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Dick Harmon: BYU football: Cougar win seems just like old times
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Get with it! | 5:11 a.m. Oct. 12, 2008
The cougars have UNGA power and the offensive line to complement his talent
and allow this to happen:
Time of possession NM 32:31 BYU 27:29
First downs NM 19 BYU 18
Total plays NM 72 BYU 61
Way to go Coach - Gary C.....
Time of possession NM 32:31 BYU 27:29
First downs NM 19 BYU 18
Total plays NM 72 BYU 61
Way to go Coach - Gary C.....
MCM | 6:42 a.m. Oct. 12, 2008
I did not and will not boo Bronco. I felt like he could have gone on that one
fourth down play in the fourth quarter when they were on New Mexico's 40
with one or two yards to go to keep control of the clock because of their
conversion rate this year however we can disagree but we should not boo this
tremendous coach and his decisions. He has done just too many positive things
to deserve that.
Comments continue below
Hey, UM | 7:22 a.m. Oct. 12, 2008
Where'd LSU go? You really think they'll drop out of the top 13?
Keith | 7:59 a.m. Oct. 12, 2008
Hooray for MWC defence. This is a sign of conference maturity.
6-0 | 8:38 a.m. Oct. 12, 2008
And, BYU has outscored their last 4 opponents:
158-17.
And, "struggled" to wins over their last 2 opponents, while outscoring them:
55-17.
Thanks Coach Mendenhall. You're doing great. Ignore the naysayers and just keep winning.
158-17.
And, "struggled" to wins over their last 2 opponents, while outscoring them:
55-17.
Thanks Coach Mendenhall. You're doing great. Ignore the naysayers and just keep winning.
WinSum | 8:48 a.m. Oct. 12, 2008
Nice win....People seem to forget that New Mexico always seems to play BYU
tough....
ed in atl | 9:14 a.m. Oct. 12, 2008
If BYU plays their game, they would beat GA or LSU. But it was like the old
team, too conservative. Kick the long FG and utilize Justin Sorensen. That is
why you have him or go for it on 4th and 2.
Good fought Game | 9:29 a.m. Oct. 12, 2008
That take away score on NM was a mistake. Some 1st down were gifts which
surprised me. Booing Bronco for not going for it should be forgiving. I thought
we were going to go for it didn't surprise me doesn't bother me this
time. Too bad we will not see Furguson next year at NM on the playing field -
Good player. And, will you guys stop talking about Gary C. Go Cougars and should
be just fine against TCU which will be close!
RE: MCM Amen! | 9:38 a.m. Oct. 12, 2008
There were a few Boobirds and anyone who subcribed to that action is an idoit.
The same individuals are the ones that would run Bronco out on a rail if he had
gone for it and the team not succeeded.
This group of idoits are those that would look at the box scores today and inappropriately award place in the polls.
Most likely they also booed Bronco when he didn't go for a higher score when they got the ball with 30+ seconds left in the game.
Wake up! It's a good conference win for the program and as long as the program is moving forward positively, we'll be just fine throughout the season.
These events are only entertainment and if you don't like the show then take your money and be entertained another way! We need the seats for genuinely respectful fans.
This group of idoits are those that would look at the box scores today and inappropriately award place in the polls.
Most likely they also booed Bronco when he didn't go for a higher score when they got the ball with 30+ seconds left in the game.
Wake up! It's a good conference win for the program and as long as the program is moving forward positively, we'll be just fine throughout the season.
These events are only entertainment and if you don't like the show then take your money and be entertained another way! We need the seats for genuinely respectful fans.
true blue | 9:46 a.m. Oct. 12, 2008
The call at the end of the game wasn't the best, but neither was
collie's offensive PI when the defender clearly was holding on to
collie's arm. Bad calls happen. I guarentee Mendenhall wouldn't be
crying like that. What about the personal foul on Keller when he pushed the
defender out of bounds when replay clearly shows the defender wasn't out
yet. That set UNM up for the score they almost got. Look at the Texas Oklahoma
game 2 late hits called on Oklahoma when both times the defender was trying to
hold McCoy up. Bad reffing happens.
Len Aste | 9:51 a.m. Oct. 12, 2008
Thats Enuf! Here is my top 14..........
