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Dick Harmon: BYU serves up turnovers, gets creamed in the process
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Back to reality | 10:45 p.m. Sept. 19, 2009
That's the team I told everyone at the beginning of the year we had. I
knew it was in there, just had to take some time to come out of the closet.
Max is going to make those same mistakes in at least two more games this year - TCU for sure, and possibly Utah.
FSU played well, but not lights out. They made mistakes - mistakes that most other ACC teams, say like Miami, would have taken advantage of. BYU is not an elite team and because of the way it recruits, it never will be. That's just the way it is. No proof to show otherwise.
Max is going to make those same mistakes in at least two more games this year - TCU for sure, and possibly Utah.
FSU played well, but not lights out. They made mistakes - mistakes that most other ACC teams, say like Miami, would have taken advantage of. BYU is not an elite team and because of the way it recruits, it never will be. That's just the way it is. No proof to show otherwise.
Howard S. | 10:53 p.m. Sept. 19, 2009
If the Cougars had Heaps this year the score would have been BYU 54 FSU 28.
Comments continue below
Floyd the Barber | 10:54 p.m. Sept. 19, 2009
Way to represent the MWC Cougars.
Not Ready | 10:54 p.m. Sept. 19, 2009
Let's face it, BYU and the Mountain West aren't ready for BCS - They
may win a few here and there against ranked teams, but they don't do it
regularly and often enough. But hey, there's plenty of other bowel games
around!
It's called football | 11:21 p.m. Sept. 19, 2009
In case you didn't notice teams loose all the time. The mighty USC NFL
Caliber year in and year out Trojans lost to an 0-12 Washington team from the
previous year, which I was ecstatic about. Go UW! That was the best news of the
weekend.
As dumb as this sounds this was a very winnable game for BYU had the played the way they did in the first 2 games, and speed really wasn't this huge factor in this loss. FSU is fast but that had little to do with why BYU got mauled.
The defense couldn't get 3rd down stops, that was where FSU came up really big. Plus the biggest surprise was FSU's offensive line. True BYU's DB's got burned on a few plays, but I place most of the blame on our defensive front. No pressure on the QB, and completely inept tackling. That was due to Florida State winning the line of scrimmage battle. I give full credit to them in that regard. The wanted the win much worse than we did and they got it. The turnovers on short fields were the big killers for us too.
As dumb as this sounds this was a very winnable game for BYU had the played the way they did in the first 2 games, and speed really wasn't this huge factor in this loss. FSU is fast but that had little to do with why BYU got mauled.
The defense couldn't get 3rd down stops, that was where FSU came up really big. Plus the biggest surprise was FSU's offensive line. True BYU's DB's got burned on a few plays, but I place most of the blame on our defensive front. No pressure on the QB, and completely inept tackling. That was due to Florida State winning the line of scrimmage battle. I give full credit to them in that regard. The wanted the win much worse than we did and they got it. The turnovers on short fields were the big killers for us too.
Ute Fan | 11:23 p.m. Sept. 19, 2009
I will NOT pile on the deserved insults only to say that it was largely
disappointing that BYU represented the NON-BCS schools and their ranking so
poorly. I truly was cheering for the Y today but they were simply not worthy of
their BCS Buster tag, which is unfortunate because I really thought they would
be the Utah this year. No such luck.
Poor showing to be sure.
Poor showing to be sure.
Helen C. | 11:33 p.m. Sept. 19, 2009
BYU really didn't get up for this game.
Anonymous | 12:17 a.m. Sept. 20, 2009
BYU's offense is good, if Max Hall would actually pass to them rather than
the opposing team.
FSU has a strong offense that is going to give any defense problems, so why the heck are we wanting to put them on the field any more than we have to?
FSU has a strong offense that is going to give any defense problems, so why the heck are we wanting to put them on the field any more than we have to?
Oh BYU, how I would... | 1:43 a.m. Sept. 20, 2009
...have liked to have gathered my dollars and seen you in a BCS game! Alas, the
usual Cougar fare wins out. Impossible to get up for a big game (except for
Oklahoma), execute each week, and act some shade of consistent. My hopes are
dashed; dreams intercepted like they were passed by Max Hall. And, now I go back
to reading about BYU on Sunday mornings. With Utah loosing, Utah State
continuing like always... what do I do? Oh yea, I can root for the Boise State
Broncos. Ah, why can't BYU loose the first game and not allow my mind to
reach to the sky with its flutterings and visions of Cougar greatness? I expect
too much, I know. I should just accept that each week a different team will show
up. And borrowing the words of the great wise sage Forest Gump: BYU football is
like a box of chocolates - you never know what you're gonna get.
