Deseret News | BYU football: Big Max beefier, quicker for senior season

Reader comments
BYU football: Big Max beefier, quicker for senior season

114 comments | Read story

Excellent | 8:57 a.m. March 23, 2009

I like the part about them focusing on having more fun than meeting sky-high expectations. I'm excited to get my season tickets this year and see the Cougs compete against some big name schools this year. I would be happy with a 10-3 season this year, it would be nice if we could stick it to them Utes too!

Gotta love | 8:58 a.m. March 23, 2009

the anti-BYU fans. Last I recall, BJ didn't win a single big game until his senior year. Last I recall, BJ was still sack prone and turnover prone untill the last few games of his senior year. Last I recall, you've got not much waiting in the wings to replace the great "game manager" that was BJ. And last I recall, going 11-2 as a sophomore is better than 5-5 as a sophomore. 10-3 as a junior is better than 9-4 as a junior. And going 21-5 through his first two years is better than 14-9.

How pathetic. All Max needs this year is 7 wins to surpass the winningest qb in Ute history.

Excellent | 8:59 a.m. March 23, 2009

With that said, the Utah BYU game is ions away so I shouldn't even be worried about that. Obviously the Sooners will need all of our attention in the season opener. YIKES. Go COUGS!

Comments continue below

That was fast | 9:07 a.m. March 23, 2009

What's it been, less than 90 days and already Max's body is a world different?

I'm a Cougar fan, but my bet is that he's worked out after each of the previous seasons as well, becoming "beefier" each time.

I think this is a bit of an exaggeration...

MidWestUte | 9:10 a.m. March 23, 2009

Re:Suprise AZ Cougar...LOL Your are correct-keep quoting "old" news..."he was 22-5", and what did that get him? The big LOOOSER BOWL loss--now that was a thud and burn vs a 7-5 Arizona team...U better watch what you say--HEE HAW!

BYU Train | 9:19 a.m. March 23, 2009

ALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL Aboard................. Get ready for another season of disapointment.

Utes | 9:46 a.m. March 23, 2009

Do any of you Ute fans actually believe you can do as well as last season? Prepare for disappointment.

Even if you somehow go undefeated this year, you won't get a shot at the title game. (Maybe after 4 straight undefeated seasons.)

Good luck. I'd love to see the Y burst your bubble at the end of the year.

Ernest T. Bass | 10:09 a.m. March 23, 2009

From this article, it sounds like BYU will have no problem beating up on Oklahoma and Florida State.

UTE Fan in MS | 10:32 a.m. March 23, 2009

To Gotta Love: Just how many BCS games has Max played in? That's what I thought.
Oh, and if he played in any, did he win them?
I hope Max gets his 7 more wins, and that he does it prior to BYU going to the Las Vegas bowl, because we all know what happens there.

re: Utes | 10:39 a.m. March 23, 2009

No Cougar fan, I don't expect the Utes to go undefeated this year. When you already break through the ceiling for a MWC team, (Undefeated, Sugar Bowl Champs, #2 in Coaches Poll) getting back to that level the next season is asking way too much. Breaking in a new QB, but he will be surrounded by good players on both sides of the ball coming back.

Title shot? Please, NOBODY but Cougar fans expect that kind of ridiculous outcome. That will never happen for any MWC team in today's landscape. Stop the pipe dream.

Nothing disappointing following 2 BCS trips about continuing to build the dominate team in non-BCS conferences, that actually competes and beats BCS competion.

I would ask you the same question. Do you think your Cougs will be better than a 3 loss team next year? You already have 2 losses to start the season, OK and FSU, their speed will destroy BYU like TCU and Utah did last year, and have to compete with TCU and Utah again this year. Not to mention the daunting task of beating a mediocre Pac-10 team in the Vegas Bowl. 3 losses would be great.

Perfect Pete | 11:01 a.m. March 23, 2009

RE: Slogan/motto

Mendenhall decided not to go with one this year after last years fiasco. Maybe the 2009 slogan should be "Eating Humble Pie."

Me, Myself, and I | 11:10 a.m. March 23, 2009

Talk is cheap! This is the same Max Hall who before the BYU - Utah game this past season promised to not let his emotions get the best of him and remain focused and composed. The same Max Hall who was flagged in that game for his unsportsmanlike rant aimed at Paul Kruger after a big Ute defensive play. The same Max hall who turned the ball over six times. Anyone who has played sports speically football knows you don't turn the ball over six times single handedly if you're emotions are in check and you're focused and composed. I hope he is better next year I hope he can do what he says because that will make beating him and his teammates even better in 2009.

