BYU hopes taking time off pays off

LAS VEGAS — Can BYU ramp up its offense against Arizona after taking most of the past three weeks off from organized practices?

Timing, intensity, execution, focus and health issues are all a part of it.

The Cougars could have used the full allotment of 14 practices, but they chose to go with seven after going through an intensive workout regimen by conditioning coach Jay Omer since Thanksgiving.

Here in Las Vegas, despite some sloppy weather, BYU's offense appears ready and capable of meeting the challenge.

Senior linebacker David Nixon says the experience and maturity of BYU's players allow the Cougars to get more done in less time during practice sessions.

Assistant head coach Lance Reynolds explained it is the philosophy of his boss, Bronco Mendenhall, not to "get too stale," and to work towards hitting game time at the peak of player interest and performance, using hunger as a tool.

"I think we're right there this week," said Reynolds.

Regardless, the Cougar offense will have a big challenge going against Mike Stoops' defense, which features a four-man front with three agile linebackers, and a secondary that might play zone but is rarely out of position.

"They force you to chip away at them, a little piece at a time," said Reynolds.

"Arizona's defense is a lot like ours," said tight end Dennis Pitta.

"You aren't going to trick these guys," explained offensive coordinator Robert Anae.

The Wildcats allowed Pac-10 champion USC 17 points and gave up 19 to Oregon State. UA ranks 14th in pass defense and 16th in pass-efficiency defense. Arizona allows 21.2 points a game. Stoops' guys have BYU's attention.

"The thing that stands out more than anything is the last time we played them they had a lot of seniors," Anae said. "This one isn't as experienced, but they run better."

Anae said he expects a sound scheme, and he's coached against Stoops before when he was at Texas Tech and Stoops coached at Oklahoma.

"They react very fast to the ball," said Anae.

"They kind of measure the playing field and cover it. You have to out-execute them to beat them, and that's tough to do. You do not trick them. You do not get them to misalign. If you want to move the ball and score points, you have to be sound, and every guy at every position is tested.

"That's a credit to how they approach defensive football, and that's consistent no matter what year it is," Anae said.

Quarterbacks coach Brandon Doman calls Arizona one of the best defenses the Cougars have face in three years.

"We're fortunate to have played them three years in a row, because that will help us," said Doman.