1) Texas
2) Alabama
3) Penn State
4) USC
5) Texas Tech
6) Florida
7) Oklahoma
8) Brigham Young
9) Georgia
10) Ohio State
11) Oklahoma State
12) Utah
13) Mizz
14) LSU
1) Texas
2) Alabama
3) Penn State
4) USC
5) Texas Tech
6) Florida
7) Oklahoma
8) Brigham Young
9) Georgia
10) Ohio State
11) Oklahoma State
12) Utah
13) Mizz
14) LSU
My take | 10:04 a.m. Oct. 12, 2008
The naysayers are probably just yewts trying to whip up some controversy. A
"True Blue" Cougar fan wouldn't be complaining about the coaching
staff after a win of any kind. The yewts fans are evil and will stop at nothing
to disrupt the winning ways of BYU.
Go cougars!!!!
Go cougars!!!!
Bronco fan | 10:11 a.m. Oct. 12, 2008
Fans always want to go for it, that's why their fans and not coaches. And
the field goal attempt was 49 yards not 39.
Didn't like everything in the game, but we're still getting it done.
Give Unga the ball Anae!
Didn't like everything in the game, but we're still getting it done.
Give Unga the ball Anae!
as a football aficionado | 10:15 a.m. Oct. 12, 2008
Coach Mendenhall has a lot of work to do on gameplans. His inability to dissect
film of opposing teams is laughable, only overshadowed by the offensive calls
made in this last game. The cougars have a premier back in Unga, who should be
on top of Heisman watch lists next year, but instead, the whole coaching staff
concentrates on building up Max Hall. The O-line has wonderful pass protection,
but they open up holes for Unga so far behind the line of scrimmage, that Unga
only averages 4 yds per carry, but 6 yards of gain per carry after first
contact. He breaks 2 or 3 tackles every carry, and with the help of an offense
geared towards his running, the cougars truly would be unstoppable. I sit on the
sidelines, not being able to be a cougar fan because of the poor coaching, but
revel in the successes of some of these players, namely Pitta and Unga.
AP Poll | 11:23 a.m. Oct. 12, 2008
1. Texas (39) (6-0) 1599 5
2. Alabama (26) (6-0) 1582 2
3. Penn St. (7-0) 1492 6
4. Oklahoma (5-1) 1306 1
5. Florida (5-1) 1284 11
6. USC (4-1) 1247 8
7. Texas Tech (6-0) 1210 7
8. Oklahoma St. (6-0) 1184 17
9. BYU (6-0) 1131 9
10. Georgia (5-1) 1081 10
11. Missouri (5-1) 984 3
12. Ohio St. (6-1) 908 12
13. LSU (4-1) 893 4
14. Utah (7-0) 834 14
15. Boise St. (5-0) 714 15
16. Kansas (5-1) 620 16
17. Virginia Tech (5-1) 540 18
18. North Carolina (5-1) 416 22
19. South Florida (5-1) 397 19
20. Michigan St. (6-1) 371 23
21. Wake Forest (4-1) 330 21
22. Vanderbilt (5-1) 258 13
23. Pittsburgh (4-1) 182 24
24. Ball St. (7-0) 166 25
25. California (4-1) 115 NR
2. Alabama (26) (6-0) 1582 2
3. Penn St. (7-0) 1492 6
4. Oklahoma (5-1) 1306 1
5. Florida (5-1) 1284 11
6. USC (4-1) 1247 8
7. Texas Tech (6-0) 1210 7
8. Oklahoma St. (6-0) 1184 17
9. BYU (6-0) 1131 9
10. Georgia (5-1) 1081 10
11. Missouri (5-1) 984 3
12. Ohio St. (6-1) 908 12
13. LSU (4-1) 893 4
14. Utah (7-0) 834 14
15. Boise St. (5-0) 714 15
16. Kansas (5-1) 620 16
17. Virginia Tech (5-1) 540 18
18. North Carolina (5-1) 416 22
19. South Florida (5-1) 397 19
20. Michigan St. (6-1) 371 23
21. Wake Forest (4-1) 330 21
22. Vanderbilt (5-1) 258 13
23. Pittsburgh (4-1) 182 24
24. Ball St. (7-0) 166 25
25. California (4-1) 115 NR
Coaches Poll | 11:24 a.m. Oct. 12, 2008
1. Texas (44) (6-0) 1505 5
2. Alabama (14) (6-0) 1452 4
3. Penn St. (3) (7-0) 1416 6
4. USC (4-1) 1198 9
5. Texas Tech (6-0) 1195 7
6. Oklahoma (5-1) 1147 1
7. Florida (5-1) 1145 12
8. BYU (6-0) 1143 8
9. Georgia (5-1) 1010 10
10. Oklahoma St. (6-0) 958 17
11. Ohio St. (6-1) 920 11
12. Missouri (5-1) 886 2
13. Utah (7-0) 819 13
14. LSU (4-1) 776 3
15. Kansas (5-1) 676 15
16. Boise St. (5-0) 648 16
17. Michigan St. (6-1) 468 19
18. Virginia Tech (5-1) 467 18
19. Wake Forest (4-1) 376 21
