Deseret News | Reader comments: BYU football: Hall shows no effects of first-game bell-ringer

Reader comments
BYU football: Hall shows no effects of first-game bell-ringer

ty | 1:15 a.m. Sept. 2, 2008

first off, j sorenson is a beast and will play a crucial role in byu's success this season! i re-watched the game as well and i am more optimistic than i was at the game...we have talent and stopping our offense will make D cord go insane all year long! our D is yet to be determined but come saturday we will def have a good evaluation of that.

How to beat Washington | 2:51 a.m. Sept. 2, 2008

Stack the line with 8-9 defenders and don't let them run the ball. Force them to throw the pass. On offense, it goes without saying, we have to hold on to the ball. Throw to the backs coming out of the backfield into the flats. Washington's game plan will be to try to run the ball first with their talented QB carrying the ball often.

Dr. J | 3:32 a.m. Sept. 2, 2008

All of a sudden, the game with UCLA is a little more relevant now that they've beaten the Vols. The difference-maker there was definitely Norm Chow. Let's hope the Cougs can get their running game going in the next week or two.

Comments continue below

Bubba | 5:47 a.m. Sept. 2, 2008

9 games in one day? Does he fast forward in between plays? Does he pause to hit the fridge and the head in between downs like normal people?

not sure | 5:52 a.m. Sept. 2, 2008

After watching the game again and reading this article, I'm a little afraid for our team when they play a real team. It might end up being lucky for us that all of our non-conference games are against really weak PAC-10 teams. Hopefully their pass rush is also the weakest in the PAC-10.
How can the O-line let their QB get hit like that? Grab a jersey and take a penalty, but Hall and Harvey are our whole team, you can't let them get hurt.

RE:Bubba | 6:52 a.m. Sept. 2, 2008

He has a film staff that breaks down the plays to just the actual plays and none of the huddling and to and tv commercials and all that garbage. If you actually break down real time football it is about 30-45 mins of film time... a lot faster than most people ever expect

re: Not sure | 6:58 a.m. Sept. 2, 2008

How can you call UCLA a weak team? Perhaps you missed the awesome game last night when they beat 18th ranked Tennessee.

Bell Ringer?? | 7:10 a.m. Sept. 2, 2008

If that had been Johnson, he'd be out for several weeks.

RE: not sure | 7:43 a.m. Sept. 2, 2008

Scale back from "a little afraid" to "seriously interested," my friend. Notice how we have (arguably) our best defensive lineman in the same position to make blind-side crushes?

So consider that all game long, he gave up only one of those. I know, I know, just one can be and was crucial, and in hindsight, tackling his man would have been a brilliant idea, but that is the nature of hind-sight.

Don't let the Utes (note please that no disparaging mis-spelling of their names is necesary - the last two years speak for themselves) chirp about how inferior our opponent was. What they proved on Saturday was that they could do the same thing this year that a decent Div II (FCS, whatever) did last year, and what we DIDN'T let a good Div II team do this year.

Note that suddenly UCLA is a much bigger opponent than was Michigan. Washington is still a darned if you do, darned if you don't game, but I think the Utes should be more afraid. UCLA will probably leap frog them into the polls, and by week 3, our big game will be bigger than theirs.

Re: Dr. J | 7:59 a.m. Sept. 2, 2008

The Tennessee team that took the field last night was the 2nd worst Tennessee team I've seen in 15 years of living in SEC country.

UCLA beating Tennessee last night was akin to Utah beating Michigan.

Gretzky | 8:07 a.m. Sept. 2, 2008

UCLA may be good but Tennessee is OVER-rATED. the SEC is overrated. the BigEAsy is muchly overrated. Fresno State smacked Rutgers, the perennial powerhouse like Louisville and Connecticut. The ACEasy is also muchly overrated. Duke is a powerhouse football team to reckon with. Again and again we need a playoff system to keep everyone in check and on the same playing field. most teams outside the BSC don't even get a fair shake. the BSC is inside the players' heads from day one with the subtle brainwashing of "you are no good" because "you don't play in our league". it's a sad state of affairs in college football at div 1 level. i am waiting for the right players' families to sue the NCAA for discrimination based on their child not getting to play for the national championship ALL four years b/c they go to a better school in the WAC, MWC, MAC, Conference USA, sunbelt, etc conferences...it only takes one crafty lawyer and a partial judge or two.

