Deseret News | BYU football: Preparation is the same for Cougars

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BYU football: Preparation is the same for Cougars

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And you shouldnt-just kidding | 12:23 a.m. Aug. 26, 2008

We actually should take our whole schedule lightly. I mean look at it, who will beat us? UCLA? Washington? Well given that they should BOTH be at the bottom half of the PAC-10 it looks like we have conjured up a pretty big cakewalk. While I do know that some of this is unavoidable it just hurts to have such a weak schedule when we could actually prove something this year, instead we are left to beat up on the likes of USU and Northern Iowa-LAME!

Levin | 5:23 a.m. Aug. 26, 2008

1. The big teams have nothing to gain from playing BYU going into this year. A loss is BCS death; a win is an okay-quality win. Those teams (and BYU) need either a guaranteed win or a possibility of one loss that will be guaranteed to be a quality loss. OSU's schedule is a perfect example. They open with Youngstown State then head to Southern Cal.

2. Let this BYU program build up a bit, then it will become feasible for these other teams to play them.

3. You can't take the schedule lightly and play down to the level of your competition. That is a recipe for getting smashed in the big bowl game.

4. That said, Utah, TCU, and New Mexico should all be tough this year. BYU may not have any "statement" non-conference games but these conference foes all do. And if those teams notch wins against Michigan, Oklahoma, Texas A&M and Tulsa, they raise the profile of the conference.

Schedule is tougher | 6:57 a.m. Aug. 26, 2008

I can't believe how many local BYU fans believe that Washington and UCLA are essentially creampuffs! Are you kidding? The weakling UCLA split games with BYU last year--how can one think that is an easy game? And Washington? Sure, they had a down year, but they played plenty of games to the wire--their QB is as good as any in the nation! Jake Locker might be better than Chase Daniel of Missouri as Locker did wonders without a solid offensive line.

As for Northern Iowa, I would have preferred to another Division 1 foe because UNI is a no-win situation for BYU. The Cougars are supposed to win due to their Div. 1 status. But N. Iowa was 12-1 last year and knows how to win games. They will not be like playing Idaho St. They'll be much tougher than everyone thinks.

Comments continue below

Levin, good point | 7:07 a.m. Aug. 26, 2008

The Mtn West as a whole has a great chance to make a national statement early in the season. Let's just say this years Rose Bowl with Mich va Washington both with one loss. Mich loss to Utah, and Washinton to BYU. Could it come down to TWO MWC BCS crashers?

MWC profile | 7:10 a.m. Aug. 26, 2008

The MWC will never be the next Big XII, or PAC-10. Just love the MWC for what it is. A mid-level talent and low profile conference. Yes, teams from the MWC will get to a BCS bowl once in awhile but it will never break through to be what all you MWC lovers think it will become.

With that said, Go BYU!

Pollsters | 7:13 a.m. Aug. 26, 2008

Whether Washington and UCLA finish near the top, middle of the pack, or near the bottom of the PAC 10 is unimportant. Nobody knows for sure how good teams are going to be early in the season. The only thing pollsters will be looking at is that BYU is playing a couple of PAC 10 teams early in the season.

Beat them, and BYU will continue to climb in the polls. Lose to either of them, and BYU will be starting over, rebuilding their resume.

The schedule is set. The only thing the Cougars need to worry about now is beating their next opponent. That's the ONLY thing they have control over. How good their opponents turn out to be by season's end is not a concern.

Bottom line, with all of the preseason hype they've already received, BYU is on the radar screen of all of the pollsters and an undefeated season will guarantee the Cougars a spot in a BCS game.

Collie At QB | 7:41 a.m. Aug. 26, 2008

Yes, teams will have to play differently with Collie at QB. THEY WON'T HAVE TO DEFEND THE PASS. I know many of you will bow down and accept anything that comes out of Mendenhall's mouth. But this seems absolutely idiotic. Collie is a potenial all-american QB. He has been out all fall camp so he needs reps at WR not QB. If something does happen to Hall his backup will need Collie out there as a dependable target at WR more than ever. Our backup QBs may not be the quality of those kids on missions right now but they still have been playing QB since they were 10. Collie last played it when he was 10 and by his own admission didn't have to throw the ball. For some reason, Mendenhall has been very blunt this camp when he does not feel certain positions have quality depth. So much for building that "Army" behind the starters when you are constantly putting them down. Listen to the quotes - this ploy is discussed in terms of our poor QB backups. We may end up needing one of these kids. How about a little faith and encouragement in the meantime!