20. South Florida (5-1) 334 20
21. North Carolina (5-1) 321 NR
22. California (4-1) 169 25
23. Vanderbilt (5-1) 147 14
24. TCU (6-1) 138 NR
25. Ball St. (7-0) 135 NR
2. Alabama (14) (6-0) 1452 4
3. Penn St. (3) (7-0) 1416 6
4. USC (4-1) 1198 9
5. Texas Tech (6-0) 1195 7
6. Oklahoma (5-1) 1147 1
7. Florida (5-1) 1145 12
8. BYU (6-0) 1143 8
9. Georgia (5-1) 1010 10
10. Oklahoma St. (6-0) 958 17
11. Ohio St. (6-1) 920 11
12. Missouri (5-1) 886 2
13. Utah (7-0) 819 13
14. LSU (4-1) 776 3
15. Kansas (5-1) 676 15
16. Boise St. (5-0) 648 16
17. Michigan St. (6-1) 468 19
18. Virginia Tech (5-1) 467 18
19. Wake Forest (4-1) 376 21
20. South Florida (5-1) 334 20
21. North Carolina (5-1) 321 NR
22. California (4-1) 169 25
23. Vanderbilt (5-1) 147 14
24. TCU (6-1) 138 NR
25. Ball St. (7-0) 135 NR
coastguy | 11:34 a.m. Oct. 12, 2008
Let's revisit all of this after TCU. It's meaningless right now.
Game Planning | 11:36 a.m. Oct. 12, 2008
I think we saw an offensive game plan that was taken a bit offguard by the fact
that NM chose to back off into more of a zone. BYU probably had a scripted plan
and followed it despite the fact that NM came out with a different defensive
look.
I wonder how quickly Anae is able to change gears and go with a different offensive plan? I'm sure that is not easy and probably comes largely with experience - something that Anae does not have as an o-coordinater. This is not to criticize Anae but rather to highlight what seemed to be a problem. Perhaps we should expect teams to come out with looks different than expected and have more flexibility in our offensive plan.
I wonder how quickly Anae is able to change gears and go with a different offensive plan? I'm sure that is not easy and probably comes largely with experience - something that Anae does not have as an o-coordinater. This is not to criticize Anae but rather to highlight what seemed to be a problem. Perhaps we should expect teams to come out with looks different than expected and have more flexibility in our offensive plan.
TCU | 1:00 p.m. Oct. 12, 2008
TCU has a great run defense. Their pass defense is so so.
Unga was under utilized in the NM game and that is a valid complaint. At least Hall did not force a turnover by throwing into coverage. However, running Unga a lot against TCU is going against their strength and away from BYU's.
The coaching calls have been conservative the last 2 games. However, they are wins and many of the teams ahead of BYU in the polls will get another loss.
The only thing that matters is that BYU wins. However, they were pretty bad in the first half of the NM game.
Unga was under utilized in the NM game and that is a valid complaint. At least Hall did not force a turnover by throwing into coverage. However, running Unga a lot against TCU is going against their strength and away from BYU's.
The coaching calls have been conservative the last 2 games. However, they are wins and many of the teams ahead of BYU in the polls will get another loss.
The only thing that matters is that BYU wins. However, they were pretty bad in the first half of the NM game.
Re: Game Planning | 1:14 p.m. Oct. 12, 2008
If the defense backs off...then we should alter our game plan to pound it down
their throats. Holy cow, we have two of the toughest backs in the conference
and a line that can move just about anyone.
Like we did at UW, we should have given them a huge dose of Harvey all game long. If the offense can't adjust a game plan mid-stream, we could be in trouble against TCU and definitely the U.
It was a good win never-the-less.
Like we did at UW, we should have given them a huge dose of Harvey all game long. If the offense can't adjust a game plan mid-stream, we could be in trouble against TCU and definitely the U.
