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BYU football: Veteran Wyoming sporswriter amazed
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Inconsistency | 11:57 a.m. Nov. 10, 2009
Senior leaders need to step up for every game, Max Hall especially. His
inconsistency in the face of pressure hurts the team.
Anonymous | 12:12 p.m. Nov. 10, 2009
and Wyoming had a decent defense- where was that execution against TCU and FSU?
Why was BYU not prepared for those 2 games?
Another thing- it seemed to me that by taking the ball first, marching down the field and scoring deflated the Cowboys a bit early on. Why then have we insisted almost all year to defer when we've won the toss (including against TCU and FSU), give them the ball first, get behind first, and put more pressure on Hall. He's an outstanding QB when relaxed, but struggles mightily when playiong catchup. It seems to me that by putting our offense on the field first and scoring first might have kept some of the pressure off of Hall and helped with some confidence in those games (especially when prior to Saturday's game we had never scored on an opening 3rd quarter possession- what does that say about our half-time adjustments vs. the opposing teams' adjustments?).
Just some thoughts- GO COUGARS! (and TCU!)
Another thing- it seemed to me that by taking the ball first, marching down the field and scoring deflated the Cowboys a bit early on. Why then have we insisted almost all year to defer when we've won the toss (including against TCU and FSU), give them the ball first, get behind first, and put more pressure on Hall. He's an outstanding QB when relaxed, but struggles mightily when playiong catchup. It seems to me that by putting our offense on the field first and scoring first might have kept some of the pressure off of Hall and helped with some confidence in those games (especially when prior to Saturday's game we had never scored on an opening 3rd quarter possession- what does that say about our half-time adjustments vs. the opposing teams' adjustments?).
Just some thoughts- GO COUGARS! (and TCU!)
Mr. Hammond | 12:47 p.m. Nov. 10, 2009
Pulling their key players was the right thing to do. Cougar fans don't hate
the Cowboys. But, you forgot to mention that BYU didn't attempt an on-side
kick.
Comments continue below
Too bad | 12:58 p.m. Nov. 10, 2009
It is unfortunate that BYU didn't face Utah last week. It would have been
fun to see them kick butt like that against the Utes. Let's hope they can
maintain that level of play for 3 more games.
Cougar Fan | 1:06 p.m. Nov. 10, 2009
If only the Cougars could do this every game. Or more especially, in big games.
re: Anonymous 12:12pm | 1:13 p.m. Nov. 10, 2009
By deferring, your team gets the ball to start the 2nd half which can be a key
strategy after revising or tweaking your game plan during half time.
Also, BYU stopped TCU 3-and-out on their first possesion.
Also, BYU stopped TCU 3-and-out on their first possesion.
Cougarf@n | 1:13 p.m. Nov. 10, 2009
BYU looked exceptional against Wyoming. I think the players were motivated
after the TCU shellacking and so Wyoming never had a chance. It would be nice
if BYU played with that kind of chip on their shoulder every game. The emotion
on defense was palatable and the offense was as crisp as they've been all
year. Hopefully this is a trend for the last three weeks of the season.
Of course... | 1:52 p.m. Nov. 10, 2009
its easier to play like this when there is nothing on the line and as Max Hall
put it "just playing for the fun of it" now that BCS and MWC hopes are
gone.
Anonymous | 2:06 p.m. Nov. 10, 2009
BYU and Hall tend to get to tight in big, big games.
True to form | 2:11 p.m. Nov. 10, 2009
BYU beats up on teams with losing records, but when they go up against a team
with a winning record they choke! This has been Bronco's legacy since
taking over the head coach job. He has yet to figure out how to win big games.
And don't bring up Oklahoma! That win has lost a lot of its luster. And
dont flame me for being a Ute fan. I have been a die-hard Cougar fan since
Mcmahon!
Crystal Ball | 2:29 p.m. Nov. 10, 2009
I think the key strategy to this game was Mendenhall not announcing who the
starting QB was going to be before the game. This forced Wyoming to spend all
week preparing for both Max Hall and Riley Nelson -- two quarterbacks with
vastly different skill sets.
Oh ... wait ... Mendenhall is a Div. I coach who doesn't need to rely on high school-type gimmicks. My bad. That was another in-state coach who needed an edge over one of the worst teams in the NCAA.
Oh ... wait ... Mendenhall is a Div. I coach who doesn't need to rely on high school-type gimmicks. My bad. That was another in-state coach who needed an edge over one of the worst teams in the NCAA.
Crystal Balless | 3:14 p.m. Nov. 10, 2009
You may want to take a line from Mendenhall and have more class, oh but he said
something about you earlier in the year and your critics
Play at RES | 3:49 p.m. Nov. 10, 2009
I vote the location of the BYU/Utah game be changed to RES. BYU seems to be a
better road team.
