BYU football: 2009 review

Record: 11-2 overall, 7-1 in the Mountain West Conference

Preseason poll prediction/actual finish: 2nd/2nd

Expectations: Going into the season, much was made of BYU's history of success with a senior quarterback at the helm. Although the Cougars failed to win a conference championship under Max Hall — it marked the first time since 1974 a senior QB who played the entire season didn't win a league title — it will go down as a successful, and memorable, season. The Cougars finished No. 2 in the conference, behind BCS-busting TCU, as Hall guided the Cougars to an 11-2 record, a state championship, a bowl victory and, possibly, a final Top 10 finish.

The depleted BYU offensive line, which had to replace four starters and deal with several injuries, performed much better than anyone had projected. And BYU's defense, which was torched in losses to Florida State and TCU, struggled at times but was outstanding in the season-opening victory over Oklahoma and in the final three games of the season against Air Force, Utah and Oregon State.

Offensive MVP: Hall gets the nod here, though he had plenty of help in the form of big-play weapons like tight end Dennis Pitta and running back Harvey Unga.

Defensive MVP: Defensive lineman Jan Jorgensen was the outspoken leader of the defense. His play and leadership was an anchor for the Cougars.

Best win: Was it the season-opening upset of then-No. 3 Oklahoma, which finished with a mediocre record? Or the thrilling victory over arch-rival Utah in overtime? Let's go with the final game — a 44-20 drubbing of No. 16 Oregon State on ESPN, which earned the Cougars plenty of national respect.

Worst loss: No doubt, it was an inexplicable 54-28 defeat at home to what turned out to be an average Florida State team. The Cougars, who were ranked No. 7 in the country at the time, saw their 18-game home winning streak, and any hopes of busting the BCS, come to an end. They surrendered 512 yards of total offense, including 313 on the ground, and five turnovers.

2010 outlook: Despite having plenty of voids to fill heading into next season, BYU will look to contend for a MWC championship. The biggest, and most noticeable, void is at the quarterback position. The Cougars will have to find a replacement for Hall, the starter the past three seasons and the school's all-time leader in victories. Sophomore backup Riley Nelson, incoming freshman Jake Heaps and recently returned missionary James Lark will battle for the job during spring ball.

BYU will also have to replace several other stars, including tight ends Dennis Pitta and Andrew George; running back Manase Tonga; center R.J. Willing; senior defenders Jorgensen, Brett Denney, Russell Tialavea, Matt Bauman, Shawn Doman, Coleby Clawson and Scott Johnson; and possibly junior running back Harvey Unga, if he decides to bolt a year early to the NFL.

BYU's nonconference schedule features home games against Washington and Nevada and road contests against Florida State and Utah State.