worked. What's Utah's strong point? You guessed it, their run defense. BYU will have to be able to pass the ball the set up the run if they want to beat Utah. Utah is very good at pressuring the line of scrimmage and trying to force opponents into making bad decisions. With a freshman at Quarterback, I guarantee they'll be looking to cause even more havoc than usual.

To combat the variety of blitzes and motion on the defensive line, Jake Heaps will have to be able to connect with his receivers and TE's on quick outs and slants. These passes cannot be dropped because as they are completed, Utah will be forced to account for them which will open up the line of scrimmage and the opportunity for our running backs to move the ball on the ground.

As usual the game will be close and probably decided in the waning moments. A lot rests on the ability of a true freshman to step up and become the Man that will lead BYU into Independence next fall. A win at Rice Eccles will do a lot to boost his confidence and propel the team into this new, uncharted territory.

BYU 23 - Utah 17

On the Road Again

2010-11-13T07:00:00.000-08:00

What a great morning for college football! Our BYU Cougars are on the road this week at Colorado St looking to claim their first road win of the season. The team should be full of confidence heading into this one after the shellacking they gave UNLV last week. However they should still be cautious going into Fort Collins due to the fact BYU hasn't won on the road this year.

CSU has played well at home but got knocked out of bowl contention after losing to the whiny crew (SDSU) last week. And as this is their last time hosting BYU as a conference foe, the Rams should be more than fired up. CSU has a defense that touts some of the best players in the conference when it comes to getting behind the line of scrimmage and pressuring the QB. Fortunately BYU has a strong offensive line and running game that should keep the young frosh QB from taking too many hits.

What I want to see today us that BYU can maintain the momentum gained at home against a terrible UNLV team and pull out a comfortable win by moving the chains and trusting the defense to hold. The D has been a highlight this year since Bronco released the defensive coordinator to take those duties on himself. CSU should find it difficult to move the ball on the ground and will be forced to trust their freshman QB to get it down through the air.

I see this being a low scoring defensive battle with BYU coming out on top 24 - 10.

Go Cougars!

Cougars are Back!

2010-11-08T19:49:00.000-08:00

It's been a busy fall and difficult to find time to post, but I'm back and ready to go again.

If you missed last Saturday's game, it was a joy to watch after a somewhat disappointing season. Our Cougars have been going through some serious growing pains but appear to be on the verge of regaining their identity.

UNLV was just one game and yes, they are that bad. However, we have to realize that we put more points on the board and put them up their faster than some of the top teams in the country including those pesky frogs from TCU. I guess this is the type of season you have to have now and again to remind yourself to truly enjoy the wins when they come.

With all that said, this team is young, but talented. If they can continue to build on the last couple games, we may actually give Utah a challenge in Salt Lake which I wouldn't have imagined after finishing our first 5 games 1-4 with a loss to Utah St.

Here is a video highlight of the UNLV game by Furious Monkey. Enjoy

2 QBs and a Microphone

2010-09-17T20:03:00.001-07:00

BYU has broken all the rules this summer. First, they announce they'll use two quarterbacks until one proves better than the other. Then they go and announce that they're leaving the MWC to join the WCC while remaining independent in football.Regardless of your feelings for the Cougars, they've given us plenty to talk about.

Personally it took me a bit to buy into the idea of independence in football but an 8 year deal with ESPN rumored to give BYU more per game than the MWC tv deal changed my mind. Apparently ESPN wanted this as much as BYU and the exposure increase should be great! It all starts in 2011 and you can all tune in on an ESPN channel, BYU-TV or stream online at byutv.org.

You all probably know that the 2 QB system won in week 1 against a lackluster Washington team. However I admit I didn't expect this young team to win. BYU isn't just breaking in a new QB, they also lost starters at RB, FB, TE, DL, LB and FS. That's why I told anyone that would listen last spring that this would be a tough season and that playing AFA in September did not bode well for this young group of Cougars. It was not pretty but all is not lost. Coach Mendenhall does a great job of adjusting as the seasons move on.With that in mind, I expect tomorrow's game at Florida State to be extremely difficult and a likely loss. However, they have a young team as well and I expect to see BYU play hard and hopefully tip their hand as to how they'll handle 2 QBs and a microphone the rest of the season.

