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BYU football: Cougars' 2009 football opener is OK

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Enter the Ute Fans... | 12:42 a.m. Jan. 7, 2009

Onto the BYU article to say how BYU will get killed. So predictable how they can't and won't stay away. I like this as a trap game for Oklahoma, especially if Bradford leaves.

LS | 12:43 a.m. Jan. 7, 2009

Is Mendenhall a robot? His quotes seem so mechanical, like they could be produced by some automatic text generation machine.

Anonymous | 1:29 a.m. Jan. 7, 2009

ready to start 0-3, way to go cougs for gettin a strong schedule, you will be lucky to win even 5 games next year

Comments continue below

Lets Hope BYU Plays Better D | 1:38 a.m. Jan. 7, 2009

Lets hope over the off season the so called BYU experts, that said they should have been 12-1 not because their D stunk nor that the other team was but BYUs offense had too many turnovers, build a better D unit that can play.

Blue Athletic Supporter | 3:10 a.m. Jan. 7, 2009

This is a scheduling coup and terrific opportunity. The Cougars will go in as a sizeable underdog, of course, but lowered expectations is what you would prefer. It's unrealistic to think BYU could go 4-0 with this non-conference schedule but 2-2 or even 3-1 could happen.

Provo | 4:22 a.m. Jan. 7, 2009

The Y should win this game against OU since Y is more athletic and better coached than OU. The game will also help Y's recruiting in Texas since it already recruits most of th 4 and 5 star recruits in the state.

The Need for Speed | 4:23 a.m. Jan. 7, 2009

Hopefully BYU can get faster in all phases of the game next year. You can only scheme and gameplan so much. Utah proved this year that the faster your are the harder the other team will fall.

The Devil's in the details | 4:36 a.m. Jan. 7, 2009

Who are the refs? It's time for the media to start perusing the fine print in these contracts. BYU has agreed to allow big name opponents to designate the officiating crew in the past for both football and basketball. It has led to their downfall as recently as last Saturday. Does it make a difference? Ask Ron McBride. He used to comment that he could have foreseen the outcome of certain games because of the officials who were calling them.

Anonymous | 4:42 a.m. Jan. 7, 2009

at times like this, it is time to drop football from the athletic program and quit enriching the Provo Orthopods.

Ken G | 4:44 a.m. Jan. 7, 2009

BYU has a real shot at having a 5 game losing streak before they play Utah State.

Bob in line | 4:53 a.m. Jan. 7, 2009

BYU has great potential. The question is whether or not the coaching staff is ready to take the next step. Clearly they are great at fortune 500 motto's, slogans and "team building" exercises. Now can they coach?

At times they are like the last couple of years with Norm Chow. Remember how almost every running play was a delayed trap up the middle? It was awful! Norm certainly cleared out his cob webs by moving on. Mendenhall?

And is he going to go get some Juco players with speed?

Potential, potential, potential. Boy have we heard that before. I hope they figure something out, and soon!

Go BYU!

BuckinBronco | 4:57 a.m. Jan. 7, 2009

On paper this is a mismatch, just like Utah-Alabama. On the field, we'll see. Strange things happen when underdogs with something to prove get a shot at an "anointed" team on a neutral field. Kudos to the Cougs for giving fans marquee games against top competition like OK and FSU next year. If the 09 Cougs were to go undefeated with wins over OK, FSU, TCU, Utah, and AFA, likely 4 ranked teams, the BCS would be hard-pressed to keep them out of the NC game. If you're going to dream, dream big. As a fan I love this season opener win or lose. If BYU loses, it will be early in the season and will not crush their BCS hopes, like TCU losing to OK last year. TCU was still in the hunt for a BCS game until they got a second loss (UT).

Eugene | 5:23 a.m. Jan. 7, 2009

Okay, let's here from an actual Cougar fan!! Way to go for the scheduling!! BYU has decided to play some meat instead of many of the college teams wanting to play pushovers to pad the win column.