Me, Myself, and I | 11:23 a.m. March 23, 2009

Y Grad/Y Dad...are you serious? The program hardly imploded in the two seasons following the undefeated 2004 campaign. The U sufferred a lot of injuries both seasons, played through them and won bowl games both years, and have the longest bowl winning streak in the nation...when was the last time BYU won a bowl game besides the Las Vegas Bowl? And as far as Urban "jumping ship" if you were offered a better paying job and a chance to win a national title (somthing that will never happen for a non-bsc team as long as the bsc is around) you would have "jumped ship" too.

HurricaneDavid | 11:27 a.m. March 23, 2009

It doesn't matter if Max Hall is bigger, beefed up or faster. Oklahoma is going to fly right by him! I don't think the Cougs no what they are in for this September in Dallas. They will get slaughtered!
Prediction Oklahoma by 25
Then they will come home and beat FSU, hopefully!

Alex Trebek | 12:38 p.m. March 23, 2009

Who cares how he is physically? It wasn't his physical tools (or lack thereof) that got us beat so badly last year by those three teams. IT'S HIS HEAD!! Where is he mentally? Has he been able to shake off what happened last year and refresh his mind? Or is he suffering from PTSD? I guess we'll find out when the fall rolls around and there are some real, live bullets. Until then, the football team would do well to follow what Coach Rose did with Jonathan Tavernari and put a muzzle on this kid until post-game interviews. DON'T TELL ME, SHOW ME!

Pat Young | 1:08 p.m. March 23, 2009

Will some of you wake up and realize that Hall did not write the article. Your anger is displaced with common sense. So Utah won the last game and they won it big. Common sense will tell you that means very little for the next game between BYU and UTAH. Personally BYU has an edge considering the graduation of Utah seniors.

Max's Bromance | 1:20 p.m. March 23, 2009

Max I want you to know that I enjoy your new muscles. They will make it easier for you to throw those passes to Utah's Defense next year.

Yankee | 1:50 p.m. March 23, 2009

Now if we only had an Offensive Coordinator, who knew how to call a game, and have more than 5 plays in the playbook, maybe we might get somewhere. I think the OK game could be bad.

Basketball | 2:29 p.m. March 23, 2009

Basketball is over. At least on the local level. WITH A HUGE THUD FOR BOTH BYU AND UTAH. It is time to start talking FOOTBALL.

I Don't Care | 2:59 p.m. March 23, 2009

I enjoy BYU football and I don't care how much smnack utes fans can come up with because BYU will always be the best program, period. max Hall will be the best QB in the West this year and the Utes will be getting beat by CSU and AF. I know that Oklahoma is a better team, but they still play the game and I will enjoy the game. I will NEVER cheer for Utah and you can count on that. I still think BYU got the better deal in coaches and it will be a good BYU year. Who cares how the Utes do.... I didn't watch the Sugar Bowl and I don't care. Oh, BTW Ute fans I don't care about you either.

re: Pat Young | 3:07 p.m. March 23, 2009

I think BYU definetly has the edge next season. I mean, all of their defense for the most part comes back! Offenses around the country love to here that. Along with a new O-line, two average WR's (1 just off a mission), and Max at QB.

When these teams meet in November, the best unit on the field will be the U Defense, and Cougar fans know what these means for Maxie.

BYU will be lucky to lose LESS than 4 games, with 2 built in right up front. Utah will probably rack up 3 losses. Game in LES could decide who goes to the Poinsettia Bowl. TCU should win the conference, but will not escape their season undefeated, and will take the Cougars annual place in Vegas.

Blue Chelan 56 | 3:24 p.m. March 23, 2009

I think if we all went over to the U. Tribune these Middle School and HS FREAKS wouldn't realize where we went and leave us to or selves once again. Worth a try.

bigger, beefier.... | 3:28 p.m. March 23, 2009

doesn't erase color blindness..... Y and U fans you are hilarious.....

CONGRATULATIONS SLCC.... THE ONE TRUE UTAH TEAM THAT IS A NATIONAL CHAMPION!!!! ALL BE IT ON THE JC LEVEL.... A CHAMPIONSHIP IS A CHAMPIONSHIP!!!!

For the record... I've been a BYU fan since 1984.... Yah... good timing I know... But I've been true ever since.... I can accept truth though... BYU will NEVER repeat the miracle year 1984 was..... Cougar fans as a collective body are extremely jealous that the Utes have done what they never have.... go undefeated for 2 seasons with two coaches... Heck... the LDS haven't even done that with one..... LDS=Losers Down South....