It was a good win never-the-less.
Gina, V. | 1:32 p.m. Oct. 12, 2008
Dick, you keep writing. You are my favorite.
to TCU | 2:41 p.m. Oct. 12, 2008
Have you watched TCU? Their run defense can't hold a decent back to under
100. The key is to mix up the run and the pass. Create a valid play action, and
both the passing and rushing stats will improve drastically as well as the
margin of victory.
hard to believe | 2:42 p.m. Oct. 12, 2008
BYU is ranked in the top 10 - just amazing. Let's see the Y has wins over
Div 1-AA N Iowa. Alta H.S. would beat these guys. How about the powerful Div
1-A schedule? Lets see
Washington 0-5
UCLA 2-4
Wyoming 2-5
UT State 1-5
New Mex 3-4
not one team with a winning record. How do you get ranked ahead of a team like Georgia without playing somebody. Oh and good luck at TCU 1st in NCAA in total defense.....
Washington 0-5
UCLA 2-4
Wyoming 2-5
UT State 1-5
New Mex 3-4
not one team with a winning record. How do you get ranked ahead of a team like Georgia without playing somebody. Oh and good luck at TCU 1st in NCAA in total defense.....
Mike | 2:56 p.m. Oct. 12, 2008
Why do BYU fans think you can beat anyone in the TOP 25 or should I say 50 you
have never seen a legit opponent all year. Thats why when three teams in front
of you lose you actually drop in the polls. Stop talking and start scheduling
some real teams from tough conferences and maybe pollsters will respect you.
Bronco M. Fan II | 3:04 p.m. Oct. 12, 2008
Bronco is still young. Give him more time as he will learn. Leave him alone
which he is doing fine. I too want to see that one time to go for it and he
didn't which was fine to me. Robert Anae need to give Unga more ball at
most. I was wondering why I have not seen him at most of first half which was a
mistake. Need him more and same with FuiV. Max Hall need to find more open WR
and TE out their and if he doesn't then he is not Jim M. or Ty Detmer
style. Lastly, if I hear more Boo's to Bronco then those folks need to
leave and let more worthy fans in the LE Stadium who wil support him.
Go COUGARS and good luck against TCU.
Go COUGARS and good luck against TCU.
re:hard to believe | 3:48 p.m. Oct. 12, 2008
This was a hard fought game. The Cougs will play with a target on their back the
rest of the season. We got spoiled with blow-outs. It was great to see BYU not
back down from physical football! Good job cougs.
Hey Hard to believe, you're sorta arguing against national pollster I guess you think your smarter than the rest of the nation. What the cougs should have really done is scheduled Weber State for a team with a winning record. Utah fans, you need to read more papers than the trib. Your college knowledge is shallow at best.
Hey Hard to believe, you're sorta arguing against national pollster I guess you think your smarter than the rest of the nation. What the cougs should have really done is scheduled Weber State for a team with a winning record. Utah fans, you need to read more papers than the trib. Your college knowledge is shallow at best.
run it | 3:54 p.m. Oct. 12, 2008
I don't understand why we cant run a little more often. We finally got it
figured out towards the end of the game.
Also I know Bonco's philosophy is to not give up big plays and play the corners way off, but UNM got several third down conversions because our CB's were way too far off the receivers and didn't know where the chains were at!!!
Oh and all you people who talk about schedule this schedule that please shut your mouths. No conference losses in 3 years and 15 straight wins!!! That includes two wins over the utes...so until you beat us keep your mouth shut.
Also I know Bonco's philosophy is to not give up big plays and play the corners way off, but UNM got several third down conversions because our CB's were way too far off the receivers and didn't know where the chains were at!!!
Oh and all you people who talk about schedule this schedule that please shut your mouths. No conference losses in 3 years and 15 straight wins!!! That includes two wins over the utes...so until you beat us keep your mouth shut.
Hey Mike | 4:32 p.m. Oct. 12, 2008
"Stop talking and start scheduling some real teams from tough conferences
and maybe pollsters will respect you."
Give me a break. Schedules are made years in advance - scheduling Washington and UCLA is not an easy schedule. They both happen to be having bad years, but 3 years ago, nobody could have known that would be the case. I hope you're not a Utah fan, because scheduling Oregon State and Michigan is no different than scheduling Washington and UCLA.