Why use an app if the web version on the phone

2010-09-15T17:28:00.000-07:00

Test 2

iphone blooger app

2010-09-15T17:25:00.001-07:00

I'm never on my home computer these days so I thought I'd test this blogger app. If it works I'll start blogging about Cougar football again.

Bowl Season

2009-12-06T20:29:00.001-08:00

The game is set. Oregon St vs BYU in the Maaco Bowl Las Vegas (kind of a strange new name for the bowl).

This is going to be an interesting matchup and should prove to be a challenge for both teams. I'm really looking forward to it.

I am disappointed in how things turned out for TCU and yes, I'm even disappointed for Boise. Both those teams earned spots into BCS games but what does the BCS do, pit them against each other. Are you kidding me? We got to see that game happen last year without the BCS. The big talk is that it's undefeated vs undefeated. Well guess what BCS gurus, Cinci was undefeated too. TCU and Boise deserve to play other teams that would actually get the nation talking. Now, it'll just be, oh those 2 non-BCS teams played and beat up on each other, whoopdeedoo.

Well Horned Frogs and Broncos, go out and show em what a real game should be. I can say, I may not watch any of the BCS games out of spite for that corrupt institution that claims it's not about money and that we all want to be a part of...Great and Spacious building anyone?

Long Time No Post - Bring on the Rivalry!

2009-11-28T10:57:00.001-08:00

Things got pretty wild around here and I haven't taken the time to post anything, but with the last game of the year other than the bowl game coming up, I figure it's time.

Both BYU and Utah are ranked right close to each other and have identical records. Each lost to TCU and a BCS conference team. BYU has quite a few seniors although it seems not an awful lot has changed since last year. The defense is soft and seems to have trouble getting fired up. Utah is once again overachieving and has pulled out some close ones this year. The big difference for them is a freshman quarterback and missing the leg of Louie Sakoda.

BYU's key to this game will be ball control on offense. We CANNOT turn the ball over or we will lose. Secondary to that is the defense needs to be intense and tight. They need to be able to confuse and frustrate the freshman QB with only 3 or 4 starts under his belt. This game will not be easy for either team and I'm thinking we'll have the type of game seen in 05, 06 and 07.

This will come down to the wire and the team that wins the turn over battle will win the game.

BYU 34 and Utah 31 with a FG bouncing off the uprights ;)

Go Cougs!

Embarrassing

2009-10-24T20:59:00.001-07:00

I know you probably think I'm talking about the result of the game, which wasn't pretty and BYU played their second worst game of the season. You could even argue it was the worst since not even the offense was clicking tonight. The game was terrible but I liked that the players didn't quit. When we were up against FSU, I sincerly thought some players just quit after it got out of hand.

The embarassing thing about this game were the BYU fans. Yes, I'm calling out the fans. I've been to a lot of BYU games and I've heard a lot of fans criticize coaches and players, but tonight, they actually booed the players and coaches. Booed them! Unbelievable. It's one thing to criticize and get on your team, but to boo them when they're out on the field trying to play a game? Tell you what, how about each of you that booed has 3 or 4 players/coaches come to your place of business and boo you while you try to work. Sound like a plan?

You didn't have to buy your tickets and you didn't have to attend the game. Whether it was what you expected, whether you agreed with the playcalling, whether you were unsatisfied with the performance of the players, booing is bad sportsmanship and worth you losing your seat at the game.

My wife heard some criticism about the heart and fanaticism of BYU fans recently and spent time defending them. That was the last thing she wanted to do tonight. Many fans left midway through the 3rd quarter and the rest about the time the 4th started. Stick it out people, the players do.

Sometime this week, I'll try to post the rules of fandom if I get the time to research and put together a good list, but hear me now, BYU fans at this game tonight, failed requirement #1, SUPPORT YOUR TEAM!

--stepping off soapbox--

TCU better win out and qualify for a BCS game ahead of BSU because they are a legitimate top 10 team.

Frogs vs Cougars - Conference Championship on the line

2009-10-23T19:16:00.000-07:00

I think we all knew this was going to be a big game about 5 minutes into last year's game. I won't drudge up any specific memories of that game except to say I felt sick. The Cougs got beat early and often and never truly recovered.