The Cougars and Utes have both won 1 national championship in the sports that matter.... The Utes in 1944 and the Cougs in 1984.... Will it happen again? Not for the cougars.... Not in either sport... Perhaps though 2024 could be a banner year for the WUN.... Winners Up North.... Turf and Wood champs.... let it happen!!!!

Ugghh... | 4:30 p.m. March 23, 2009

I really hate all this stupid pointless banter about Harline, Kruger, whatever. I may be a true blue, but seriously people!!!

re: I Don't Care | 4:36 p.m. March 23, 2009

You seem to think that Ute fans want you to cheer for them, and want you to watch the Sugar Bowl? Sorry, but Utah is at a point where they don't need pitty support from jealous Coug fans.

I don't blame you for not watching the Sugar Bowl. It would tear my heart out to have to watch BYU destroy a team from the SEC who was ranked #1 in the country for half the season. Luckily that scenario will never happen. Every time I watch BYU play a good team, it turns out better than expected. YOU LOSE.

You can keep Donko. His ceiling has been reached. Winning the MWC with 2-3 losses overall and playing in the Vegas Bowl is as good as it will ever get for the Cougars.

For your benefit, I hope the next BCS trip for the Utes is to the Rose Bowl. That way Cougar fans can tag along and bask in the sun, instead of the sin in Vegas!

Okay... | 4:48 p.m. March 23, 2009

I'm all for beefier & Faster, But what I really want to see is: SCAN THE FIELD -- SEE WHAT IS OUT THERE ON THE FIELD DON"T LOOK AT ONE RECEIVER !!!!!!!

I'll take 2 of 3 from now on. | 5:27 p.m. March 23, 2009

Letting the uties win every third year will keep them interested in the rivalry.

And? | 5:31 p.m. March 23, 2009

So that means he'll be easier to hit because of the inexperience of the new line, and he'll be faster at throwing those interceptions as he eyes down his target each time.

I'm sick of Hall, put someone else in. I was embarrased by his performance.

Big Dan | 5:53 p.m. March 23, 2009

I may be an athletic supporter for BYU, but I definitely am not stupid enough to nickname my Yewt quarterback BJ.

@ gotta love | 6:18 p.m. March 23, 2009

how many BCS championships does Max have? How many does BJ have. In the end the only thing that is really remembered is superior greatness: 12-0, 13-0, not 11-2, 10-3. BJ 2 Max 0. That score wont be changing this year either.

??? | 7:11 p.m. March 23, 2009

Umm... BCS Championships?

Reality Coug | 10:33 p.m. March 23, 2009

I appreciate Max, teamates and coaches. All recognize that Max alone does not win all their games. He plays a key role, yes, and he is doing his best to prepare and improve, but there are 10 other offensive players on the filed with him, and 11 defensive players and they all share responsibility to execute at their posisions...OL has to block, receivers run good routes, catch the ball, backs block and run hard/strong...when all are doing their best, BYU Cougars will play very well and make the school and fans happy...there's always going to be someone better and faster, but if the team has done all they can to be able to perform at their best and play smart, hard and, yes, have fun doing it, they'll win games and in the years to come...but BYU, nor any other team, will never win every game every year, that's not possible!!! Go Cougars, and give it your best...We enjoy listening (and watching if on TV), I live in Washington State...be thankful to live in Utah so you can watch live games! Enjoy the sport and life!

WestCoastCat | 2:33 a.m. March 24, 2009

Man you guys are negative... I saw nothing wrong with what Max was saying. Good grief get a grip! Its really pathetic listening to you whine... I didnt like he said this... I thought he should have said that...Shut up...

Good luck to Max and all the boys in blue this upcoming season!

No I am not a family member or friend...

A Fan | 9:05 a.m. March 24, 2009

All last week the Deseret News covered UoU football spring football and their expectations. This is nothing new. Now they are covering BYU football. Max didn't say anything different than UoU quarterback did last year. AND most just don't get it. Football is great fun. I am a big fan and watch just about anything out there but it isn't life. I'm glad I have something else and yes I was glad Utah won in the Sugar bowl and really upset that BYU flopped as I am true blue, but life goes on.

Drool | 9:29 a.m. March 24, 2009

Mmmmmmmm. I'm hungry for some delicious Max Hall turnovers.

RR | 12:38 p.m. March 24, 2009

This article sounds like he could be advertising for a Big Mac! It's beefier, juicier, and cooks quicker than ever! No wonder the utes are out in full force.

Thanks Drool, they'll be served with some Ungan steaks and Tongan fries. Sadly, there are no more Johnsonville brats for you to enjoy the one year they actually did something healthy for you. Maybe a Mack truck can deliver some new goods this year!