Give me a break. Schedules are made years in advance - scheduling Washington and UCLA is not an easy schedule. They both happen to be having bad years, but 3 years ago, nobody could have known that would be the case. I hope you're not a Utah fan, because scheduling Oregon State and Michigan is no different than scheduling Washington and UCLA.
re: My Take | 4:50 p.m. Oct. 12, 2008
I am sure it was the Ute fans who were at the BYU game yesterday and boo'd
when BYU didn't go for it on 4th down...
yah good one
yah good one
real teams | 5:43 p.m. Oct. 12, 2008
UCLA and Washington were both supposed to be real teams from a supposedly tough
BCS conference. Who knew that the MWC would be tougher than the Pac 10 this
year.
BYU would have been better off scheduling a home-and-home with Utah and TCU.
Then, the same could be said for Michigan and Oregon State.
btw, Mike, PROVE that BYU couldn't beat any team in the Top 25. PROVE that your opinion is any more valid than my opinion.
Just because 99% of fans believe that Team A is better than Team B, doesn't PROVE that Team B COULDN'T beat Team A.
It's called an upset; and it happens EVERY WEEK in college football.
Michigan hadn't lost to a current MAC team in 24 tries. Then, a 1-4 Toledo team beat Michigan in the Big House.
Elitist fans who so confidently pronounce where teams like BYU, or Utah, or Boise State would finish if they were in the SEC or ACC or Big 12, are just as clueless as their pronouncements.
The fact is NOBODY knows with any certainty; it's all just biased/mindless/elitist speculation.
BYU would have been better off scheduling a home-and-home with Utah and TCU.
Then, the same could be said for Michigan and Oregon State.
btw, Mike, PROVE that BYU couldn't beat any team in the Top 25. PROVE that your opinion is any more valid than my opinion.
Just because 99% of fans believe that Team A is better than Team B, doesn't PROVE that Team B COULDN'T beat Team A.
It's called an upset; and it happens EVERY WEEK in college football.
Michigan hadn't lost to a current MAC team in 24 tries. Then, a 1-4 Toledo team beat Michigan in the Big House.
Elitist fans who so confidently pronounce where teams like BYU, or Utah, or Boise State would finish if they were in the SEC or ACC or Big 12, are just as clueless as their pronouncements.
The fact is NOBODY knows with any certainty; it's all just biased/mindless/elitist speculation.
Watching | 6:19 p.m. Oct. 12, 2008
I can't believe that BYU fans are second guessing Bronco and his staff. I
am not a BYU fan, but it is hard to miss the fact that they have won 16 games in
a row and have won back-to-back MWC titles. These guys stay up late and are away
from their families so they can make these choices right? The coaches do their
job the best they can just like any other person does. 99.9% of you people
don't even know what goes into developing a game plan or how much tape goes
into it, add on top of that that every team is changing every week and giving
BYU their best shot with players who are also on scholorship and talented and
get paid well also. BYU fans need to stop and smell the roses and enjoy the good
times while they last, because it won't go on forever maybe not even until
Friday
ahh, ute fans | 6:43 p.m. Oct. 12, 2008
Whenever I read comments from Ute fans about a BYU story, I am reacquainted with
their feelings of inadequacy. Even when Utah has a better team, Ute fans have to
try to attack something about BYU. Is it all about religion? It is for some of
them, I suppose. As a grad from BYU and Utah, I saw firsthand how small-minded
Ute fans generally are. Perhaps you recognize flaws with your own team and want
to draw attention away from them. Both teams have flaws but they keep winning
their games. Both teams are highly ranked and getting national respect (perhaps
more than they both deserve). Enjoy this. You just make yourselves look foolish
and small with your biased opinions. None of us is ranking these teams in the
polls, so why tell us about your woes and scheduling issues. Just let the season
unfold. It's going to be fun for both sides.
re: Hard to Believe | 8:10 p.m. Oct. 12, 2008
Alta beat those guys? Alta couldn't beat a bad JC. Get real, get a clue,
get a life, and remember your bedtime.
Utes Schedule? | 8:49 p.m. Oct. 12, 2008
You talk about hard schedules... The Utes beat Michigan... Who lost to TOLEDO!
then Weber State? Wow, not too impressive!
Re: MIKE | 10:12 p.m. Oct. 12, 2008
The scheduling issues has already been addressed but let me add my two cents.
Scheduling is done years in advance, and who would have thought that UW and UCLA
would be week the year BYU played them? Just like, who would have thought that
Michigan would be week the year Utah played them?