Cougs, please beef up your corners with height and speed and don't let anyone decide they need to go pro early like Hall, Pitta, Collie, etc. Shift up the play calling and add some new plays since you were becoming predictable. The defensive scheme must use more blitzes and stunts. No more "bend and not break". And most of all, pass defenders need to play the first down markers and not lay off 10 yards of the receiver. Sure you close the gap, but not till after the 1st down has already been made.

Yes, a Cougar fan with some kind suggestions for improvements!!

OhioBYUFan | 5:28 a.m. Jan. 7, 2009

They will win more than five games alright, but what they really need to do is convert some of their WR's over to the D-line. WHY? Because they need speed. Can you envision their Safety's and Cornerbacks all about 6'2" and 220 lbs. And who can run the 40 in about 4.5. What offense could get through that? Also BYU needs faster linebackers. Speed baby is the new routine to win. Speed and strength. Lastly, they had a big O-line this year (in size and strength), but they didn't have speed. Re-look at the TCU game. TCU's defense ran around BYU's offense so many times it was ridiculous. Again, speed baby as Dicky V would say, it's what's the most important thing for BYU to win.

Jason | 6:03 a.m. Jan. 7, 2009

I think BYU can beat OU and FSU but they have to improve turn-over and penalties. Not to mention continue creating a strong line on both offensive and defensive sides.

Wrong Board | 6:06 a.m. Jan. 7, 2009

must be the hill up north or cache county folks making all those wrong board. Yeah, our cougars will need to work on their home work - Defense and Turnovers. Austin Collie will think twice and will come back for his senior year!
Go Cougars!

IfBradfordStays | 6:38 a.m. Jan. 7, 2009

The Cougs do not stand a chance they lost to Utah, TCU, and Arizona how will the be able to play against Bradford and the Sooners?

I know we can win | 7:06 a.m. Jan. 7, 2009

but we need to make some changes. If we want more wins lets take some lessons from those who are having success. All season long I would hear how big our BYU offensive and defensive lines were, often outweighing our opponents linemen by a wide margin. What did we learn? We need SPEED !! Our linemen were schooled by smaller teams with fast guys. In particular against Utah. It really sunk in when I watched Utah dominate Alabama's FAT boys. Having BIG linemen doesn't mean they will be good. As a minimum it just means their FAT. I look at our linemen when I watch BYU play on TV. Sadly they just remind me of all my fat uncles...big bellies hangin' over their pants. C'mon Bronco lets make some changes !! Lets trim down and get some guys who are fit and FAST!! I'll bet we'll have better success if you can just do that one thing!

Send the Utes for a MWC win! | 7:08 a.m. Jan. 7, 2009

The ONLY chance the kittys have is to send the Utes to play OK in blue/meow gear. Props to TDS for setting up the game but they will be CRUSHED! How could you think differently after their tremendous showing vs AZ. Sorry cooger fan, you're dreaming a Ute reality if you think you have a chance to stay w/in 21.
Go Utes!

Bratty Little Brothers | 7:13 a.m. Jan. 7, 2009

As usual our bratty little brothers can't resist spewing their usual cheap shots. They're so predictable it's almost sad. Some people grow older, but they never grow up.

------------------------------

What an honor to be playing the possible defending national champions in the inaugural college football game in, from what I've heard, one of the greatest football stadiums ever built.

Jealous Utie fans | 7:15 a.m. Jan. 7, 2009

The uties can't stand the fact that even with their BCS busting they still can't compete with the Y's star power on the national level. The uties will not be playing consecutive games in the new Texas stadium and then the Super Dome. The uties are still the also rans in the MWC, the Cougs are still the name brand of the conference and always will be. Read'em and weep uties.

RE:IfBradfordStays | 7:15 a.m. Jan. 7, 2009

Do you think this article is about the NFL? This is a college team and all college teams change every year; some alot, some very little.

BYU shouldn't be in for too many changes and their team should mature to 09. As for TCU, UA, and UU, that was 08, all of the games were away games and in 09 BYU is looking at home games against UU, AF and TCU. They should once again go at least 10-2 even with a tough schedule (with the exception of Tulane (2-10)). Meanwhile up north, Utah has packed their schedule with two WAC teams USU (3-9) AND San Jose State (6-6), and Louisville (5-7) with Oregon being the only good team in their non-conf and they still will probably finish 7-5 just like after 2004.

