Reader comments
BYU football preview: Cougar army
48 comments | Read story
- | 7:51 a.m. Aug. 24, 2008
None of this matters.
Whoa Nellie | 8:44 a.m. Aug. 24, 2008
None of this matters . . . to you. It does matter for continued success in the
BYU football program which is inevitable.
Comments continue below
Beleive it | 8:51 a.m. Aug. 24, 2008
nonbeliever, you miss the point. Half the country is one injury away from a very
different season and our backup QBs could start at many of them.
Perhaps the prevailing thought is that if Hall goes down in a tight one, we're better off throwing a wrench in the opposing defense's preparation with an Austin Collie triple option ala Air Force than running the same plays at a diminished level.
Our depth of talent may allow us to change the face of the whole offense instead of just switching the QB.
Although I hope we don't see it until the end of the season, if at all, every team we play is going to have to prepare for it.
Perhaps this is the beginning of a new twist to Anae's offense.
Perhaps the prevailing thought is that if Hall goes down in a tight one, we're better off throwing a wrench in the opposing defense's preparation with an Austin Collie triple option ala Air Force than running the same plays at a diminished level.
Our depth of talent may allow us to change the face of the whole offense instead of just switching the QB.
Although I hope we don't see it until the end of the season, if at all, every team we play is going to have to prepare for it.
Perhaps this is the beginning of a new twist to Anae's offense.
BYUCanuck | 9:12 a.m. Aug. 24, 2008
Even as a BYU fan I fail to see how grooming backups could possibly not be
something every team is doing. Contingency plan? Who doesn't have one of
those?
Don't Believe It | 9:28 a.m. Aug. 24, 2008
Think about it - if the rational for taking Collie away from MUCH needed reps as
a receiver (remember he has been sidelined all camp) is to develop some Air
Force triple option stunt, we only would need to develop one of our actual QBs
for that. Covey - an actual scholarshiped QB - ran the option very very well as
a starter for almost 3 seasons at Timpview. He is fast and would likely be
starting at Air Force this season had he not chosen to come to the Y. Collie?
The guy last played QB as a 10 year old. He has the chance to be an all-american
receiver. I'm guessing he hates this stunt as much as anyone. I'm
afraid the QB wave at BYU happens to be on their missions right now. There is
absolutely NO other logical reason to be doing this with Collie. Prep him for a
couple trick plays fine but prep him as an actual backup QB is bordering on
insanity.
Re: nonbeliever | 9:38 a.m. Aug. 24, 2008
First off, his name is MAX Hall, not Matt Hall. And if Bronco didn't want
to see anybody other than Hall and Collie touch the ball at QB, why would he
name Gaskins as the backup?
Just because Doman had Collie take a FEW snaps in practice doesn't mean they're gonna use him when Hall goes down. I doubt we'll see Collie take more than 2 snaps the entire season, so GET OVER IT!!!!
Just because Doman had Collie take a FEW snaps in practice doesn't mean they're gonna use him when Hall goes down. I doubt we'll see Collie take more than 2 snaps the entire season, so GET OVER IT!!!!
Collie | 9:42 a.m. Aug. 24, 2008
The previous comments make me optimistic that no one will pay attention to this
one, but let's stop and think why it would be a good idea to have a WR
ready to "play QB." Will he actually play QB? I doubt it. But if
you want to really screw up a defense, the occasional snap-to-WR-while-he-is-in
motion (think Harvin at Florida last year) or screen pass/flea flicker combo
would be PHENOMENAL. I think BYU is playing mind-games with their opponents.
We all saw Gaskins play very well vs. Wyoming with the 2nd team Offense last
November. He'll be ready to play. I think the real deal is adding a
couple of trick plays to the ol' repertoire, but I guess we'll all
know within the next few months.
Hey nonbeliever | 9:47 a.m. Aug. 24, 2008
Who is Matt Hall? the is no one on the roster with that name..... If you ute
fans are going to talk smack at least be accurate. That is all.