Bleed blue | 8:10 a.m. Sept. 2, 2008

I find it interesting that after the very first game of the season, everyone is worried about BYU, they made their mistakes, and still won by a fairly large amount. This was the first game of the season, there are going to be mistakes made, and in my opinion im glad they made those mistakes "AND STILL WON". Gives them something else in practice to work on, only making them better. I wont be concerned until i see them turning the ball over against Washington,like they did against NUI, which i doubt they will. "GO BYU!". Win Washington!.

Bleed blue | 8:17 a.m. Sept. 2, 2008

Oops, Forgive me, i meant NIU :-)

re: Bleed Blue | 8:33 a.m. Sept. 2, 2008

Forgive you again, you meant UNI.

Ernest T. Bass | 9:27 a.m. Sept. 2, 2008

Hall should use that hot air balloon helmet again this year.

Kevin of the Terrace | 9:53 a.m. Sept. 2, 2008

UCLA beat an SEC team. Looks like the middle of the pac 10 is actually a good football team.

No one cares | 10:13 a.m. Sept. 2, 2008

about BYU beating up some crappy D1AA school or whatever. The truth cougar fans is all summer your trash talk never stopped and now you are gonna eat your words. YOu think just because your some MTn west power that you legit? Please! You have such a weak schedule and you guys cannot own up to it.

I was there | 10:15 a.m. Sept. 2, 2008

UCLA came back and drove the ball in crucial times. I loved it! All the fans next to yus were talking how were gonna kick the crap out of you and you better believe that this team is much different than last years team. U C LLL A UCLA FIGHT FIGHT FIGHT!!!

Re: I was there | 10:29 a.m. Sept. 2, 2008

Funny, I was there as well-at the BYU game. Who are you gonna let loose? The wideouts? Unga/Vakapuna?, or the Tight End like UNI tried to do?
You will have to pick your poison and take your chances, becuase you cannot key on every weapon that BYU has.
And if your QB gets off to the same slow start he did against Tennessee, you will be down a lot more than 14-7 when you start trying to come back.

Wimpy LSU Schedule | 10:38 a.m. Sept. 2, 2008

Talk about wimpy preseason schedules, LSU starts the season with three cream puffs in a row - Appalachian State, Troy, and North Texas. And their 5th opponent, Mississippi State, just lost to a middle of the road WAC "powerhouse" Louisiana Tech.

LSU only leaves the "friendly" confines of Death Valley for ONE of their first five games.

They play EIGHT home games and only 4 road games.

It's nice to have 3 tuneup games to get ready for your first real game of the season.

Bleed blue | 10:54 a.m. Sept. 2, 2008

To: "No one cares."
If we are no one of importance, then why would someone of much higher stature, like yourself waste your time to come and shower your pity on us? *wink*

wait | 11:23 a.m. Sept. 2, 2008

No one knows what will happen this season yet. I don't think anyone can say that BYU's schedule is that weak, LSU, has the weakest in the country so. And there probably going to win the national championship.

Hall is tough | 11:35 a.m. Sept. 2, 2008

Hall is a tough kid, if I would've taken that hit, I would've been done for the day, and I would bet most people would, but to come back in a few minutes later, I was impressed.

About UCLA, Tennessee probably is overrated, but UCLA's D is tough. In the first half their qb threw 4 picks, one was returned for a td, the other 3 the D held strong and held them to two long failed field goal attempts. Their defensive tackles were stout in the middle, I hope our guards are ready to block those big boys in a couple weeks.