Correction on Collie | 7:44 a.m. Aug. 26, 2008

Obviously I meant to say Collie is potentially an all-american WR not QB. Which is my very point.

Austin at QB? | 7:46 a.m. Aug. 26, 2008

Really? That is a wild thought. I wonder what it was that Bronco saw that led him to Austin at QB? Maybe it is like Utah in the past as they would put different people at QB once in a while. Can't wait to see what happens!

re:and you shouldn't | 7:55 a.m. Aug. 26, 2008

That post was from a ute fan. He just trying to stir the pot. No Y fan thinks UCLA or Washington or even UNI is a cakewalk. We don't even think the MWC conf. will be a cakewalk...of course until we play Utah.

Ute fan...please stop posting as Y fans and stop dressing up as Y fans when you come to our house and then acting like third graders.

Re: Collie at QB | 8:22 a.m. Aug. 26, 2008

Interesting insights. When was the last time you were a head coach, at any level?

I'm sure Bronco knows exactly what he's doing with Collie. Whether he's just throwing a monkeywrench into the defensive plans of their opponents, or motivation for his backup QBs to step up their preparation, or simply a wise backup plan in case Hall gets injured, having Collie spending a little time in practice at QB will not have any impact on his play at WR.

Collie has spent the offseason working with Hall. They're a well-oiled tandem. Collie's sitting out during fall camp was a benefit, because it gave other receivers valuable practice time. Collie was healthy enough that he could have played.

Bottom line, if their starters stay healthy, Collie's ability to play QB will be just one more tool in the already formidable arsenal of BYU's offense.

Anonymous | 8:34 a.m. Aug. 26, 2008

"Ute fan...please stop posting as Y fans and stop dressing up as Y fans when you come to our house and then acting like third graders."

Thats just it, those supposed Ute fans dressing up as Y fans and acting like third graders. They actually are BYU fans. Embarrassing isn't it?

No, Not a Coach | 8:46 a.m. Aug. 26, 2008

Can we all just stop doing two things on these posts - asking whether a fellow poster has ever been a coach or player - or dismissing someone's comment because of a grammatical error. Sharing our opinions as fans is what this site is for - even if we criticize something for heaven's sake. If only former players or coaches or english professors could post here it would make for some pretty boring comments. I appreciated your insight about my Collie post but beginning it by asking if I have ever been a coach completely took away from your argument.

Me an Der | 8:49 a.m. Aug. 26, 2008

Having said "with that said" ten (10) too many times, let's just say it's all just sportsbabble. With that said ten (10) too many times, the winning is not in the saying but in the doing which is done by the players not the sayers. Soooo, with that said eleven (11) times too many, sportsbabble is nothing more than serious GG (guy gossip).

Re: Re: Collie at QB | 9:02 a.m. Aug. 26, 2008

I don't think Austin is being groomed as Hall's backup. I think it is just for some trick plays. The backup QBs will still be the backup QBs. Collie may come in once in a while to shake things up. They might risk it against Northern Iowa. If it doesn't work, they will abandon it early.

Ernest T. Bass | 9:19 a.m. Aug. 26, 2008

Why is Utah's stadium so much smaller than BYU's?

Re: Coach | 9:17 a.m. Aug. 26, 2008

Sorry, when you start your analysis with a slap at the rest of us armchair quarterbacks, "I know many of you will bow down and accept anything that comes out of Mendenhall's mouth," I have to question your credentials for why you think your opinion is more valid than Coach Mendenhall's.

Bronco is infinitely more in touch with the talents and needs of the BYU football program. He's made VERY FEW blunders in his 3-plus years as head coach, so I have to give him the benefit of the doubt that what he's doing with Collie at QB is in the best interests of the BYU football program as a whole.

Putting your best 11 available players on the field is more important than worrying about whether a player is playing out of position.

Steve Young's final play as a college player was CATCHING the winning touchdown pass against Missouri. Jim McMahon spent most of his sophomore season PUNTING.

If Max goes down, Mendenhall's decision to play Collie at QB could be the most important decision Bronco makes this season.

Nixon | 9:21 a.m. Aug. 26, 2008

Shouldn't he have at least scouted Northern Iowa enough to know that they're not a division II school? They're a Division I FCS.