Losing to Arizona | 12:57 p.m. March 24, 2009

All you zoobs should know what that is like, we are talking football right?

Anonymous | 1:01 p.m. March 24, 2009

BYU is comparable to the phoenix suns. all offense and no defense.

Hall play safety | 1:08 p.m. March 24, 2009

not QB, as you get rattled easily, lock onto your favorites. You are the reason BYU lost to Utah.

Re: 2 of 3 | 1:18 p.m. March 24, 2009

Funny you say 2 out of 3 and I say 4 of 6 and the only reason why you got the 2 is because of the "magic" and that is all gone now!!

TDS days are slipping away........you will be the most religious school in the state (thanks BronKo), but as for having the best football team, well that is Utah now.

Re: I'll take 2 of 3 | 2:17 p.m. March 24, 2009

As a Ute fan, I'll take 2 of 3 as well if it means we go to the BCS 2 of ever 3 years. You'd take the same.

Re: re: I'll take... | 2:18 p.m. March 24, 2009

typo...what I meant to say is that as a Ute fan, I'd give you 2 of 3 wins every year if it means that one year sends the Utes to the BCS. You'd take the same if given the option.

Both sides should be less ridiculous with their comments. This is good football, and a good rivalry.

Thomas | 5:33 p.m. March 24, 2009

Those who are critical of Max Hall have obviously never played and know nothing about football and especially quarterbacking.

Hall was and will continue to be one of the top qps in the country. Hind sight, of course, tells us the play calling had more to do with his faulty performance the last two games of last year than he did, but you harsh critics would know nothing about that, would you?

Fact.... | 8:48 p.m. March 24, 2009

Max Hall will have had a better college career than any Utah QB in their history. Even with his 6 picks in the last two games last year he still has almost the same career ratio as BJ in INT's per attempt. As much as Ute fans love to talk about his turnovers, it is a statistical fact that Hall is 1) No more turnover prone than BJ. 2) Has a better TD/INT ration than BJ. No Ute fan would admit this, because it would signal intelligence, but Utah would take Max Hall gratefully every year and be better for it.

re: Max's Bromance | 10:52 p.m. March 24, 2009

"They will make it easier for you to throw those passes to Utah's Defense next year."

Aaaa...psst...Ute fan.....it was funny, clever, amusing, somewhat entertaining, etc. when the first Hall posts came out. Don't get much mileage out of it anymore. Please get some new material.

PS. "Max's Bromance"? Not that good either. Get to work!!!!!

To Ute Fans | 12:50 a.m. March 25, 2009

I understand you don't want to hear about football right now. It's the same every year. You only want to hear about football when the Utes are undefeated or in the top 25. Until then dinky Rice Eccles Stadium doesn't even get sold out. Just admit BYU has more fans and better fans and also admit that our fight song and the Cougar growl sound effect scare you and we'll all feel a little bit better. GO COUGARS.

I don't care | 7:44 a.m. March 25, 2009

about Max's bromance. I don't care about the great firesides. I don't care about the great Cougar Fight song or that scary Cougar growl. I don't. I don't.
Stay Sweet boys, and keep living righteously.
Love, Utah defense.

Hall | 8:02 a.m. March 25, 2009

Hall accummulates numbers like a fantasy QB due to Anae's love affair with throwing the ball 50 times a game. He is in the same mold as the Texas Tech QB's who rack up stats left and right.

When Hall wins a big game, leads his team to an undefeated season and a BCS berth and victory, come back and talk smack about Brian Johnson. Until then, enjoy the Vegas Bowl, again.

Best wishes, Cougs | 8:42 a.m. March 25, 2009

Best Wishes to Max Hall. I couldn't have handled the pressure in my early twenties as he handles every day. These boys live and work in a fishbowl and we who watch are almost ridiculous in our criticisms. I love my Cougars, and may Max fulfill his goal to be at his best for them this fall!

twisted ute | 12:50 p.m. March 25, 2009

So, Bronco is impressed because Maxie made football higher than 5th priority in his life? How ironic.

Seriously, Max looks like Jay Feidler (use the google). The player (wearing the jersey end w/ 8)behind Hall in the photo above is probably the prototypical player for TDS.

Add your comment

Comments are monitored. Any comments found to be abusive, offensive, off-topic, misrepresentative, more than 200 words or containing URLs will not be posted.

Words Remaining

E-mail address: For internal use only. We may want to contact you to publish your comment (not your e-mail address) in the newspaper or for a separate story idea.