I am expecting a game much like the bowl game, UCLA's defense is just as good even though they have lost quite a bit on offense, I hope that their quarterback isn't in the zone like he was in the 2nd half. He went 18 for 22 completing 12 of his last 13 passes with 2 tds, after a simply horrific performance in the first half.

Lighten Up | 11:34 a.m. Sept. 2, 2008

Let's lighten up about schedules and enjoy some great football this year! As a Cougar fan, I even found myself rooting for UCLA last night. What a great ending, and what a setup for two weeks from now! It was great seeing Norm Chow calling the offense.

Regarding scheduling wimps, UNI is ranked 3rd or 4th (depending on the poll)and was 12-1 last year. Utah plays Weber State on September 27. Weber was 5 and 6 last year and is unranked. So, what's the big deal? I wish real football fans would post here instead of zealous idiots who just make us all look bad! Real athletes give their opponents credit. Those who never played the game seem to get their manhood from ragging on their opponents.

Go BYU! Go Utah (until Nov 22nd)!

Anonymous | 11:42 a.m. Sept. 2, 2008

BYU has a lot of weapons. If their defense can play consistently, look out. This offense is loaded.

And Justin Sorensen will kick on Sundays one day, if he so chooses.

Disclaimer: I'm not a BYU fan

Polls | 12:24 p.m. Sept. 2, 2008

BYU 15th in USA Today/Coaches and AP polls
Utah 23rd in Coaches and 22nd in AP
UCLA 23rd in AP

BYU is tied for 15th with Arizona State in AP poll

Let's hope both BYU and Utah can keep up their winning ways until November 22nd. NOTHING would bring more publicity and prestige to the MWC short of a MWC team playing in and winning the National Championship game.

Lighten Up Again | 12:36 p.m. Sept. 2, 2008

Wow! Three positive posts in a row from real football fans! Now, this isn't so hard is it?

Prestige comes from winning the games on the field and letting the other teams' idiots shoot off THEIR mouths.

Hmmm... | 12:46 p.m. Sept. 2, 2008

"NOTHING would bring more publicity and prestige to the MWC short of a MWC team playing in and winning the National Championship game."

That's not going to happen this year. Maybe next year. If BYU finishes strong this year, they return tons of starters next year and could start the season in the top 10. They also play Florida State and Arizona State next year. If BYU goes undefeated next year, they could have an outside chance at playing for a championship.

But this year, it's really not likely, for BYU, or Utah.

vaase | 1:38 p.m. Sept. 2, 2008

forget the rest of the season bring on NOV. 22nd

GO COUGS

Cosmo's Cousin | 2:03 p.m. Sept. 2, 2008

Case A: BYU jumps on Washington early and cruises setting up an exciting matchup with the Bruins.

Case B: Turnovers haunt the Cougars and the game stays close. This allows the Huskies to eak out a close win.

Case C: Despite a few big plays by the Huskies and a few questionable calls BYU fights to a close win over the U of W.

Case D: The Huskies are angry and take it out on the mismatched Cougs in a laugher.

Fearless Prediction: Choice C Cougs 31-24

Re Wimpy | 2:33 p.m. Sept. 2, 2008

did you take the time to look at the REST of the schedule? I'm pretty sure any of those four or five teams would DEMOLISH the MWC. Let's take a gander shall we? AT Auburn (#10), oh, AT Florida (#5), oh then they get Georgia (#2-3) and Alabama (#13-17) at home, and don't overlook Arkansas in Arkansas and South Carolina in South Carolina. I'd say BYU or Utah would maybe squeak out 2 wins in those games, if they were lucky. Don't call that schedule wimpy.

Quality of Opponents | 2:38 p.m. Sept. 2, 2008

Utah took on as tough a team as almost any in the Top 25 last weekend. BYU's opponent was pretty representative.