Lastly, the who Northern Iowa game came about because Nevada backed out of a game with BYU, which subsequently had to scramble to find an opponent willing to play in Provo. You guessed it, not too many schools, including SEC teams, want to open the season in Provo.
I guess we can blame all the SOS whining by some Yewt fans on Nevada. Had Nevada lived up to its committiments, then BYU would have proven it's a better team. After all, Nevada beat UNLV (I think, I went to bed when it looked like UNLV lost it).
All I'm saying is BYU, as far as they knew had a tough schedule. Stop the whole Northern Iowa complaining because they were supposed to be playing a respectable Nevada team who whimpped out at the lat minute!!!!
Lastly, the who Northern Iowa game came about because Nevada backed out of a game with BYU, which subsequently had to scramble to find an opponent willing to play in Provo. You guessed it, not too many schools, including SEC teams, want to open the season in Provo.
I guess we can blame all the SOS whining by some Yewt fans on Nevada. Had Nevada lived up to its committiments, then BYU would have proven it's a better team. After all, Nevada beat UNLV (I think, I went to bed when it looked like UNLV lost it).
All I'm saying is BYU, as far as they knew had a tough schedule. Stop the whole Northern Iowa complaining because they were supposed to be playing a respectable Nevada team who whimpped out at the lat minute!!!!
Idaho Fan | 11:44 p.m. Oct. 12, 2008
At the end of the game I was suprised to hear several people voice their
disappointment that we didn't beat the spread. It is sad that we are
falling into the trap that the pollsters and the BCS wants. (We value more what
Las Vegas thinks, ironic isn't it!) A win isn't a win anymore, it is
how you win. That is amazingly ludicrous! Please can we have a playoff PLEASE!
Ps To all that booed the team at the game. That was completely classless and idiotic.
Ps To all that booed the team at the game. That was completely classless and idiotic.
Anonymous | 12:27 a.m. Oct. 13, 2008
i DON'T KNOW WHAT GAME YOU WERE WATCHING
The Cougs looked slow, over confident, and out played.
I'm a Cougar @ heart but I beg this team to wake up NOW before disater strikes. We're lucky to have had this game on the micro network because when I see players smiling while we're down 3, something is wrong.
Hey boys, you're not good enough to relax.
If we do everything right, with maximum effert, and the ultimate game plan...it still may not be good enough.
TCU can carve us up, they are a great team!
WAKE UP!!!
The Cougs looked slow, over confident, and out played.
I'm a Cougar @ heart but I beg this team to wake up NOW before disater strikes. We're lucky to have had this game on the micro network because when I see players smiling while we're down 3, something is wrong.
Hey boys, you're not good enough to relax.
If we do everything right, with maximum effert, and the ultimate game plan...it still may not be good enough.
TCU can carve us up, they are a great team!
WAKE UP!!!
MattMO | 6:30 a.m. Oct. 13, 2008
Yeah, what Re: MIKE said none of those SEC, ACC, Big 12, or anyone else wants to
play any WAC, MWC, or anyone not in their BCS candy fed teams. Spoiled rotten is
all they are. BYU can play anyone anywhere anytime bring it on.
BYU Ranking too high | 8:57 a.m. Oct. 13, 2008
BYU is not a top 10 team which they showed on Saturday against New Mexico. New
Mexico missed a sure TD in the 4th qtr where the receiver turned the wrong way
plus they had another TD taken away on a questionable block in the back call.
In any event, BYU could not stop the ground game of New Mexico nor could BYU
move the ball consistently against them. New Mexico is a good team and so is BYU
...just not top 10. I think a more realistic ranking for BYU would be somewhere
around 13 or 15. The top 10 is an elite group and I don't think any of the
other teams in the top 10 would have struggled at home against New Mexico they
way BYU did.
TCU will be tough to beat | 9:09 a.m. Oct. 13, 2008
the way BYU is playing right now, I don't see them beating TCU or Utah.