2009 Schedules... | 7:38 a.m. Jan. 7, 2009

with current record/ranking

Oklahoma will be ranked in the Top 5. Oregon and Florida State will be ranked in the Top 25

BYU
9-5 #1 Oklahoma (12-1) (Dallas Stadium) ABC or ESPN
9-12 at Tulane (2-10) (Super Dome) ESPN or ESPN2
9-19 Florida State (9-4)
10-2 Utah State (3-9)

Utah
9-5 Utah State (3-9)
9-12 at San Jose State (6-6)
9-19 at #13 Oregon (10-3)
9-26 Louisville (5-7)

Send the Utes for a MWC win! | 7:38 a.m. Jan. 7, 2009

Sorry to say this kitty fans but you'll be absolUTEly crushed by OK and the MWC would be much better off sending the Utes in blue/kitty gear because we'd be assured a win. Don't forget that the TDS is 1-20 over the last 10 years vs top 25 teams and after the wonderful showing in the vegas bowl vs AZ how could anyone expect a kitty victory? Max will once again be throwing a bunch of ints to players in red because he'll be playing a team w/ a winning record.
You're dreaming a Ute reality if you think kitty U has a chance to stay closer than 21 down.

re: If Bradford Stays 6:38 | 7:39 a.m. Jan. 7, 2009

"They lost to TCU, Utah and Arizona, how can they win?"

Serious???

Last year Utah lost to OSU, AFA, SDSU, BYU, and did OK this year?

Why start whining about BYU in January.

I never thought the Utes would be so thinned skinned.

long 2009 season | 7:40 a.m. Jan. 7, 2009

So much for a possible BCS run next season. While its great we get to play a powerhouse in Oklahoma at a neutral venue, BYU just doesn't step up on the national stage under the current system. At least our home schedule is "highly favorable." I predict an 9-3 regular season with 2 losses at LES to Florida State and TCU.

Pa Cougar | 7:46 a.m. Jan. 7, 2009

OU will be tough, the Cougars will be severe underdogs; but I think BYU will beat Tulane and FSU. Tulane only won 2 games this year and FSU is no longer the powerhouse they once were. BYU is playing FSU at home, which will give them the advantage they need to pull out that game.

Couldn't ask... | 7:48 a.m. Jan. 7, 2009

for a bigger opening game than playing Oklahoma in the Dallas Cowboys state-of-the-art brand new stadium. I've heard the Video Board stretches from the 20-yard line to the 20-yard line (60 yards).

This will be an exciting game for Cougar fans and something the BYU players will have to look forward to as they prepare to shake off the disappointment of 2008. A great opportunity for the MWC to show that they can play with the "big boys".

Schedule | 7:47 a.m. Jan. 7, 2009

This is an exciting schedule for real cougar fans and a real up grade. Now lets see if the coaching staff can adapt and make some changes that help the team win. This will be another opertunity for our quarterback to show that he can one at least win one big game before he graduates!

The classy ute fans are already predicting 5-7 again, just like they have every year for the last three years. Nothing but class acts coming from the hill!!!

Ute Fan | 7:49 a.m. Jan. 7, 2009

I commend BYU for this scheduling choice. It is definitely tough, but if the MWC is to advance its BCS cause, we need to schedule more of these types of games. And next season Oklahoma may not be nearly what they are right now. Remember when Utah scheduled Michigan? They were a top ten team, but look how quickly things changed. If Bradford and others leave, a verteran BYU team could be catching Oklahoma at just the right time.

TURNOVERS!!!!!!! | 7:51 a.m. Jan. 7, 2009

BYU can win the OK game IF they can have no more than 1 turnover.

I'm a big BYU fan, but I see this as a great opportunity and a HUGE challenge.

If they do go 2-2 prior to conference play, look no further than 2006 & 2007 for 2-2 openers.

I'll be thrilled if they beat OK, but I'll be even happier if they win the conference and their bowl game!