1 USC W52-7 at Virginia
2 Georgia W45-21 Georgia Southern
3 Ohio State W43-0 Youngstown State
4 Oklahoma W57-2 Chattanooga
5 Florida W56-10 Hawaii
6 LSU W41-13 Appalachian State
7 Missouri W52-42 Illinois
8 West VirginiaW48-21 Villanova
9 TexasW52-10 Florida Atlantic
10 Auburn W34-0 Louisiana-Monroe
11 Wisconsin W38-17 Akron
12 Kansas W40-10 Florida International
13 Texas Tech W49-24 Eastern Washington
14 Arizona State W30-13 Northern Arizona
15 Brigham Young W41-17 Northern Iowa
16 Oregon W44-10 Washington
17 Alabama W34-10 at Clemson
18 South Florida W56-7 Tennessee-Martin
19 Penn State W66-10 Coastal Carolina
20 Wake Forest W41-13 at Baylor
21 Fresno State W24-7 at Rutgers
22 Clemson L10-34 Alabama
23 Utah W25-23 at Michigan
24 South Carolina W34-0 North Carolina State
25 Illinois L42-52 at Missouri

Winless in Seattle | 2:45 p.m. Sept. 2, 2008

BYU has never won in Husky Stadium in 3 tries and I'm afraid that the streak will live on as a fired up U-Dub football team will take out their frustrations from a drubbing in Eugene last Saturday and at the same time will temporarily relieve some of the pressure from husky fans being placed on the U-Dub coaching staff. The running game with Unga will be shut down and you can forget about passing for more than 300 yards as Willingham will cut them loose on Hall all afternoon. I have attended all 3 games when BYU played UW and they were all ugly for BYU. Even when BYU went 14-1 in 1996 and went to the Cotton Bowl their only loss was in Seattle against a very average U-Dub squad that year. Here's hoping that the ghosts of BYU past performances in Seattle stay in the closet or it could be a long day for the COUGS!

Hmmm... | 2:57 p.m. Sept. 2, 2008

Winless in Seattle | 1:33 p.m. Sept. 2, 2008
"The running game with Unga will be shut down and you can forget about passing for more than 300 yards as Willingham will cut them loose on Hall all afternoon."

Oregon scored at will against Washington. Why is it that BYU won't do the same?

"I have attended all 3 games when BYU played UW and they were all ugly for BYU. Even when BYU went 14-1 in 1996 and went to the Cotton Bowl their only loss was in Seattle against a very average U-Dub squad that year."

This year's Washington team is not average. Ask any Washington fan and they will tell you that this year's team is below average.

"Here's hoping that the ghosts of BYU past performances in Seattle stay in the closet or it could be a long day for the COUGS!"

Here's hoping that BYU's all-white road uniforms stay in the closet because it makes them look like ghosts on the field. I hate those uniforms. Come to think of it, I think they wore the all-whites against Washington in 1996. Wear blue pants!

Re: Winless in Seattle | 2:58 p.m. Sept. 2, 2008

So because BYU lost to Washington in 1996 they will lose in 2008? Well if that makes you feel like you don't have to worry, i'll let you have it.
BYU 35-21

re:how to beat..... | 3:12 p.m. Sept. 2, 2008

wow, you should apply for a job

re:hmmm | 3:13 p.m. Sept. 2, 2008

Their uniforms are the reason for loosing?

Re: Winless in Seattle | 3:29 p.m. Sept. 2, 2008

History lessons and winless traditions of our fathers in playing U-DUB

(1985) Brigham Young defeats Washington 31-3 in Provo

(1986) Washington defeats Brigham Young 52-21 in Seattle
*UW was ranked #7 and BYU was #11 in the AP Poll and the halftime score was 42-7.

(1996) Washington defeats Brigham Young 29-17 in Seattle
*BYU was ranked #14 going into this game and UW was unranked

(1997) Washington defeats Brigham Young 42-20 in Provo
*BYU was ranked #19 going into this game and UW was unranked

(1998) Washington defeats Brigham Young 20-10 in Seattle

(1999)Brigham Young defeats Washington 28-35 in overtime in Provo

(2008) ???????????? Don't know what to expect this time but U-Dub has a history of beating BYU early in the season when they are nationally ranked, especially in Husky Stadium. Let's hope that history does not repeat itself this Saturday. I also agree that the white pants need to stay on the shelves in Provo.