BYU's defense is much too weak against the run (what else is new) and the
offense seems to be sputtering. But in past years BYU seems to rise to the
occasion when they aren't supposed to win so maybe the offense will
actually show up against TCU. They better because TCU is all about pressure,
especially at home. TCU feeds off turn overs and are constantly trying to
scratch the ball away from backs or receivers.
prediction: TCU 27 BYU 28
prediction: TCU 27 BYU 28
@ BYU ranking too high | 9:46 a.m. Oct. 13, 2008
First of all, "what ifs" can work both ways. Secondly New Mexico only
averaged 2.6 yards per carry (BYU averaged 4.6). Lastly, Texas Tech ranked #7
almost lost to Nebraska in overtime in Lubbock. BYU beat New Mexico by 18 and
possibly more if they hadn't played so conservatively. Let's let the
experts take care of the rankings.
Mike | 9:52 a.m. Oct. 13, 2008
SO explain this to me. They have a bad rush Def when they stop a run heavy team
to 2.6 yards/rush? Ferguson is a beast and NM has had a 100 yard rusher every
game until they played BYU. The USU game was ugly, but not sure if you noticed,
BYU kept NM to only 3 points.
If anything I love that BYU did not use Unga this week, because he is gonna need all the rest he can get for TCU. But that is looking in hindsight. During the time it would have been smarter to use him when NM was not stacking the box.
My biggest concern is how long it takes BYU to adapt during a game. They can beat any team, using the right gameplan. But it took way too long for the O plan to change.
If anything I love that BYU did not use Unga this week, because he is gonna need all the rest he can get for TCU. But that is looking in hindsight. During the time it would have been smarter to use him when NM was not stacking the box.
My biggest concern is how long it takes BYU to adapt during a game. They can beat any team, using the right gameplan. But it took way too long for the O plan to change.
geezer | 10:29 a.m. Oct. 13, 2008
Look at the TCU-CSU game. The final score was 13-7 TCU. Does that mean TCU has
a bad team? Absolutley not. Both BYU and TCU weren't at their best last
Saturday, but we'll see the best from both teams Thursday night. I
remember a long time ago my son joined some of the boo birds at LES. I told him
that we never boo the Cougars. (or their coaches) Yes, it can get frustrating
sometimes. I think Mendenhall just has confidence in his defense. If BYU gets
behind you'll see a different approach. Go Cougs! Thursday should be
awesome.
Re: BYU ranking too high | 11:43 a.m. Oct. 13, 2008
"The top 10 is an elite group and I don't think any of the other teams
in the top 10 would have struggled at home against New Mexico they way BYU
did."
If it weren't for the facts, I might agree... However, here are the facts:
#5 Florida - Lost at home to a mediocre Mississipi
#6 USC - Lost on the road to a so-so Oregon St.
#7 Texas Tech - Squeaked by a weak Nebraska 37-31 in overtime.
The bottom line is that even Top 10 teams struggle and sometimes lose to mediocre teams.
I'll take a 21-3 bashing of New Mexico over any of the above performances, even if the game was ugly.
If it weren't for the facts, I might agree... However, here are the facts:
#5 Florida - Lost at home to a mediocre Mississipi
#6 USC - Lost on the road to a so-so Oregon St.
#7 Texas Tech - Squeaked by a weak Nebraska 37-31 in overtime.
The bottom line is that even Top 10 teams struggle and sometimes lose to mediocre teams.
I'll take a 21-3 bashing of New Mexico over any of the above performances, even if the game was ugly.
New Poll after BYU loss | 12:09 p.m. Oct. 13, 2008
AFter the Y loses to TCU the new poll will put the Utes at #10 and BYU at #20.
It will be Utah at #8 when the two meet Salt Lake in late November.
Anonymous | 12:39 p.m. Oct. 13, 2008
I Really feel that the reason BYU's 3rd down conversions rate has gone down
is that Max has gone away from using the tight ends on 3rd down. In the fist
few games of the session it was Pitta that was getting all of the publicity and
the majority of the 3rd down plays. Max seems to be forcing it to the wide outs
rather than going with what worked so nicely against UCLA or Wyoming. 3rd downs
should be going to Unga or the Tight Ends with an occasional slant to the wide
out.
zoobie 56 | 1:37 p.m. Oct. 13, 2008
I was thinking our win over NM wasn't very impressive compared to
Tulsa's 56-14 win over the Lobos. I looked up Tulsa's record and
noticed they barely beat SMU Saturday 37-31. SMU's only win is over Texas
State San Marcos. Football can be pretty weird sometimes. I remember a few
Cougar fans predicting the Utes would lose to Oregon State after a weak
performance against Weber State. Every game is different. I'm expecting a
dogfight Thursday with TCU. I'll be surprised if either team wins big.
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