Nationally Recognized Program | 7:51 a.m. Jan. 7, 2009

""We are excited to host such strong traditional college football programs as those at the University of Oklahoma and Brigham Young University in our first-ever college football game at our new stadium," said Dallas Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones."

Gee Whiz, Wally. What do you think Jerry Jones is talking about when he calls the University of Oklahoma and Brigham Young University "strong traditional college football programs"???

I thought Mike Sorensen already Declared the Utes "Best Ever".

Is it possible that people who know football see BYU as a "strong traditional college football program"???

That would mean BYU has the National Prestige that Ute Fans crave so badly. That is why BYU fans see this as an opportunity, and Utah fans are so negative. They don't see the positives of having anyone in the MWC do well but themselves.

RE: if bradford stays | 7:58 a.m. Jan. 7, 2009

TCU lost the game against the utes. 2 missed field goals. You lucked out.

Preseason hype... | 8:06 a.m. Jan. 7, 2009

As a Ute, Im perfectly fine with all of the PRESEASON hype being focused on the TDS... Only to have those darn jealous little brothers from that team up north come out and ruin their homemaking night.. Every year the Cougar faithful crown themselves BCS and National Champs only to disappoint when the season starts and their team ACTUALLY PLAYS. National attention? Im willing to let you guys have all the national attention you want BEFORE THE SEASON STARTS.. Ill stick to getting all the national attention at the END OF THE SEASON, when we're playing after the new year...Ill be watching anxiously to see if these Cougs can learn from lessons past, but given the arrogance of the program, the fan base, and the players, I doubt it... They'll lose two out of three of these "national spotlight" games and be put back on the shelf for another year...

Jacobson | 8:12 a.m. Jan. 7, 2009

Isn't McKay Jacobson from Texas...what a great 'homecoming' this would be. Can you imagine (if Collie does not got pro) Collie being on one side and Jacobson being on the other? Ashworth and Chambers backing them up. And a stellar tight-end commitee. Maybe Tonga will be back too. This could be a offensive shoot-out.

Now that the Utes represented, it's BYU's turn to turn the national media's heads.

Ernest T. Bass | 8:12 a.m. Jan. 7, 2009

byu will win. you heard it here first!

DennyG | 8:19 a.m. Jan. 7, 2009

How in the world will BYU fans cope with a .500 season at best?
You may as well start saying "Wait until 2010"!

gridironsam | 8:22 a.m. Jan. 7, 2009

Congrats to Tom Holmoe for getting this done. A great opportunity to gain more national exposure for BYU and for the MWC. Of course what gains respect for a program and a conference is not playing in these types of games, but winning them.
Also, having visited New Orleans recently for a football game, I definitely recommend Cougar fans make the road trip to Tulane to take in the great food and culture in New Orleans.

SoonerCougarJr. | 8:24 a.m. Jan. 7, 2009

As an alum of both universities, I couldn't be more excited about this matchup. After OU wins the title this year (Go Sooners!), BYU will have a fantastic opportunity to play against an awesome Sooners squad, even without Bradford. Bradford's successor, Landry Jones, looks like another great quarterback.

If Collie sticks around, we'll maintain a deep receiving corp at BYU, and if Hall can correct his turnover disease, the Cougar offense will be potent. If the defense can pick up some speed and ratchet up the intensity, the Cougs will be stronger on defense as well. A lot of "ifs" there. Hopefully at least some of them will become "whens".

Anyway, I will be attending this game, and I can't wait. Personally, I don't even care who wins. Go SCOOGNERS!

OU Alumni | 8:26 a.m. Jan. 7, 2009

All I can say is I am totaly excited for this game. I loved BYU growing up but I have two degrees from OU, and I loved my time in Norman.

Most of these posts have been good but To PROVO. I hope I missed your sarcasm or else your just not very intelligent. BYU at least this year is not even close to having comprable athletes that OU does. I don't think BYU will win I hope they show up and play well. Both teams will have re-vamped offensive lines. OU has some brutes on the D-Line I cant remember who is back. Line play will be the biggest factor.

This is how all BYU should schedule it's better to play OU then go over to Hawaii and play a team that wants to kill you because your BYU. The game is going to be high profile and a lot of fun lets leave it at that.