The same results as last year? | 1:26 p.m. Aug. 24, 2008
Better watch out Cougar opponents!
Sincerly,
THE Tulsa University
Sincerly,
THE Tulsa University
Re: Canuck | 1:29 p.m. Aug. 24, 2008
Did you not read the whole article? Here's what is said on the second page
by David Nixon: "More than anything, the credit goes to our coaches. They
prepare us and give each guy enough reps to be ready. The coaches spend as much
time with the third-string guys as the first-string guys, coaching them
up."
That does NOT happen at every university. So while, yes, other teams have backups also, they are not being developed in the manner BYU develops its backups. Likewise, the way Mendenhall addresses the backups speaks to readiness and preparation NOW, not two seasons down the road. In other words, Mendenhall has created a culture on his team that fosters preparation and makes readiness a key identity among "benchwarmers" because of this they are supposedly steps ahead of other second-stringers at other programs.
That does NOT happen at every university. So while, yes, other teams have backups also, they are not being developed in the manner BYU develops its backups. Likewise, the way Mendenhall addresses the backups speaks to readiness and preparation NOW, not two seasons down the road. In other words, Mendenhall has created a culture on his team that fosters preparation and makes readiness a key identity among "benchwarmers" because of this they are supposedly steps ahead of other second-stringers at other programs.
Matt Hall | 3:47 p.m. Aug. 24, 2008
I can guarantee you, Matt Hall will NOT be ready to play for the cougars all
season. In fact I guarantee you he won't take a snap all year.
As a cougar fan, I am devastated by the thought of not having Matt Hall!
As a cougar fan, I am devastated by the thought of not having Matt Hall!
Re: Matt Hall | 4:42 p.m. Aug. 24, 2008
I agree...after that season-ending injury during Winter Camp, it's gonna be
a rough year without our star Matt Hall.
Ernest T. Bass | 4:46 p.m. Aug. 24, 2008
I smell another national championship.
Many BYU Fans in AZ | 4:50 p.m. Aug. 24, 2008
Austin Collie would be a backup to option QB Covey, if BYU decides to run an
option offense at sometime this season. Covey has the option pretty well
covered, and now the coaches have their backup option QB. Very smart move.
If, for some reason, the regular BYU offense is stopped by a tough defense this season, they may switch to the option. Will it work? That depends on the team they are playing, their preparation for the game, and their expereince against the option.
Very smart move. Just one more arrow in the quiver that BYU's opponents will have to keep in mind.
If, for some reason, the regular BYU offense is stopped by a tough defense this season, they may switch to the option. Will it work? That depends on the team they are playing, their preparation for the game, and their expereince against the option.
Very smart move. Just one more arrow in the quiver that BYU's opponents will have to keep in mind.
Anonymous | 6:50 p.m. Aug. 24, 2008
I think Matt Hall is an outstanding quarterback. Maybe he doesn't need a
WR for his back-up. BYU will always win. Go Matt.
Cougar in Florida | 7:51 p.m. Aug. 24, 2008
Smelling another national championship? Give me a break. If BYU or Utah had to
play in the SEC week in and week out, they would be comparable to the
Kentucky's and Vanderbilt's of the league. They may hang with the
Florida's, Georgia's, LSU's for a short time, but they do not
have the depth to hang with the "big boys" week after week. Sorry for
breaking the "bubble" of the real world.
Casual fan | 7:56 p.m. Aug. 24, 2008
Hope of Israel, Zion's Army, Children of the Promised day......
National champs | 8:38 p.m. Aug. 24, 2008
Ernest is a Ute fan, who always throws stupidity into these blogs, don't
pay attention. He's just jealous.