Funny ... | 2:00 a.m. Sept. 20, 2009
as usual, a lot of Newt smack about BYU's loss, but no mention of their
embarrassment in Eugene. FSu lost to Miami,a team that will certainly finish in
the top 10. Oregon lost to BSU... need I same more?
Wisconsin Cougar | 5:27 a.m. Sept. 20, 2009
They should have called holding or pass interference in the 3rd quarter. That
was a tough turning point for BYU.
What's up? | 5:52 a.m. Sept. 20, 2009
The bottom line here is that Utah is no where near as good as they were last
year, and BYU is as good as they will ever be because of who they are.
pennsylvania cougar fan | 6:24 a.m. Sept. 20, 2009
I can't feel bad about this loss. The cougs were clearly outplayed by a
better offensive team tonight. No question about it. I don't care what
level of football one plays, you turn the ball over FIVE times and you will
loose!!!!
It will be interesting to see how the cougs rebound from this. They have a great team and should be able to run the table from here.
It will be interesting to see how the cougs rebound from this. They have a great team and should be able to run the table from here.
Matt | 6:52 a.m. Sept. 20, 2009
To the guy who said the speed was not a difference, uh did you watch the game?
BYU defense was gased by the second quarter. Oh and our offensive line is a
million times better than Oklahoma's. If it was not, Ponder would have been
injured, but wow he shredded up the BYU defense. BYU players are sore losers by
the comments they made. Lost all respect for the school. Except the coach. Oh
and there is a big difference between Oklahoma speed, and the speed of the
players from the state of Florida. Our speed in this state is the best by far.
Watch when Oklahoma loses to Miami in two weeks. Remember FSU was ranked
preseason, so obviously they were a good team.
Anonymous | 7:35 a.m. Sept. 20, 2009
Rise and shout, the hot air is out....
neverman | 8:00 a.m. Sept. 20, 2009
I think the collective Kool-aid that the LDS preps for its legions is not giving
the results that it was hoping for.
I have no clue what this reporter is writing about.
Bronco and the boys tried. They simply were beat by a better team. Max is still a great QB. Defensively, the Cougars were dominated at every position. FSU I don't think punted....did they? 3rd down aside, the Seminoles roamed end-zone to end-zone. The officiating, great- so the ref's did blow that 1 call. By my recognition the Coog's got their breaks as well....more than once.
I predict the Cougars to win the MWC w/ 2 losses. CSU, is ready....Bronco, get back on the saddle- the Rams are waiting and are 3-0 w/ a good QB!
I have no clue what this reporter is writing about.
Bronco and the boys tried. They simply were beat by a better team. Max is still a great QB. Defensively, the Cougars were dominated at every position. FSU I don't think punted....did they? 3rd down aside, the Seminoles roamed end-zone to end-zone. The officiating, great- so the ref's did blow that 1 call. By my recognition the Coog's got their breaks as well....more than once.
I predict the Cougars to win the MWC w/ 2 losses. CSU, is ready....Bronco, get back on the saddle- the Rams are waiting and are 3-0 w/ a good QB!
LaVar the Utah Cat | 8:26 a.m. Sept. 20, 2009
Does this mean that BYU won't be playing in the national championship game?
Time machine | 8:31 a.m. Sept. 20, 2009
Well, we must give our Cougs a break. I actually know what the problem is. It
was the altitude that affected them. This has happened in previous years. We get
our hopes up . . . then the praises start flying around . . . BCS Champs (or is
that Chomps?) . . . Heisman candidate . . . Best team in History and on and on
and higher and higher and higher . . . until finally the altitude gets to them
and, come game time, it all comes crashing down. Like the walls of Jericho. (Or
is that JeriCHOMP?)
I do believe BYU has a capable team . . . but they need to practice not going up so high . . . until the end. And also consider that after all, how many TD passes did Max Hall complete, huh? Not too many other QBs can claim such high numbers!
I do believe BYU has a capable team . . . but they need to practice not going up so high . . . until the end. And also consider that after all, how many TD passes did Max Hall complete, huh? Not too many other QBs can claim such high numbers!
JB | 8:42 a.m. Sept. 20, 2009
Wasn't there an article a few weeks ago after the OU game from Harmon
saying how Coach Mendenhall was correct in his statement that it is all about
execution, not speed. Is that still the case? It's about having both
speed and execution, I believe this game showed that. BYU is faster this year
compared to last but they still lack the overall team speed of college football
powers. Speed is what causes the deer in the headlights look I have seen from
BYU the past few years when they lose to faster teams who swarm the field
defensively and offensively.