That game was perhaps one of the biggest turning points to prepare this team for the season opener against Oklahoma. Prior to TCU the team hadn't really been challenged for over a year and was a little complacent. I also don't think they were ready for the crowd that showed up to that game. Plenty of Cougar fans were there, but the situation forced them into stunned silence early and like the players, they never recovered. I think many of us to this day haven't recovered and the only way we will is with a win at Lavell's house this Saturday.

TCU ranked in the top 10, coming into Provo to play the #16 Cougars. Almost an exact reversal to last year's situation. It's almost too earie and you can get some of the similarities here.

BYU has some advantages coming into this game in that TCU hasn't faced a team that is diverse as BYU. They haven't met up with a team that can pass and run equally well. I'm not downgrading TCU, they are probably one of the top 2 defenses in the country when you consider potential. That defense will test BYU as it will be the best they've faced. Oklahoma was good, but I feel TCU is better. The defense doesn't have let downs.

This is a very interesting and competetive matchup as the Cougars and Horned Frogs pit strength vs strength. The game will come down to which team executes the game plan and adjusts to the game situations. Special teams play will be key and those big plays will have to be handled.

I see a close one, but BYU defends their homefield 28 to 27 on a come from behind touchdown in the 4th.

Quick Ranking

2009-10-18T10:45:00.001-07:00

Save this post for quick reference to this week's rankings

Another Game in a Playground

2009-10-16T14:32:00.000-07:00

Two weeks in a row that BYU gets to go to the playgrounds of the conference. Who else can claim Vegas and San Diego?!

While San Diego St has brought a brand new coaching staff that will hopefully turn the program around, the talent hasn't been developed to the point where they'll be a winning program for at least a couple years. I think 2005 was the last time BYU lost to San Diego St and it was an ugly one. I'll always remember the ball coming out the back of John Beck's hand and just shaking my head. However, there's been a lot of uphill from there and one could almost say it was the low point of Bronco's tenure.

Rocky Long always presents a fired up defense but the Cougars have seen it many times before and shouldn't be intimidated. I'm looking for Max to put together another turn over free game and for Riley Nelson to get some PT tomorrow.

BYU 49 - SDSU 18

Sam Boyd Stadium (Provo South)

2009-10-10T08:41:00.001-07:00

BYU shouldn't have any problem playing on the road at UNLV this weekend. They struggled against a mediocre Nevada team and BYU is looking to make up for what was a too close for comfort win over the Rebels last year. The UNLV receivers are tall and fast, the question is going to be whether the QB can get it to them.

I look for BYU to win by 2 to 3 scores.

BYU 42 - UNLV 24

MWC - How good are they?

2009-10-05T16:16:00.000-07:00

After all the buzz last year and a good showing in the bowl games, you would think that the bottom of the Moutain West would roll the bottom of the WAC, but here we are 4 weeks in and Idaho, yes that's right, Idaho of the WAC has beat two MWC teams.

All in all the upper tier of the Mountain West is better than the WAC but when you start looking at the mid-level to bottom feeders, it's about equal. I think the biggest difference is you have 3 teams that are consistently in the top 25 from the MWC while the WAC has one. Now granted, that one is far and away better than the rest of its conference and I will not name names because they drive me absolutely insane.

Then when you think it over, are the bottom feeders of any conference really all that much better than another conference? I don't believe they are. I also believe this is why a playoff should be instituted. The power conferences talk about how their teams are so much better than everyone else. If that's the case let them prove it on the field (Oklahoma). Let your champion play our champion once a year, winner moves on. Prove it on the field. Let's quit looking at history and start judging football between the lines. There's a reason the game is played and it should always be that way. Let the players and coaches prove their mettle.

The excuses should be done away with, college football is not a place for elitists anymore. The best players aren't resigning themselves to only the top 10 schools. They are going where they think they can make the biggest impact and it's leveling the playing field.

To the BCS presidents, the excuses are ridiculous and outdated. There is absolutely nothing keeping you from a playoff but your greed for power and money. Make the changes.