Must be too much pressure from BYU fans.
Go Cougars.
Must be too much pressure from BYU fans.
Go Cougars.
Bad timing | 3:53 p.m. Nov. 10, 2009
If BYU played like this when it mattered, They could actually be ranked 3 or 4
right now. I just don't understand why BYU can not play well when it
matters. (big football games and NCAA basketball tournament)
Vernal roid | 4:24 p.m. Nov. 10, 2009
Hopefully BYU isn't reading any of these headlines because they start to
think that they are all that and a bag of chips.
NON-PC | 5:12 p.m. Nov. 10, 2009
Where are all the yoot trolls? No snotty comments today? Too bad Bronco
didn't call for an on-side kick when up by many, many points. Oh yeah,
that was k-k-k-k-kyle, wasn't it............
Anonymous | 5:26 p.m. Nov. 10, 2009
To Bad Timing:
"If BYU played like this when it mattered, They could actually be ranked 3 or 4 right now. I just don't understand why BYU can not play well when it matters"
Yeah, BYU football players and coaches purposely try to lose the games that matter. They only want to win the ones that don't.
They disobeyed this important rule however, when they beat OU just for the fun of it. "Cause, the initial plan was to play to lose.
"If BYU played like this when it mattered, They could actually be ranked 3 or 4 right now. I just don't understand why BYU can not play well when it matters"
Yeah, BYU football players and coaches purposely try to lose the games that matter. They only want to win the ones that don't.
They disobeyed this important rule however, when they beat OU just for the fun of it. "Cause, the initial plan was to play to lose.
Wyoming is not TCU | 7:34 p.m. Nov. 10, 2009
BYU played well, BECAUSE WYOMING IS NOT TCU.
AK Cougar | 7:36 p.m. Nov. 10, 2009
Re: True to Form. Cougar fan you are not. The Oklahoma game was a great game in
BYU history in in Cowboy Stadium. It was awesome. Sadly Oklahoma lost thier
will to win like PITT did in 1984. Also Sadly, BYU played terrible against FSU,
who played way beyond themselves and are also not that good of a team. TCU
owned BYU in that game.
Celbrate this Wyoming thrashing for what it is. Now, go beat UNM.
Celbrate this Wyoming thrashing for what it is. Now, go beat UNM.
Re Wyo is no TCU | 9:26 p.m. Nov. 10, 2009
Right on!.....Plus does anyone even remember that our bye week was right before
the Wyo contest(no contest at all). So BYU was rested and had another work-out
or two to prepare for the Cowboys. I'd bet Bronco also used the bye week to
prepare for AFA and UofU.
@Anonymous 5:26 p.m. | 12:30 a.m. Nov. 11, 2009
That's a ridiculous thought that any team or player would lose on purpose.
I think the problem is that BYU plays too soft. Especially in basketball. These boys just need to toughen up and play with more intensity when it matters. They really lack the fight and desire most athletes have.
Yes, BYU played very well against Oklahoma. But one must put this into perspective. Oklahoma is not very good this year. They may not even be bowl eligible this season.
I think the problem is that BYU plays too soft. Especially in basketball. These boys just need to toughen up and play with more intensity when it matters. They really lack the fight and desire most athletes have.
Yes, BYU played very well against Oklahoma. But one must put this into perspective. Oklahoma is not very good this year. They may not even be bowl eligible this season.
Anonymous | 3:49 a.m. Nov. 11, 2009
Wyoming is a weak team this year so it doesnt say much
Anonymous | 5:15 a.m. Nov. 11, 2009
Byu deflated Oklahoma. Their confidence was shot after the byu beat-down. And OF
COURSE they played worse w out Bradford! But IT WAS BYU WHO BEAT UP AND TOOK HIM
OUT OF THE GAME! We lost to a lightening fast TCU that ain't loosing to
anyone this year. BYU IS AN EXCELLENT team. Sick of all the whinners on here
Trevor | 5:52 a.m. Nov. 11, 2009
Comments about Oklahoma not being very good this year are rediculous. They were
highly rated and they were going to be good. One of their top 2 players was
injured and they hadn't learned to adjust to not having him yet. That
said, it was the BYU defense (Colby) who knocked out their QB for the rest of
the game. This resulted in OU having a bad season. If OU started the season
against Wyoming, they would have gained confidence and would only have one or
two losses right now.
matt | 6:51 a.m. Nov. 11, 2009
BYU did look good. The tragedy of this team is that it takes them a beatdown by
TCU to get "up" for Wyoming. I blame coaches and seniors for that lack
of leadership.
The inconsistency is very frustrating.