To Cougar in Florida | 8:54 p.m. Aug. 24, 2008
If BYU was in the SEC or the PAC-10 for that matter, it would be easier for them
to recruit on a national level. Let's face it, how many strong LDS players,
ie. Ngata, Jonathan Mapu,etc. have gone to schools other than BYU because they
want to see how they would do in better conferences. The rich get richer, and
the poor continue to struggle along, doing the best they can do with what they
have. BYU is doing pretty well considering the conference they are in.
Re: Nat'l champs | 8:58 p.m. Aug. 24, 2008
Ernest is a troll, but he's not one of ours. He rips on the Utes too.
He's just looking for somebody like "Cougar in Florida"....
Idaho Coug | 9:00 p.m. Aug. 24, 2008
Less than one week a way and we can put all these articles to sleep. There has
been a lot of hype and doubt but know its time to see it on the field. I
can't wait, next a few days away from the greatest time of the year. GO
COUGS!!!
nonbeliever | 9:33 p.m. Aug. 24, 2008
No....I think you miss the point, Believe it! BYU's backup quarterbacks
are not anybody that the BYU coaching staff wants running the team...that is why
they have Collie trying his hand...it is called DESPERATE.
By the way, what is with the we? Are you on the team? Perhaps you're one of the backup quarterbacks we've been talking about?
The only thing more sickening that self righteous BYU fanatics who think that all their RM's in blue will get them a national championship are SEC elitists who whine for no reason. Remember these are the same folks that still think the South won the Civil War.
By the way, what is with the we? Are you on the team? Perhaps you're one of the backup quarterbacks we've been talking about?
The only thing more sickening that self righteous BYU fanatics who think that all their RM's in blue will get them a national championship are SEC elitists who whine for no reason. Remember these are the same folks that still think the South won the Civil War.
RE: non believer | 10:25 p.m. Aug. 24, 2008
What are saying, you mean the South didn't win the Civil War (War of
Rebellion)?
South vs Mtn West
Total different approach to the game of football. From pee wees, jr. high to high school. Believe me, two totally different approaches to the game of football. Change the approach and you change the attitude and that's the way they play football in the SEC 11 guys on the same team with attitude!!!
South vs Mtn West
Total different approach to the game of football. From pee wees, jr. high to high school. Believe me, two totally different approaches to the game of football. Change the approach and you change the attitude and that's the way they play football in the SEC 11 guys on the same team with attitude!!!
The South did win | 11:05 p.m. Aug. 24, 2008
The South did win the war. They came out with more representatives and electoral
votes.
Doon | 11:26 p.m. Aug. 24, 2008
Not every team has a contingency plan..... for example Utah. They suffer
injuries and fall apart the next few games.
BYU was well prepared with groomed backups and through cross training. Utah simply imploded until Johnson healed up.
BYU was well prepared with groomed backups and through cross training. Utah simply imploded until Johnson healed up.
hey non believer | 12:15 a.m. Aug. 25, 2008
It isn't the Civil War. It is the War of Northern Aggression.
unbeliever | 5:52 a.m. Aug. 25, 2008
Pleeeze, Doon, write about things you know and obviously talking about Utah is
NOT one of them.
And to all of you SEC idiots...it is THE CIVIL WAR...I think you will find that it was the South the tried to leave the Union and southern troops that fired on Union held Fort Sumter...It is amazing that after 148 years you still get it wrong.
This conversation has been revelation to me that SEC pukes and Coogs have so much in common...you both live in a La La Land.
And to all of you SEC idiots...it is THE CIVIL WAR...I think you will find that it was the South the tried to leave the Union and southern troops that fired on Union held Fort Sumter...It is amazing that after 148 years you still get it wrong.
This conversation has been revelation to me that SEC pukes and Coogs have so much in common...you both live in a La La Land.
Mark @ Doon | 6:28 a.m. Aug. 25, 2008
Doon, I'm a Cougar fan, but if we lose Hall (either Matt or Max), Unga, and
either Reynolds in the first game, I would suspect our ability to win would be a
lot lower. The level of injuries Utah had last year would have been very
difficult for any team.