Bounce Back Game

2009-09-26T07:44:00.001-07:00

Here we are another Saturday, only this time I'm not as confident in my Cougars. Colorado State is playing with confidence and are on a 6 game winning streak. The way our defense played last week is a little scary but they do get their leader back in the secondary this week. Scott Johnson is coming off a concussion in the Tulane game. He missed last week's game and I believe it really affected the confidence and swagger of the D. An interesting point is that our D really took a downturn last year when Johnson went out for a few games with a double groin tear. By no means is Johnson the most talented player or even one that will be in the NFL, but he is another coach on the field and is a leader and motivator that will get the guys to be assignment sound. This also frees up Andrew Rich to be a little more aggressive.

I expect a much improved defensive effort, but still seeing a closer game.

BYU 35 CSU 24

Holy Ouch

2009-09-19T19:47:00.001-07:00

That wasn't even close. I thought for sure our defense would come in and beat on FSU, but turns out they didn't seem to have their hearts in it. Don't get me wrong, FSU did a great job at taking the wind out of their sails, but there was little intensity and the physicality that allowed them to beat OU wasn't anywhere to be seen. It was almost like we just tried to outlast them, which wasn't going to happen.

The offense didn't help turning the ball over and over and over. We've got to get ball control and some of that intensity back or it could be a long season.

'Noles Invade Provo

2009-09-19T08:54:00.000-07:00

Leading up to the season, Florida State was ranked and a favorite to win its conference. They opened the season at home against their rival Miami and lost a close one. They followed it up the next week with an uninspiring effort against Jacksonville State. Even though they pulled off that win, it doesn't look good when you need two touchdowns in the last couple minutes to pull off a victory against an FCS team.

Now FSU comes to Provo as a mere 7 point underdog despite the Cougs high ranking and early season victories. This could prove to be a tough game due to the speed and athleticism of Florida State. Wait, I think I've said that before?

BYU has proven that speed and athleticism does not scare them and even better, they're home for the first time this season. FSU has proven that their man defense is not disciplined enough to cover the number of weapons the Cougars have. They've also shown an ineptitude against the run. I look for BYU to win by at least 14 if not more.

The FSU offense is decent and they are quick, but they are also not used to the physicallity with which BYU is bringing it this year. I believe they'll get in the endzone a time or two but it won't be nearly as often as BYU and the Cougs should be 3-0 for the second straight year. E and I will be at the game tonight and we're really looking forward to a loud croud all dressed in blue.

BYU 35 - FSU 18

Go Cougars!

Tulane Video

2009-09-13T17:18:00.000-07:00

Here's Furious Monkey's latest highlight video.

Blowout - Even Better Than Expected

2009-09-12T21:24:00.000-07:00

BYU followed up a big upset win with the exact type of win expected from a top 10 team. Tulane is a team that's struggling to find its identity right now and is working on re-establishing their program. BYU went in and struggled a little early (probably due to an emotional let down after the OU win). Toward the end of the second quarter, they stepped up and found their rhythm on both sides of the ball and once they started rolling there was no looking back.

Everyone got in on this game, 10 different players have rushing statistics and 12 different receivers caught the ball tonight. Don't let the big score fool you, the defense got in and forced 4 turnovers including a fumble that was returned for a touchdown. The Cougars looked sharp in a blow out win that they needed to show the national media that last week was not a fluke.

All undefeated seasons have to start with 2 wins. So far so good. They also start with 3 wins and number 3 will be a tough one to get. Florida State comes to town next Saturday and we are excited to go to that game. Unfortunately FSU lost their first game against Miami and then struggled against a team Tulane could have beat (Jacksonville State). Hopefull they turn their season around so that our win over them next Saturday won't lose any luster.

Go Cougs!!!

Tulane - Trap Game?

2009-09-11T21:28:00.000-07:00

It would be easy to believe that BYU would be so jazzed about the win over Oklahoma and excited about the prospect of playing Florida State in the home opener next weekend that they may overlook the Green Wave of Tulane University.

I'm sure you've read all the quotes from coaches and players about how their only focus is on Tulane, yada yada yada. It's only natural to have a little dip after such a big high and I expect some of the younger players to maybe come out a little slow this weekend.

However, if you're going to have a down week, Tulane would be a good one to have on the schedule that week. They've lost 9 straight including a big blowout loss to Tulsa on their own field last weekend. The Green Wave only won 2 games last season and have a total of 10 in the last 3 or 4 years.