The inconsistency is very frustrating.
steve salvo | 7:10 a.m. Nov. 11, 2009
I am glad to see BYU finally utilize the screen with DiLuigi.Last year against
Utah, UNGA WLAKED IN ON A MISDIRECTION.The snap to the running back in a Utah
ploy that I have seen work. I am depicting that thinking out of the box has
merit. GO COUGARS, BUT PLEASE BE A LITTLE MORE CREATIVE IF YOU WANT TO WIN THE
LAST 4 GAMES,INCLUDING A BOWL BID.
BYU Excellent? | 7:32 a.m. Nov. 11, 2009
How do you get your butt kicked at HOME twice in one season?
Get ready to play coaches and players every game. Two beat downs at home???? You lost me this season.
From a fair weather beaten down fan.
Get ready to play coaches and players every game. Two beat downs at home???? You lost me this season.
From a fair weather beaten down fan.
No BIG DEAL... | 9:01 a.m. Nov. 11, 2009
We beat a team that gave up.
We beat a team we always beat.
We beat a team that has 0 "ZERO" heart.
We did NOTHING last Saturday. The guys were celebrating and smiling, and hob-nobbing during the game. This game meant nothing, and the only game that does mean anything is UTAH. And they will be creamed by TCU, so it won't even mean too much when we get them.
This team is supposed to be the best in the conference, yet they ARE NOT.
We beat a team we always beat.
We beat a team that has 0 "ZERO" heart.
We did NOTHING last Saturday. The guys were celebrating and smiling, and hob-nobbing during the game. This game meant nothing, and the only game that does mean anything is UTAH. And they will be creamed by TCU, so it won't even mean too much when we get them.
This team is supposed to be the best in the conference, yet they ARE NOT.
Oklahoma out of top 25 | 9:43 a.m. Nov. 11, 2009
For those of you who think Oklahoma is a quality win for the "Why".
Check the top 25 and you'll notice OKLAHOMA IS NOT FOUND! When the TDS
played Oklahoma they were ranked 3rd with a pre-season poll. Pre-season polls
are nothing but beauty contests. YBU has NO quality wins this season.
Anonymous | 11:20 a.m. Nov. 11, 2009
Hall choking in big games will never matter again. Luckily for the Cougars,
they have no big games left. Hall can relax and score at will for the rest of
the season.
Oklahoma out of top 25 | 11:24 a.m. Nov. 11, 2009
And you think Utah does
re: Oklahoma out... | 12:14 p.m. Nov. 11, 2009
"YBU has NO quality wins this season"
Yes, and after we beat utah on Nov 28 we still won't have any quality wins...
Yes, and after we beat utah on Nov 28 we still won't have any quality wins...
sour grapes yoot fans | 12:22 p.m. Nov. 11, 2009
I'll bet yoot fans wish their little team had beaten Wyoming like BYU did,
especially since they got to play them in RES. I can tell this is true from the
jealous little brother comments posted.
Last year's Sugar Bowl winner trailed Wyoming 9-10 halfway into the 4th quarter. How embarrassing, way to represent.
Last year's Sugar Bowl winner trailed Wyoming 9-10 halfway into the 4th quarter. How embarrassing, way to represent.
No quality wins in the MWC | 12:26 p.m. Nov. 11, 2009
thus far this year. None. If Utah beats TCU, that will be a recognized quality
win. If TCU beats Utah, it's expected... that's how they think
outside the MWC. My money is on TCU btw, and BYU to beat Utah to wrap up the
season they lost by losing to FSU so badly...FSU is a no-body this year, and
neither is OU...
Willard | 12:30 p.m. Nov. 11, 2009
I just have couple of a simple questions that I have never seen the answer to.
Why can Utah win a high percentage of big games and B.Y.U. cannot. Why did BYU
get beaten so badly by Florida State and TCU? Isn't our talent level
comparable to TCU and Utah's? I remain a solid BYU fan, just need help with
those questions.
Grow up Ute - Little Brother | 12:31 p.m. Nov. 11, 2009
My Ute-little brother always whines and complains about teams that are better
than they are. Even when it's closely matched, they still whine about
things not being fair.
Ute-Little Brother, it is time to grow up and give comments like an adult.
It's actually much more entertaining to have an adult conversation than to revert to childish antics.
Grow up Ute-Little Brother
Ute-Little Brother, it is time to grow up and give comments like an adult.
It's actually much more entertaining to have an adult conversation than to revert to childish antics.
Grow up Ute-Little Brother
To Grow up Ute little Brother | 12:59 p.m. Nov. 11, 2009
Childish antics??????
"Its time to grow up and give comments like an adult"
You mean like telling people to grow up and then calling them little brother?
Quite mature.