Can a Ute fan tell me how they can have such a good team and still not sell out a 50,000 seat stadium game in and game out; it's embarrasing. I saw empty seats for Oregon State and TCU

BYUTEX | 8:29 a.m. Jan. 7, 2009

Welcome back to Texas and the new $1.1 billion palace. Bring a product that we can be proud of this year. The Coogs really stunk up Amon Carter Stadium in 2008. Better yet, bring a quarterback that knows how to play the game.

Ute Fan | 8:35 a.m. Jan. 7, 2009

I root for Utah and anybody that plays BYU. But, congrats on a great schedule next year.

YtxPat | 8:42 a.m. Jan. 7, 2009

Remember Miami. I was there. We can do it again, even in Dallas. I think the U was the underdog to Alabama! That's why they play the game!

I was also at TCU and we need to do what Utah did to Alabama or TCU did to us or we did to UCLA. It can be done.

I think we also need some revenge the next week against the Wave.

Go Cougs!

Wake-up BYU fans | 8:49 a.m. Jan. 7, 2009

BYU DOES have a chance if they learn from thier mistakes (Hall's Tunnel vision) and execute better. I don't get all of you fans who want our corners to be more aggresive??? Do you remember the Tulsa game in 07? BYU doesn't have the speed to play aggresive in the secondary. If you want to be blown out, then play tight. Besides, the lapses in the secondary in Vegas were due to the free safety blowing his zone, not the speed of our corners. That was a lack of execution at safety. Do you really think Bronco goes out to recruit slow players??? Come on, the fastest kids (for the most part) are going to other schools because they don't want the regulations of a private church school. That's not going to change. If you change the standards, then you get Gary Crowton I.e. the Miami Hurricanes and criminals. Coach Mendenhall has a great system that maximizes the talent that he has and the talent that he can get. BYU gets a Derwin Gray or a Rodney Rice in its secondary every 10 - 15 years. Many schools have players like that every year! Wake up - understand "Cover 3"!

Awesome Man | 8:51 a.m. Jan. 7, 2009

BYU can win next years game against the sooners if Vakapuna can run a lot of touchdowns.

Az Dave | 8:55 a.m. Jan. 7, 2009

This is Great!!!!!!!!! Early loses and then no stupid talk about BSC and how great the MWC is

re:Send the Utes for a MWC win! | 8:52 a.m. Jan. 7, 2009

Sorry, but as Jerry Jones said, they are looking for "such strong traditional college football programs as those at the University of Oklahoma and Brigham Young University in our first-ever college football game at our new stadium."

I guess they want BYU, whatever the fools on the hill with crimson colored glasses think.

Thanks Bronco for the consistency BYU has shown under your leadership.

Strong traditional program? | 8:56 a.m. Jan. 7, 2009

BYU has had ONE undefeated season in their entire history. BYU's biggest bowl win in their history has been the Holiday Bowl - hardly a prestigious bowl.
They've won just 9 bowl games in their history - as many as the strong program that is Fresno state. But what's worse, they've lost 65% of the bowl games they've played in.

They're currently 1-21 against top 25 teams. 1-25!!!

This is why Y fans are so delusional. They actually think that they're in the upper eschelon of college football.

Unfortunately, BYU is going to get absolutely stomped against Oklahoma, and I wish that weren't the case. The MWC needs respect. But after BYU gets killed by Oklahoma, their confidence will go down the tubes, and I predict a 6-6 season.

Poor Max Hall | 8:56 a.m. Jan. 7, 2009

What do Oklahoma, Florida State, Arizona and Utah have in common? That's right, the COLOR RED in each team's jerseys.

Props to BYU for scheduling UP, but with that said, good luck with at least three losses -- possibly four with a trip to New Mexico (also red) on the 09 schedule.

Just imagine if BYU kept Arizona State (another shade of red) on the 2009 schedule .......

Represent the MWC! | 8:58 a.m. Jan. 7, 2009

BYU...please represent well! Utah and TCU gave the MWC more credibility this bowl season than any other year in our history. Please don't embarrass the conference! We have so much momentum now.

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