Schedule | 9:24 a.m. Aug. 26, 2008

From someone who is not a fan of BYU, I still don't get why so many people are saying that BYU has such an easy schedule. Sure, their out of conference is fairly easy, but they probably have the toughest conference schedule of any team in the MWC. If they go undefeated in conference again, it will be impressive.
I also don't understand why so many people claim that a game against Northern Iowa or Weber is a "no win situation". You win because it is almost a guaranteed W on your schedule and at the end of the season you have that on your record. Nobody would schedule these games if they were "no win". A more appropriate thing to say is that it is a can't lose situation.

nottyou | 9:27 a.m. Aug. 26, 2008

Who cares what the fans think about how well BYU or Utah will do? It's the players that play the game and the coaches that help prepare them. It doesn't matter what we think. Fans have no influence on the game or it's outcome...we can just watch and enjoy. Live with it.

re: No, Not a Coach | 9:32 a.m. Aug. 26, 2008

Learn to take what you dish out. If you intend to harshly criticize somebody as you did, you should expect to get criticised n return. Otherwise, keep your mouth shut. By the way, trying to defend yourself only made it worse. Stop now before your hole gets deeper.

Bottom Line IMO | 9:32 a.m. Aug. 26, 2008

If Collie is being prepped for some trick plays to take advantage of his athleticism like the U did with Weddle then it could be a great idea and really add to our playbook.

If Collie is being prepped to potentially play QB if Hall goes down then it could be a terrible idea and reall throw our BCS plans off.

If this is simply to motivate our backups - I'm not sure it is the best way to go. How about just getting down and coaching these kids hard and adjust the order based on how well they do that week. If Gaskins is not playing to his potential then move him down to 3rd or 4th string until he shows he deserves better.

To Re Coach 9:17 am | 9:44 a.m. Aug. 26, 2008

Good point. I criticized a bunch of fans who may agree with this move right out of the shoot. And I agree that the vast majority of Mendenhall's moves have been dead on. Tough to argue with someone who has us in position for a BCS game in three short years. This one just kind of sat with me wrong though. Not for Weddle-like plays but as the potential to address poor backup QB play. I just don't see how in the world Collie could come in and actually play backup QB better than the scholarshipped kids who have been working at this position for years - not days. But I am hoping like most posters say - that this is no way about the actual backup QB position but instead about adding some wrinkles to the offense.

Re: Nixon | 9:45 a.m. Aug. 26, 2008

It's not his job to scout the opponents; that's the job of the coaches.

Nixon's job is to follow the game plan prepared by Coach Hill and make sure he's covering his assignments.

As far as Nixon's individual execution, it doesn't matter what division BYU's opponent is in.

'bout Time | 9:54 a.m. Aug. 26, 2008

Glad to see David Nixon is taking NIU seriously. I hope the rest of the team has his vision. If you watch the Panther highlights on You Tube you'll see why they were undefeated in regular season. They are FAST. They are aggressive. They are take away bandits and their special teams score often. Their new OB is faster and has a stronger arm than their departing star,I'm afraid this will be a much more "exciting" game than most fans think.
Seasoned Cougar Fanatic

K-Man | 9:57 a.m. Aug. 26, 2008

Newsflash... In the last several years it has become popular to have a formation of your offense where someone other than your quarterback is taking the snaps. Recent expamples McFadden at Arkansas, and locally Weddle at Utah.

From this it is obvious to me that Collie is not going to take Gaskins spot as Hall's backup, but to merely be a utility player in the backfield like those mentioned.

And although the tendency will be to run the football, don't be surprised if he puts one in the air, McFadden made some passes last year when defenses were just expecting the run. Although Collie might not throw as good of a ball as Hall, throwing the ball isn't rocket science if you have an open man at 15-20 yds downfield.

BYU's Schedule | 10:05 a.m. Aug. 26, 2008

If Washington and UCLA struggle this year, close wins by the Y could hurt them in voter's minds. I think the Hawaii debacle may hurt us a bit. An undefeated season by a non-BCS team may not mean as much considering that Hawaii looked like it didn't deserve to even be on the field with Georgia. And remember, one of Hawaii's key out of conference wins was a close come from behind win against Washington. The voters may want to see something more from us than some last minute blocked filed goal wins. Our schedule is not great compared to the teams we will be competing against for that BCS bowl. We need to really manhandle some of these teams to make a statement that we are not just another Hawaii. Go Cougs!

rudeute | 10:21 a.m. Aug. 26, 2008

It funny to see that BYU is trying to take a page out of Utah's playbook by adding a Collie at QB package.

Re: Schedule | 10:27 a.m. Aug. 26, 2008

ONE, and ONLY ONE, non-BCS team is guaranteed a bid to a BCS bowl, IF, a non-BCS team finishes in the Top 12.