Bundy | 4:07 p.m. Sept. 2, 2008

Was it just me or did our offense seem pretty one dimensional. Our line did a pretty good job of pass protection, but our run game was pathetic. I don't understand why the panthers were able to consistently open up bigger holes than the cougars. For being, "one of the most talented groups in the country" the o-line didn't show me much.

The D-line was pretty good, but of course I would like to see more pressure on the QB. I also miss the old Bronco that would call lots of Blitzes. It seems like he has gotten much more conservative the past two seasons.

Sorry but........... | 6:25 p.m. Sept. 2, 2008

Sorry folks I am not a BYU fan or a Utah fan but I think Utah is better. I watched both games (mostly Utah) I didn't see the mistakes by BYU but everyone in my family said it was retarded. Three of my older brothers think BYU is gonna lose versus Washington. They are BYU fans too. They will lose because Jake Locker is pretty good at running and passing. And it is at Washington. Plus if Max Hall goes down that is it for BYU. They will be done for the year. And if they play really hard and lose they will be tired and disappointed. Then they will go to Provo to play UCLA (who has a bye week this week) and lose if they play hard and get tired but lose to Washington. Sorry Y fans.

Hmmm... | 7:47 p.m. Sept. 2, 2008

Sorry but........... | 6:25 p.m. Sept. 2, 2008
"Three of my older brothers think BYU is gonna lose versus Washington."

Well, I guess the older brothers have spoken. So it will be. BYU now no longer stands a chance. There goes the season. Tell your older brothers they're mean.

Pac 10 | 7:53 p.m. Sept. 2, 2008

I haven't heard of anyone complain about Pac 10 refs. I'm predicting a UW win as a direct result of the Cougars getting "Pac 10'd." Didn't anyone see it happen in the UCLA victory. I thought it was against the rules to have linemen downfield on passing plays, but I guess that doesn't count if you are a Pac 10 school playing at home at a critical point in the game.

to pac 10 | 9:11 p.m. Sept. 2, 2008

I know exactly what play you are talking about when you say lineman downfield and in reality I would think that you could make an argument about why a flag should have been thrown and why one shouldn't have but the tight end did touch the ball in the air before crossing the line of scrimmage and as he caught it he crossed the and the rules say that a lineman can be down field if the pass doe now cross the line of scrimmage and it was touched before it crossed the line. It really was a call that could have gone either way and both ways would have been wrong. I also think the non safety call was questionable but Tenn had an outstanding punt return and did nothing with it after that one. I really didn't think the refs were that bad at all and Tenn didn't lose because of a call and UCLA didn't win because of a call and the refs.

Bring on the state champs! | 9:19 p.m. Sept. 2, 2008

Good job BYU against Northern Iowa HS, who's next?

Fully Invested | 10:18 p.m. Sept. 2, 2008

Go Weber HS, beat those Utes! I still can't beleive they scheduled that game.

To Sorry but...., if cows could talk and horses could walk on two legs, oh, and if cats could knit and Utah fans were'nt so stupid. Do you realize how ridiculous you sound? I just heard the federal government was rounding up all the people in the USA with an IQ of 15 or lower and shipping them off to Siberia. Run lil buddy!!!

m-dog | 10:46 p.m. Sept. 2, 2008

To sorry "butt"... How old are brothers? I'll bet the oldest is only 15 because you couldn't be more than 7. Did you say the game was "retarded"? You shouldn't be predicting anything at your age except where the next Hannah Montana concert will be and when your voice will start to change. Good luck growing hair on your chest.

Re: Cosmo's cousin | 3:52 p.m. Sept. 3, 2008

Are you already complaining about the officials? Don't worry, you will have plenty of time after the game, even if you win!

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.