CougarKeith | 8:53 a.m. Aug. 25, 2008
Matt Hall? Oh My Heck??? I didn't know there was such a guy??? I expect MAX
Hall to take all the snaps this year and am positive with him taking the snaps
we will be in a BCS Game!!! I am excited and looking forward to another great
year of COUGAR FOOTBALL!!! By the way When is DIRECT TV connecting with the
MOUNTAIN??? It is getting close!
CrimsonHater | 9:16 a.m. Aug. 25, 2008
I love watching Cougar football, but I hate the Cougar fans in general. I used
to have season tickets and watched half walk in midway through the first quarter
with all of their kids and grandkids, all under the age if four. They
universally brought out their balogna and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and
had them devoured by the beginning of the second quarter. The proud parents
and/or grandparents walked past our vision again and went and bought $100 worth
of candy and junk to get them through the first half. The second half was the
same except for when the Cougs were behind, then they verbally abused the
players and coaches and walked past again midway through the fourth quarter with
their progenity following right behind. I missed half the game then and finally
gave up the tickets and the travel from Idaho. Now I can't get mtn and I
am a DISH subscriber. It's hard to be a Cougar fan anymore. Bronco does
have class though, quite unlike so many who write such stupidity here. There is
life beyond Courgar football.
Non Believer is a fool! | 10:27 a.m. Aug. 25, 2008
Why does it bother people when they say "we". Although "we"
are not on the team I still believe that "we" go through the ups and
downs. The taste of defeat, even if we are not on the field with them. Get over
yourself. And you say that BYU fans are self righteous. Please check the irony.
Re: CrimsonHater | 10:50 a.m. Aug. 25, 2008
That's an interesting self-righteous rant you went on. And if you think
BYU fans are bad, try attending a sporting event elsewhere in the country (like
Las Vegas, Los Angeles, or New York). Then you'll quickly see that BYU
fans aren't so unpleasant, relatively speaking.
Alternate | 11:17 a.m. Aug. 25, 2008
CrimsonHater, I guess I never went to a game you did. I feel bad that you hated
it so much. By the way, about your "quite unlike so many who write such
sutpidity here". Please sit down and take a deep breath before you look in
the mirror.
BTW2, I believe one of the greatest feelings a father can have is when one of his grown sons says how much he remembers and loves the days father and son spent together at the stadium. I am sorry you missed that. Many fathers and mothers didn't.
BTW2, I believe one of the greatest feelings a father can have is when one of his grown sons says how much he remembers and loves the days father and son spent together at the stadium. I am sorry you missed that. Many fathers and mothers didn't.
GO COUGS! | 11:45 a.m. Aug. 25, 2008
Mendenhall is an incredibly principled and inspiring coach. All I seem to hear
from critics are sour grapes. Looking forward to a great 08.
TO Doon | 12:48 p.m. Aug. 25, 2008
Didn't Utah beat BYU with Johnson's back up one year? And remember
when Staley(I think I spelled that wrong) went down with a broken leg and BYU
lost it's final 2 games. Yeah it was a while ago but it happens to eveyr
team
Fully Invested | 1:09 p.m. Aug. 25, 2008
CrimsonHater, I am laughing at your post. You forgot to add that all the old
people yell at you to sit down through the whole game. I will say that the East
stands experience has been much better.
I agree with the 10:27a.m. post. Would also like to add that I have donated enough to the program that I should be able to say "we".
I agree with the 10:27a.m. post. Would also like to add that I have donated enough to the program that I should be able to say "we".
Zoobie 56 | 1:44 p.m. Aug. 25, 2008
I find it interesting so many Ute fans are scoffing at the idea of Collie
playing quarterback. It seems I remember an outstanding Ute athlete that did
that quite well a few years back. His normal position wasn't quarterback
either. Does Eric Weddle ring any bells? My take on this is Bronco is using
this to motivate his other quarterbacks which are struggling a bit. I doubt
we'll see Collie behind center, but he may do just fine (in limited
situations) if given the opportunity. As far as fans and sportsmanship are
concerned the only thing we can control at the games is how we act individually.