Therefore, BYU's most likely competition for a BCS bid this year are Utah, Boise State, Fresno State and Tulsa.

If one of those teams finishes in the Top 12, that team will get the BCS bid.

If 2 or more of those teams finishes in the Top 12, the highest ranked team will most likely get the bid, although there is NO guarantee. Schedules could play a factor in that decision.

There is NO PROVISION in the BCS to invite more than one NON-BCS team, even if two non-BCS teams were ranked 1st and 3rd.

Hmmm... | 10:33 a.m. Aug. 26, 2008

Bottom Line IMO | 9:32 a.m. Aug. 26, 2008
"If Collie is being prepped to potentially play QB if Hall goes down then it could be a terrible idea and reall throw our BCS plans off."

If Hall goes down, BCS plans are off, no matter who is at QB.

"If this is simply to motivate our backups - I'm not sure it is the best way to go. How about just getting down and coaching these kids hard and adjust the order based on how well they do that week. If Gaskins is not playing to his potential then move him down to 3rd or 4th string until he shows he deserves better."

Um, isn't that exactly what Mendenhall is doing by putting Collie in the rotation?

If Hall goes down, it's going to be hard to win the conference. Giving Collie some preparation at QB allows BYU to have the flexibility of a dual quarterback offense if necessary. It also allows Collie to give BYU a different look for a surprise offensive play here and there, which could catch defenses (who will have watched hours of Max Hall) off guard.

Hmmm... | 10:39 a.m. Aug. 26, 2008

K-Man -- finally someone who understands what the Collie QB situation really is about. I think people are imagining Collie replacing Gaskins, when he would simple share time with Gaskins to give BYU a more flexible and dynamic offense if Hall were to go down.

geezer | 10:43 a.m. Aug. 26, 2008

UCLA and Washington easy?? Washington is always tough at home regardless of how their season goes. Just ask Boise State and USC from a year ago. The Cougars have never had an easy time with UCLA. The 2 BYU victories I remember were very close. Last years Las Vegas Bowl win over UCLA was lucky. (magical if you prefer; blocked field goals don't happen all that often) These two games could be losses. Any kind of win would be a big plus for the Cougs. As Pitta mentioned if BYU doesn't show up for NIU that game could be trouble as well. Here's the good news. BYU goes 3-0.

UCLA | 11:04 a.m. Aug. 26, 2008

I for one am a little worred about the 2 games vs the pac 10. Wash played very well with USC last year for the first half and part of the 3rd. BYU should win but Wash will hang around for while. As for UCLA...they scare me. BYU split games with them last year and in reality were an inch away from being 0-2. I think this year they have a better head coach and an outstanding offensive coordinator and so I think that it may come down to a field goal like it did in the bowl game. I do not expect either team to be beaten easily by BYU as many are predicting. I could see them losing 1 of these games. I think UCLA is more of a threat than Wash but Wash will still be a scrappy team that will not go away. I hope BYU ends up 2-0 in those games but it will not be easy to pick up 2 wins there

re: rudeute | 11:10 a.m. Aug. 26, 2008

so you're "rude ute"? Here's a newsflash for you, you're not the only one...

Collie at QB | 11:10 a.m. Aug. 26, 2008

Didn't BYU do this same type of thing with Doman and Staley a few times a few years back. I really doubt that Bronco would put Collie as the back up QB. I think he will put him in every now and again and maybe put Hall at wide out and do a double pass of some trick thing like that to throw defenses off but I really doubt Bronco will make Collie the back up QB.It doesn't seem like a smart move to me and I am not nearly as smart as Bronco.

Hmmm... | 11:13 a.m. Aug. 26, 2008

rudeute | 10:21 a.m. Aug. 26, 2008
"It funny to see that BYU is trying to take a page out of Utah's playbook by adding a Collie at QB package."

It's funny to see that Utah fans are uneducated enough to think that they were the first team to put an athetic WR, RB, or DB at QB here and there. Wow, it sure was groundbreaking when Weddle took a couple snaps here and there. It's been done before. In fact, BYU had Luke Staley taking direct snaps before Weddle or Urban Meyer even got to Utah, and dozens of other college teams have done it before that.

Nice try.

re: rudeute | 11:14 a.m. Aug. 26, 2008

It'll be even funnier when Collie to Hall scores the winning touchdown for BYU in November.

