Big Five midseason report

Three things we've learned; Things to look for

BYU

1. BYU's defense is better than expected. The Cougars have posted two shutouts and allowed only 17 points in their last 16 quarters. BYU is No. 2 in the nation in scoring defense (allowing 10.2 points per game), turnovers gained (18) and fumbles recovered (12). The Cougars are No. 1 in red zone defensive efficiency. Then again, BYU and its bend-but-don't break philosophy has yet to play a good offensive team this season.

2. BYU's offense is good, but hasn't reached its potential. While the Cougars have piled up a lot of points and yards, they are still looking to improve their execution and are searching for consistency and balance. The running game has not been as productive as the passing game.

3. Putting together a perfect season is no simple feat. Having faced five FBS teams with a combined 8-23 record, we still don't know where BYU truly stands. The Cougars are 6-0 and have jumped into the nation's top 10, but they narrowly defeated Washington, which is winless this season, and New Mexico gave BYU a closer game than expected in Provo.

1. Can BYU learn to play as well on the road as it does at home? We'll find out soon. The Cougars have outscored their opponents, 165-20, at home, compared to 62-41 on the road. BYU faces its most difficult challenge to this point of the season tonight at TCU. The Cougars also have tough stretch in November with games at Colorado State (Nov. 1), Air Force (Nov. 15) and Utah (Nov. 22).

2. Can BYU rally? Six games into the season, the Cougars have trailed for a total of 14 minutes (nine minutes against Washington, five minutes against New Mexico). What happens when BYU gets behind against a good team? How will it react to that kind of adversity?

3. Can BYU continue handling the weekly pressures? The Cougars and coach Bronco Mendenhall are trying to maintain long winning streaks (16 victories in a row overall and 18 consecutive MWC wins) while maintaining focus amid the backdrop of a lofty national ranking and intense media scrutiny. From here on out, BYU is facing Mountain West Conference foes that desperately want to dethrone the two-time defending champions.

—Jeff Call

Utah

1. Brian Johnson is a winner. The senior quarterback has now won 15 of his past 16 starts dating back to last season. Despite plenty of adversity — including six interceptions and some costly fumbles — Johnson has guided the Utes to the national rankings and a 7-0 record, their best beginning since the BCS-busting 2004 campaign.

2. Utah's defense is tough. After seven games, the Utes are ranked seventh in the nation in total defense. They're giving up an average of just 259.1 yards per game. Only 82.4 yards are coming on the ground. Utah's rushing defense is ranked third in the country. Defensive end Paul Kruger already has made 12 1/2 tackles-for-loss.

Recent comments

• Most Popular
• Most Commented

1. MormonTimes.com: LDS Church issues new Prop. 8 overview
2. 15 senators write health care letter
3. This game shows BYU, Utah on right track
4. BYU football: Cougar players feel they have a lot on the line today, too
5. 5A high school football championship: Alta makes it back to back titles
6. Physics is big factor in outcome of U. vs. Y.
7. JFK's Utah visits chronicled on Web
8. Rock Report: U. favored by fans at both schools
9. Utah Jazz: Spurs wallop injury-riddled Jazz
10. BYU basketball: Cougars bombard Rice with 3s

1. Utah fans fuel the fire behind heated rivalry 454
2. Gay-rights activists call for LDS help 325
3. Calif. Supreme Court to take up gay marriage ban 231
4. Rivalry week: Utes go BCS busting with a win; BYU most likely Vegas bound 195
5. 'South Park' creators trying 'Mormon Musical' 143
6. Police take man to hospital following standoff outside LDS Temple in Provo 139
7. Aggies aghast at backing 'that' blue for green 122
8. Utah State football: Search to replace Guy begins 116
9. BYU, Utah football: 'Cheap seats' going for $1,600 for big game 101
10. Utah, BYU football: Breaking down the QBs and special teams 93
11. (Stories published in the last five days with the most comments)

• BYU
• Jazz
• Real SL
• Utes