"Its time to grow up and give comments like an adult"
You mean like telling people to grow up and then calling them little brother?
Quite mature.
Grow up little brother | 1:43 p.m. Nov. 11, 2009
I guess I'll have to explain.
Little Brother
When you act like a little brother,
you will be treated like one.
When you're ready for an adult conversation,
let me know.
At that time, you'll need to:
1. Remember to get your facts straight,
2. State your opinion,
3. Invite a response
and yes,
we can try and leave the name calling out of it.
Little Brother
When you act like a little brother,
you will be treated like one.
When you're ready for an adult conversation,
let me know.
At that time, you'll need to:
1. Remember to get your facts straight,
2. State your opinion,
3. Invite a response
and yes,
we can try and leave the name calling out of it.
Y Never Blown Out at Home | 2:29 p.m. Nov. 11, 2009
At least the y never gets blown out at home . . . except when the play a
superior team like Florida State, TCU, Utah, pretty much anybody.
Love It! | 2:38 p.m. Nov. 11, 2009
I love the word Shellacking!
Been there. | 3:06 p.m. Nov. 11, 2009
If Wyoming is a weak team, why did Utah have such a difficult time with them
during the first half at RES?
Playing poorly at home, then people blame it on the fans? On the road, you have a unity of the trip there, staying in the same hotel, being able to talk to the coaches and other players into the evening... Oh, wait, so many of you have never played a sport.
I forgive you for your ignorance.
Playing poorly at home, then people blame it on the fans? On the road, you have a unity of the trip there, staying in the same hotel, being able to talk to the coaches and other players into the evening... Oh, wait, so many of you have never played a sport.
I forgive you for your ignorance.
To: Been There | 4:05 p.m. Nov. 11, 2009
If you really have "been there", you will know that you protect your
home turf. NOBODY comes in and beats you! Let alone embarrass you!
Either the coaches were out-coached or the players had no heart. I think it was both.
And yes, I was cheering for BYU every minute. I'm a beat down fan.
The most disgusting things was Coach Mendenhall NOT going for it on 4th and 4 around mid field in the fourth qtr. vs TCU. That was a very pivotal point. If you did not score on that drive you would lose the game. Keep the momentum. Show your team you want to win.
My .02
Either the coaches were out-coached or the players had no heart. I think it was both.
And yes, I was cheering for BYU every minute. I'm a beat down fan.
The most disgusting things was Coach Mendenhall NOT going for it on 4th and 4 around mid field in the fourth qtr. vs TCU. That was a very pivotal point. If you did not score on that drive you would lose the game. Keep the momentum. Show your team you want to win.
My .02
Cougar Fan | 4:45 p.m. Nov. 11, 2009
I read so many of these negative comments. I think the Cougars play very well.
I would hate to trade places with any of the players. Go Cougars!
What??????? | 8:16 p.m. Nov. 11, 2009
This man has covered 42 years of WYOMING football and this byu team is the best
he's ever seen. That's so so so impressive.
to: Y never gets blown out | 10:46 a.m. Nov. 12, 2009
- How dare you include utah in the list of superior teams that have blown BYU
out in Provo- The utes have won some close games there (including in OT and by
a 3-0 score in the last decade), but have not blown BYU out in LES.
I would venture to say that it's been less time since the Y blew out utah in slc then the other way around.
But anyway, there you go again with your holier-than-thou, hypocritical attitude.
I would venture to say that it's been less time since the Y blew out utah in slc then the other way around.
But anyway, there you go again with your holier-than-thou, hypocritical attitude.
RE: True to form | 8:18 p.m. Nov. 12, 2009
The only reason the Oklahoma game has lost it's luster is because we
essentially knocked Bradford out for the season.
They have yet to get blown out of any game and each of their losses have been very close ones. If we hadn't hurt Bradford and he was able to play in those games I'd think it's a safe bet to make the a returning Heisman Trophy winning QB could have impacted any of those narrow losses enough to turn them to wins.
What took the luster off of the Oklahoma win was our losing to FSU in such an embarrassing fashion.
They have yet to get blown out of any game and each of their losses have been very close ones. If we hadn't hurt Bradford and he was able to play in those games I'd think it's a safe bet to make the a returning Heisman Trophy winning QB could have impacted any of those narrow losses enough to turn them to wins.
What took the luster off of the Oklahoma win was our losing to FSU in such an embarrassing fashion.
Barry Switzer | 8:48 p.m. Nov. 12, 2009
"In any season, most every football teams will play two exceptional games,
and two very poorly played games and the rest will be "average" games.
BYU has had some exeptional games and some poorly played games, just like every
other team, the Utes included! Which team will win in November? BYU is a better
team statistically but those of us who understand football, know not always the
"best" team wins!
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