You must be a noob; only a newbie Ute homer would believe that the Utes invented having a player besides the quarterback taking snaps.

backup QB | 11:24 a.m. Aug. 26, 2008

Anyone who thinks Collie will take over at QB if Max is out injured needs to think again. Gaskins or one of the other QBs have the training and experience for this position and they will step up and get it done.

It's a totally different mindset being told "you're the backup" vs. being told "you're our starting QB". When a backup QB becomes the starter a change takes place in his attitude and approach and he becomes more intently focused than before. Don't worry, our QB spot will be ok. We have some talented guys.

FACT | 11:53 a.m. Aug. 26, 2008

If max hall goes down and is out then you season is over with. YOu have absolutely no depth at QB.

Las Vegas Katbacker | 12:16 p.m. Aug. 26, 2008

re: BCS party admittance by non-BCS qualifiers: If BYU is MWC Champ and ranked #6 (automatic qualifier) and Fresno St is WAC champ and ranked (maybe #8) higher than other teams that didn't win their Conf, they may be selected as an at-large. BCS can take anyone in the top 14 in BCS rankings as an at-large selection, not necessarily the highest; but more than one team from non-BCS teams can go (even three). It is unlikely, though.

From official selection info:
No more than one such team from (non-BCS confs) shall earn an automatic berth in any year. If two or more teams from those conferences satisfy the provisions for an automatic berth, then the team with the highest finish in the final BCS Standings will receive the automatic berth, and the remaining team or teams will be in the pool of teams eligible for selection by the bowls as at-large teams.

An at-large team is any FBS (Div 1-A) team that is bowl-eligible and meets the following requirements: Has won at least nine regular-season games, and Is among the top 14 teams in the final BCS Standings.

Why? | 12:24 p.m. Aug. 26, 2008

Why support a school (BYU) and team (Kittens) that is guilty of lies, cheating, stealing, murder, hunger, AIDS, global warming and the economic downturn in the state of Utah. Pathetic BYU fans.

Hmmm... | 12:31 p.m. Aug. 26, 2008

Luckily, it will take something serious for Max to watch from the sidelines. He played through the final couple games of last year with a shoulder separation that was serious enough to sideline other quarterbacks. (ahem, Brian Johnson?)

re: nottyou | 12:31 p.m. Aug. 26, 2008

you ever heard of the 12th man? By the way, why is it that teams, IN ANY SPORT, do better at home than they do on the road? Yeah, you're right, it's silly to think that fans don't change the game!

@FACT | 12:34 p.m. Aug. 26, 2008

And Utah does?

FACT | 12:36 p.m. Aug. 26, 2008

At least BYU can say that have a good starting QB. Most teams can't say the same...including Utah!!! What would be better, have at least one QB in the line up that is good, or none at all?

Bronco is the Man | 12:41 p.m. Aug. 26, 2008

Albeit good points that most of you have made about the difficulty of BYU's schedule and the obvious disdain some of you have for BYU...it really doesn't matter what the fans of BYU think nor so it means even less than our detractors or the Hater's from the other side of the mountain.

Our player's(the BYU guys)intentionally never read this trype.....it seems that it all about the what the ute fans fans think and their predictable prophecies about what they assert will be another BYU meltdown; which despite all the talk on their part hasn't occured.

Bronco Mendenhall is The Man....He is the leader of this Cougar football team. Even the most well-meaning fans of Cougar Nation sometimes undercut the program, albeit their well intentioned comments.

BYU will be prepared to do what it has to do on Saturday against NIU or any other team on its schedule. Our players will give each play their best. There will be no lack of discipline that will be shunned to spotlight an individual player. The Cougars are about TEAM and team work.

Will BYU win this Saturday? Most likely...and for the utes, you have powerhouse WeberState still on the schedule. Utesare Hypocrites.....

Preparation is the same for Coll | 12:41 p.m. Aug. 26, 2008

Bronco Mendenhall said he's concerned with the lack of depth at running back behind Harvey Unga and Fui Vakapuna. Why not use COLLIE. Collie Collie he our man if he canï¿½t do it no one can.

re: FACT | 12:42 p.m. Aug. 26, 2008

gee, we all might as well lie down and give up right now...

re:fact | 12:46 p.m. Aug. 26, 2008

If Bryan Johnson goes down and is out then your season is over with. YOU have absolutely no depth at QB.

Re: Fact | 12:46 p.m. Aug. 26, 2008

If Max Hall goes down and is out then we will only beat Utah by 2 touchdowns instead of 4.

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