BCS dreamers | 9:08 a.m. Sept. 20, 2009
Dear Mr. Harmon - Wake up! Your comment" "If the Cougars run the table
from here on out, they might still get a BCS sniff." What galaxy are you
living in? BYU just lost to an unranked team...AT HOME...BY 26 POINTS!!! The
only reason Utah got there two times before is because they were PERFECT (see
Quest Perfected, not Quest for Perfection). After you wake up, please shake Jan
Jorgenson ("BYU defensive captain Jan Jorgensen disagrees with that
assessment of the visitors' O-line, however. He told reporters FSU's
O-line was outstanding but not that much better than Oklahoma.")
"[N]ot that much better", except Jan, that the Seminoles beat you up
and down that field and embarrassed you and your defense. Sadly, Cougar faithful
we (Utes and Cougars) all will go back to competing in what has been shown to be
a mediocre conference race this year. Just don't say the term
"BCS" anymore unless you're referring to watching mostly real
teams play football. Dream for next year. PS tell Hall to stop being ok with the
loss in postgame interviews.
either upgrade talent .... | 9:26 a.m. Sept. 20, 2009
A note to Bronco...either upgrade the kids you recruit on defense or downgrade
the schedule because when you play the big boys you have to have the players to
compete and BYU clearly doesn't. This game wasn't about not being
ready to play ..that is ridiculous. BYU was totally ready but defensively they
were totally outmatched. So TCU will do the same thing to BYU and I doubt BYU
can do anything about it.
BYU Fan, second thoughts | 9:52 a.m. Sept. 20, 2009
Max showed up as inconsistant as ever. FSU used only 3, sometimes 4 defensive
players to rush Hall and our offensive line couldn't keep them out. On the
other side, our defensive line with a 50 pound per player advantage
couldn't put pressure on Ponder? What the heck happened?-- looks like the
coaching staff simply didn't get the players ready for this one.
Anonymous | 9:52 a.m. Sept. 20, 2009
Turnovers?!?! Who cares? If BYU's defense had managed a stop before the
end of the third quarter, the Cougars still would have had a shot at knocking
off FSU.
Harmon the Homer | 10:37 a.m. Sept. 20, 2009
Good to see Harmon at his best once again. Sorry Harmon, byu should not be
equated with USC in the same sentence. And actually FSU did shut down
byu's offense better than byu shut down FSU's - hence the scoreboard.
Shoulda coulda woulda.....
Jeff | 10:47 a.m. Sept. 20, 2009
Another Ute fan here, but I'm not going to bag on BYU. That was a tough
loss. Coupled with Utah's loss to Oregon, the MWC had a rough day
yesterday. My only comment is that Dick Harmon needs to get a better editor
because poor Dick seems to make errors all the time in his articles.
Today's example is the first sentence which makes no sense. "So, what
happened to that snazzy No. 7 ranked BYU football team...dropping its first home
game of the season in Provo of all places?" Where else would BYU drop a
home game but in Provo?
To Jeff: | 1:17 p.m. Sept. 20, 2009
LOL... Now THAT was funny !! Thanks
James | 1:20 p.m. Sept. 20, 2009
Let's face it, The state of florida has great football programs. Three
schools are in the top twenty five. Florida Gators #1, then Miami, now Florda
State. Thats impressive. Sorry BYU football, you have to go through Florida to
be National Champions.
Reality | 1:22 p.m. Sept. 20, 2009
BYU is respectable in big games when playing against the second-string
quarterback. See Oklahoma 2009 and Michigan 1984.
Other than that, not so much.
Other than that, not so much.
Henry Drummond | 1:25 p.m. Sept. 20, 2009
If BYU wants to get the respect they are looking for they need to continue to
play these tough teams. They expose what is wrong with the team in a way that
playing for a sure win with a Division IAA team or a Tulane never will. They
also give you a chance to show you can compete with the best. Better luck next
time and we'll see you in November.
A Ute Fan.
A Ute Fan.
Optimistic Cougar Fan | 1:30 p.m. Sept. 20, 2009
Is this loss really that surprising? Look at last years results against our
ranked opponents:
TCU:32-7,Utah:48-24: and then we squeked out a win against an 0-12 Washington Team 28-27. Sure, we beat an Oklahoma Team rated #3 (Pre-Season) which will be see by years end that this team is not a usual Oklahoma squad, and will be lucky to finish in the top #10 if they do not get stuck playing TCU in BCS Bowl. Either way, keep our Quest for Perfection Dreams alive. It's not about speed, talent, or scheme. It's about execution and whenever we loose it always because we did'nt execute properly. Just read any of the archived articles following a loss under Coach Mendenhall. "It's all about execution". "I don't have to recruit players to come to BYU, they should want to come her". Keep the Quest Alive. You have a 5 star Quarterback coming in next season. I'm sure he'll help the Defensive Speed. KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK HARMON. Keepem Dreamen!