I like to think most Cougar and Ute fans are decent people.
With Matt Hall Out? | 1:46 p.m. Aug. 25, 2008
Can the Cougars still reach their goal of perfection?
Re: CrimsonHater | 1:58 p.m. Aug. 25, 2008
FINALLY, a noteworthy observation from a Cougar fan. Thank You!
Re: Alternate | 2:03 p.m. Aug. 25, 2008
That was one of the most touching things I have ever heard. I wish I could have
been your son. Sike.
GO COUGARS!
Max aka "Matt" Hall will be one of the best quarterbacks in college football this year. Herbstreit is a fool not to even give the Cougars a shot at the BCS. He'll be biting his tongue come January and praising the way Bronco Mendenhall has handled his team.
I would love to see Colle run in the quarterback. Its always exciting to see the most exciting player on the field with the ball more. Maybe they could run the same thing Arkansas ran last year with McFadden and Felix Jones. Very fun to watch.
Go Cougs!!
GO COUGARS!
Max aka "Matt" Hall will be one of the best quarterbacks in college football this year. Herbstreit is a fool not to even give the Cougars a shot at the BCS. He'll be biting his tongue come January and praising the way Bronco Mendenhall has handled his team.
I would love to see Colle run in the quarterback. Its always exciting to see the most exciting player on the field with the ball more. Maybe they could run the same thing Arkansas ran last year with McFadden and Felix Jones. Very fun to watch.
Go Cougs!!
RE:Cougar in Florida | 2:45 p.m. Aug. 25, 2008
I just wanted to let you know..you got punked. Ernest is a BYU hater and makes
dumb comments like that all day, to get a rise out of people like you.
Collie Can Do It | 4:44 p.m. Aug. 25, 2008
Yep he can. He's another Eric Weddle athletic enough to play at the next
level at several positions. Why not capitalize????
Samurai Jack | 5:03 p.m. Aug. 25, 2008
My theory:
Austin Collie isn't going to take any snaps this season. He is learning the offense a bit better while the coaches are trying to light a fire under Gaskins' rear. BYU needs more output from backup QB's, so they are fanning flames.
My other theory:
Ute fans get way too much entertainment by planting comments in this BYU fan piranha pool.
Austin Collie isn't going to take any snaps this season. He is learning the offense a bit better while the coaches are trying to light a fire under Gaskins' rear. BYU needs more output from backup QB's, so they are fanning flames.
My other theory:
Ute fans get way too much entertainment by planting comments in this BYU fan piranha pool.
IDAHO BYU FAN | 5:41 p.m. Aug. 25, 2008
you know i honestly look at this differently than most...i could be wrong but
heres how i see it
N Iowa is a good team. they have a fast QB who can throw as well. BYUs defence has struggled in the past against scambling QBs. isnt this a great way to prepare your defense for the next game? put it a top player who can run and see how they match up.
i agree that we have covey, but how well does this kid know the plays?! can we just put him into a live situation and let him go? or do we need someone who knows the plays a little better... hence...collie comes into play.
thats just my thought. but either way its nice to see bonco really preparing hard for every game. i like that about him. i dont think he wants another TULSA game.
N Iowa is a good team. they have a fast QB who can throw as well. BYUs defence has struggled in the past against scambling QBs. isnt this a great way to prepare your defense for the next game? put it a top player who can run and see how they match up.
i agree that we have covey, but how well does this kid know the plays?! can we just put him into a live situation and let him go? or do we need someone who knows the plays a little better... hence...collie comes into play.
thats just my thought. but either way its nice to see bonco really preparing hard for every game. i like that about him. i dont think he wants another TULSA game.
