BYU football: Mendenhall looks at big picture after loss

PROVO — Like many people, coach Bronco Mendenhall figured before the season that BYU could be 2-1 after three games.

The thinking was that the Cougars would likely lose to then-No. 3 ranked Oklahoma, and beat Florida State at home. As it turned out, BYU upset the Sooners, but lost by 26 points to the Seminoles.

Still, Mendenhall, as usual, has been looking at the big picture as his 2-1 team prepares to entertain 3-0 Colorado State in the Cougars' conference-opener.

"The broader perspective was, in why you play a game like Oklahoma or Florida State, my hope was that we'd have lessons learned and be able to start playing our best football before conference play begins," he said. "We certainly have a lot to work on after last week. Whether we can apply it quickly enough, that will determine whether that's the best time or not (to start conference play). But certainly I'm not afraid of having a setback or lessons to be applied before we start into conference. The test now is just really, can we apply it fast enough?"

Cougar players say practices this week have had plenty of intensity and enthusiasm. Quarterback Max Hall said the attitude "hasn't changed. There's excitement in the air and we're having fun."

Added Hall, "We just have to put last week behind us. Bottom line, we just have to forget about it and move on. We're into conference play and we have to face a very good Colorado State team."

SO FAR SO GOOD: Backup quarterback Riley Nelson has only seen action in mop-up time in the fourth quarter of blowouts this season, but his statistics are impressive.

Nelson has completed 5-for-5 passes for 71 yards and a touchdown. He has a pass efficiency rating of 285.28.

Nelson completed a 29-yard TD pass to J.J. DiLuigi with 3:13 left in the game against Florida State and he rushed for a touchdown in the fourth quarter against Tulane.

"So far we've put him in a couple of series and he has a touchdown every series he goes in," Mendenhall said. "If we can keep that going, it would be a good thing."

INJURY UPDATE: Linebacker Matt Bauman practiced Wednesday and Mendenhall said Bauman will likely play Saturday.

Offensive lineman Braden Hansen, who suffered a knee injury against Tulane, ended up starting against FSU and has been practicing this week.

Nose tackle Russell Tialavea injured his knee against the Seminoles and will be out 2-4 weeks. Romney Fuga and Tevita Hola played in Tialavea's place.

"I was really impressed with the way Romney Fuga played," Mendenhall said. "In fact, I didn't believe he played that well until I saw the film. He did a really nice job. He and Tevita Hola will carry most of the work."

Mendenhall said Jordan Richardson, who was moved from nose tackle to the offensive line due to Hansen's injury, is now back playing on the defensive line, backing up Fuga and Hola.

"I think we'll be OK there until Russell returns," Mendenhall said.

e-mail: jeffc@desnews.com