TCU:32-7,Utah:48-24: and then we squeked out a win against an 0-12 Washington Team 28-27. Sure, we beat an Oklahoma Team rated #3 (Pre-Season) which will be see by years end that this team is not a usual Oklahoma squad, and will be lucky to finish in the top #10 if they do not get stuck playing TCU in BCS Bowl. Either way, keep our Quest for Perfection Dreams alive. It's not about speed, talent, or scheme. It's about execution and whenever we loose it always because we did'nt execute properly. Just read any of the archived articles following a loss under Coach Mendenhall. "It's all about execution". "I don't have to recruit players to come to BYU, they should want to come her". Keep the Quest Alive. You have a 5 star Quarterback coming in next season. I'm sure he'll help the Defensive Speed. KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK HARMON. Keepem Dreamen!
BYU Fan: Bring Back the 1980s | 1:41 p.m. Sept. 20, 2009
How do fare against Ranked Opponents? Does anyone have the results? I think
Bronco should make sure that we dont have to play against a ranked team until we
get some atheletes in our program. I still think that we should focus on one
game at a time instead of all of this BCS stuff. i.e. "Quest for
Perfection". Thoughts?
My Cougars were overrated | 1:52 p.m. Sept. 20, 2009
First...Im not a offensive genius but it looked like we were playing a PREVENT
DEFENSE ALL THE GAME LONG DAY. With everything so predictable, Ponder just went
to the underneath guys whenever he wanted for big chunks of yardage or ran the
ball himself for big gains and first downs.
Second...Where was the intensity on BYU's defense that was there the first two games? I think they would have been beaten by about anyone last night. This team gets national attention and they go into the funk of arrogance and back to their "business like" approach. I thought they learned that doesn't work. Florida State is good but not that good.
I was looking for the same team that came out the past two weeks to play OK and Tulane but it looked like the team that showed up to play Marshall in the Motor City Bowl few years back showed up instead. What happened to the passion? It didn't look like anyone was prepared emotionally or intellectually for this game.
Second...Where was the intensity on BYU's defense that was there the first two games? I think they would have been beaten by about anyone last night. This team gets national attention and they go into the funk of arrogance and back to their "business like" approach. I thought they learned that doesn't work. Florida State is good but not that good.
I was looking for the same team that came out the past two weeks to play OK and Tulane but it looked like the team that showed up to play Marshall in the Motor City Bowl few years back showed up instead. What happened to the passion? It didn't look like anyone was prepared emotionally or intellectually for this game.
Hot Dang | 2:33 p.m. Sept. 20, 2009
Does this mean the Las Vegas Bowl AGAIN?!
Sheesh. I'm going back to not caring, like I did(n't) two weeks ago...
Sheesh. I'm going back to not caring, like I did(n't) two weeks ago...
Arizona Cougar | 2:50 p.m. Sept. 20, 2009
Chambers better wise up. His fine education comes through when he points out
the obvious that FSU wasn't a conference game. The point is that the D
couldn't stop anything yesterday. They had no answer for FSU. They were
unprepared and embarrasing to all Cougars. There is no excuse for the D not
showing up to play football. As for Chambers - hold on to the football bozo!!!
No excuses.
Max Hall's Attitude | 3:35 p.m. Sept. 20, 2009
I have to say I was troubled by Max Hall's postgame comments. I can't
help but compare them to Tebow's postgame comments after their loss to, I
think it was Ole Miss? Hall says yeah its a loss, it happens. A real
competitor says you will never see a player or a team work harder than we will
from here on to do our best to make sure you never see me or us play like this
again. I really don't think Max belongs in the class with the greatest BYU
qb's or the great qb's in college football this year. He can be
effective, but he is missing something.
brooketrout | 4:19 p.m. Sept. 20, 2009
I think one problem BYU has is a bunch of flaky fans who are only supportive
when the chips are up. You are pathetic whinners with NO staying power when the
ship rocks you all bail like a bunch of sissy. Hopefully the majority of you
will stay sunk you are not worthy of the Cougars.
Even Heaven Knows | 4:42 p.m. Sept. 20, 2009
That BYU got scrapped!!!!!!!!!!!