Florida | 5:57 p.m. Aug. 25, 2008
The SEC doesn't impress me, especially the Florida teams
Las Vegas Katbacker | 11:32 a.m. Aug. 26, 2008
BYU will blow out more teams early, which will give the backups significant
playing time. BYU was 11-2 like the previous season, but the games were more in
doubt in '07 than '06. This year will feel more like '06, and
Gaskins/McEwen/Covey will get decent reps to prepare them.
I am not worried if hall goes down. It will probably be the end of a BCS shot, but I will still accept a Vegas bowl bid as a success. I believe BYU can go undefeated, but I think they will be 10-2 or 11-1 before a bowl. If I am wrong, and BYU goes 13-0, give them a preseason rank of 7 or 8 and a shot at a top 3 ranking.
I am not worried if hall goes down. It will probably be the end of a BCS shot, but I will still accept a Vegas bowl bid as a success. I believe BYU can go undefeated, but I think they will be 10-2 or 11-1 before a bowl. If I am wrong, and BYU goes 13-0, give them a preseason rank of 7 or 8 and a shot at a top 3 ranking.
richard | 6:30 p.m. Aug. 26, 2008
I liked the way Utah capitalized on the gifted athleticism of Eric weddle by
using him in multiple positions.BYU is doing the same thing with Collie.
It's good coaching and I think it will measurably pay off.
It's good coaching and I think it will measurably pay off.
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.
The depth and training of the Cougars' defense have allowed BYU to slow down teams despite injuries.
Related content
- Audit calls to end rehiring retirees 12:36 a.m.
- Birthdays for Thursday, Nov. 12 12:13 a.m.
- Tyler: Aerosmith not breaking up 12:12 a.m.
- BYU campus briefs 12:11 a.m.
- Husband of Justice O'Connor dies 12:11 a.m.
- The number — 72% 12:10 a.m.
- SLCC campus briefs 12:10 a.m.
- Southern Utah campus briefs 12:08 a.m.
- This lady's too busy to be old 12:08 a.m.
- Mormons successfully entering mainstream 12:08 a.m.
- SLC council OKs gay rights policies
- Utah Jazz have a problem at point
- 'Love story' of crash victim ends
- BYU football recruit turning heads
- Alta's Ohai is Ms. Soccer 2009
- Prep football: Felt's Facts Week
- 12 Utes return to Texas
- Cougars' defensive hoops clinic
- Wyoming writer amazed by BYU
- Civilians help S.L. officer make arrest
- House passes health care bill
287 - SLC council OKs gay rights policies242
- TCU showdown has big implications193
- Senators want food tax restored157
- Cougars crush hapless Cowboys155
- Utah Jazz fall apart against Kings131
- TCU 4th in AP poll; U. 16th, Y. 22nd119
- S.L. vote pending on gay protections109
- Pratt pleads not guilty to sex charges101
- Letters: Strange breed in Utah91
 |
Basketball Final | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | T |
| Celtics | 28 | 26 | 30 | 21 | 105 | |
| Jazz | 23 | 21 | 18 | 24 | 86 |
Utah State hoops coach Stew Morrill took a few minutes to talk about Weber
Advertisement
Latest comments
Was Kanye invited to this event?
It's a lot of hard work but worth it, like anything else, if you're willing...
I have watched the exhibition games and I have noticed a slimmer JT. He looks...
I am a life long BYU fan and I must say ya it's hurt pretty bad this season,...
Upset of the Year! Wasps 42 JD 35
Some of you are crazy - what's this crush with the Mountain West Conference?...
I have been anticipating this game for weeks. This is as good as it...
I have enjoyed these stars in other films and was looking forward to an...
The pressure isn't on Utah, it's on TCU. Tcu has nothing to gain by beating...
Where are you getting your information about the 23 players that played...
Advertisements
The reality is behind Matt Hall is nobody the Bronco really wants to see touch the ball this year. If Hall is less than 100% physically this season the quest for perfection is only the vain hope for perfection.