There is enough senior leadership on the BYU squad that this game will be a good one to get banged up players some rest and put a little extra emphasis on some of the errors made last weekend. DON'T TURN THE BALL OVER!

This would be my biggest concern. Our running game looked good at times but the overall statistics show that all it became was a smokescreen to the passing game. Fortunately, we are very talented in the passing game, but I would like to see a 100 yard rusher come out of this contest.

It looks like Tulane is an athletic team with a lot of raw talent that is in a rebuilding stage, with a new coaching staff. They are young and inexperienced and should (on paper) get rolled tomorrow.

However, College Football being College Football, the game will be tough and there will be lessons taken away from the game tomorrow for both teams. As always, I like the Cougs, only this time, I like them to win big and have it in the bag by the half.

BYU 42 - Tulane 10

Go Cougars!

Now that's a ratings jump

2009-09-08T22:44:00.000-07:00

By now most of you have probably noticed that BYU jumped from 24 to 12 in the USA Today's Coaches poll and from 20 to 9 in the Associated Press poll. I expected a jump, but didn't expect anything like that. I figured we'd be at about 13, so I guess 12 is about right to me. 9 just feels a little high.

Oklahoma dropped like a rock and with news that their TE, Jermain Gresham, is out for the season, I wouldn't be surprised to see them drop even lower if they can't handle some of the competition they've got coming up in a few weeks. Bob Stoops is a good coach and I imagine that he'll have the team ready to rally behind Landry Jones until Sam Bradford can come back. That should also give the offensive line time to solidify and hopefully keep the guy from getting hit like a steroid era homerun.

I'll do some research on Tulane the next couple of days and will try to get a preview up soon.

Go Cougs!!

Furious Monkey Highlight reel

2009-09-06T20:00:00.000-07:00

Furious Monkey has been putting together BYU highlight reels for several years now and my personal opinion is his are the best on the web.

Here's his link to download the 2009 BYU beatdown of Oklahoma. It's a big one but well worth the time to download. Keep in your archives for years to come!

FileDropper Free File Hosting

Cougar D steps up and punches OU in the mouth (or shoulder, you decide)

2009-09-06T14:32:00.001-07:00

Depending on who you talk to, credit for this win will be different. However, one can't help looking at what BYU did and overcame to pull off this win.

Looking closer at the game, I think we can say that OU missed their #1 TE, Jermaine Gresham, more than anyone would have imagined. The BYU defense came out in this game and punished an inexperienced offensive line. They plugged the holes so OU couldn't run and they put pressure on a QB trying to throw to a gaggle of new receivers. When a QBs security blanket and favorite target is missing, he must fine someone to fill that role. BYU did not allow Bradford to find that guy and eventually Coleby Clawson delivered THE hit heard round college football. I seriously think there was a collective gasp by just about everyone that follows the sport when Clawson hit Sam Bradford and the returning Heismann trophy winner didn't get back up.

Many will say the reason BYU won was that Bradford got knocked out of the game. I won't disagree but I will remind them, that it was great defensive playcalling and physical execution by BYU that had the Heismann trophy winner wondering where the next hit was coming from and making him uncomfortable in the pocket. Eventually, if you deliver enough hits on the QB, he's going to get hurt, it's part of the game. The responsibilty to keep him from getting hurt belongs to the coaches and Oline to make the adjustments needed with personnel to not allow that defender through the line.

Ultimately the game was won by BYU's defense. You won't see many giving them credit due to the great final drive that Max Hall directed which chewed up the clock and gave the Cougars a one point lead. Just remember that had the D not held at the goalline and forced that field goal, OU would have scored a touchdown and BYU would have needed two drives to win this game.

BYU did an excellent job of taking their weakest link and strengthening it. I'm not sure exactly what they did in the offseason, but the entire team had a new look about them. They wore the same uniforms, but they had a fire in their eyes. The excitement and attitude change was even shown in the coaches demeanor. I haven't seen Bronco that fired up since he was the defensive coordinator under Gary Crowton.

That was some gritty defense and I'm looking forward to seeing more of it throughout the year.

Next up, Tulane in the Superdome in New Orleans.

Go Cougars!!!