I'm a real fan | 4:51 p.m. Sept. 20, 2009
If BYU goes 0-12 I will still watch and support BYU football because I LOVE BYU
FOOTBALL! We did some good things in this game, but unforunately we did some
things really poorly.
If you look at the numbers, the secondary really didn't get burned. I really don't blame this loss on the secondary at all. I think considering how the game went they did everything they were supposed to do. Christian Ponder didn't even pass for over 200 yards. A lot of the blame of this loss goes on the shoulders of the DEFENSIVE FRONT 7. They played this game like a bunch of girls. They were NOT the physical unit that they are known for this game, which really is shocking because they are tough, experienced guys. That Florida St. offensive line manhandled them the entire game, which absolutely shocks me. They posted over 300 rushing yards, and it's not like Florida St. is this run the football 40 yards a game type of a team. When they passed there was NO backfield penetration AT ALL. FSU's line was the entire game. Also, they were 12 of 15 on third downs!
If you look at the numbers, the secondary really didn't get burned. I really don't blame this loss on the secondary at all. I think considering how the game went they did everything they were supposed to do. Christian Ponder didn't even pass for over 200 yards. A lot of the blame of this loss goes on the shoulders of the DEFENSIVE FRONT 7. They played this game like a bunch of girls. They were NOT the physical unit that they are known for this game, which really is shocking because they are tough, experienced guys. That Florida St. offensive line manhandled them the entire game, which absolutely shocks me. They posted over 300 rushing yards, and it's not like Florida St. is this run the football 40 yards a game type of a team. When they passed there was NO backfield penetration AT ALL. FSU's line was the entire game. Also, they were 12 of 15 on third downs!
Hey Dickie | 5:39 p.m. Sept. 20, 2009
Now go back to talking about all of BYU's great recruits and how execution
is far superior to having top athletes. At least we have 11 more months until
we have to be bombarded by "BYU will bust the BCS" or "BYU can
win a national championship" articles.
Please, please, please... | 5:46 p.m. Sept. 20, 2009
Coach Mendenhall don't tell us again that 3 or 4 plays made the difference
in this game.
Try 30 or 40 plays.
Try 30 or 40 plays.
SoCalBYUfan | 5:58 p.m. Sept. 20, 2009
It was ARM TACKLING that lost this game!
Bronco | 6:12 p.m. Sept. 20, 2009
should not take a paycheck for this game. The coaching staff took the week off.
I would get fired for mailing it in like they did!
In Baseball | 6:15 p.m. Sept. 20, 2009
they use relief pitchers. Why not sit Mad Max when he goes nuts in the middle
of big games. I thought we would see Nelson to start the fourth quarter. That
would have saved turnovers and maybe made the score more respectable.
Is Max Hall nearing ... | 6:35 p.m. Sept. 20, 2009
the BYU record for interceptions yet?
Anonymous | 7:17 p.m. Sept. 20, 2009
I was disappointed to see the pass interference comment AGAIN. The BYU receiver
clearly pushed off prior to the alleged "interference."
BYU... | 7:19 p.m. Sept. 20, 2009
listened to all the talking heads that said FSU was going to get their butts
handed to them by the cougars.
The Noles wanted that game more than the Cougars. Simple as that.
The Noles wanted that game more than the Cougars. Simple as that.
Anonymous | 7:51 p.m. Sept. 20, 2009
The BYU receiver clearly pushed off first. Quit crying.
WE GOT YOUR SOD | 8:07 p.m. Sept. 20, 2009
Several people are pointing out the pass interference call that was missed in
the 3rd but how about the 30 yard completion the refs gave BYU after it was
reviewed. That was clearly a drop! KARMA! And by the way, the tight end
pushed off!
SOunds like last year... | 8:48 p.m. Sept. 20, 2009
when BYU was undefeated and ready to play TCU. Announcers didn't give TCU a
chance- they claimed that BYU should dominate in every way. Whoops, we all know
what happened there! Same thing with FSU- no one thought they were capable of
winning... except FSU, of course.
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We're gonna go to a BCS bowl game!
We're gonna have the Heisman trophy winner!
We have the best defense in BYU history!
Beating Oklahoma was the biggest win in college football history!
Jaime Hill is the best defensive coach in college football!
We have solved our problems on defense and we are not slow anymore!
We have the fastest secondary in college football!
NOPE! NOPE! NOPE!
What a bunch of garbage Cougar fans have been dishing out since their fluke performance against Oklahoma. You are not the greatest gift to college football, just so fun to see ya fall after the ridiculous onslaught of trash talk you have been dishing out.
What comes around, goes around, it's over Yners!