Deseret News | BYU football: Cougars practice with sense of urgency

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BYU football: Cougars practice with sense of urgency

West Jordan Blue | 2:39 p.m. Nov. 11, 2009

Im glad to hear we practice with a sense of urgenct..... Could we play with a sense of urgency also???? The last few weeks have been good but I would love to see that sense of urgency applied to big games like FSU and TCU!! That would be wonderful and BYU might show up for big games. GO BLUE

Anonymous | 3:28 p.m. Nov. 11, 2009

Bandwagon blue.

Anonymous | 3:32 p.m. Nov. 11, 2009

west jordan blue - you are an imbecile. maybe, just maybe the other teams were more athletic than us? Looks to me like the cougs gave it all they had, but just didn't measure up. you pathethetic arm chair never weres are sickening.

Comments continue below

Goodbye, Maxi | 3:33 p.m. Nov. 11, 2009

...I only have a few more college football games left in my career...

We (Utah fans) will miss your passes to our defense.

Good lucks with your future!!!

would | 3:34 p.m. Nov. 11, 2009

you guys all just shut up!!!!!!!!

by the way im the first too comment

All I Ask... | 3:35 p.m. Nov. 11, 2009

They had better beat Utah...

Utah-BYU comparison | 3:39 p.m. Nov. 11, 2009

1) This is Utah's rebuilding year. This is supposed to be the year that the BYU veteran team can get a BCS invite --just as last year was supposed to be "Perfect" season.
2) Utah: young, energetic QB. BYU: veteran QB who has not won big games yet.
3) Utah's defense: quick, strong. BYU's defense: slow, slow, and slow.
4) Utah won a few ugly games this year. BYU has lost a few ugly games (FSU, TCU).

So, on 11/28, it will be Utah 28 BYU 23

BCS Points for Practicing Well | 3:56 p.m. Nov. 11, 2009

Glad to hear they are practicing so well. Maybe we should win the national championship for how well we practice. Do they count practice points in the BCS formula?

Lets unite and fight the system until they count practice points in the BCS formula!!!!

Trade BYU to the WAC for Boise State.

West Jordan Blue | 4:05 p.m. Nov. 11, 2009

To Anonymous | 3:32 p.m. Nov. 11, 2009

"Looks to me like the cougs gave it all they had, but just didn't measure up."

Wow easy there big fella. Let me clarify since maybe my comment is being misunerstood. From what i saw and many other BYU fans the big game loses we didnt play with a sense of urgenct. Yes I do believe the players did give it all they had. My point is this, Did are coaches schemes and play calling have a sense of urgency? I would say no not at all. Players do what they are told to do by the play calling.

Yes they were much more athletic than us. But from my own playing experiences (at the college level, just to defend that im not a arm chair guy) you can win with less talent (BYU doesnt have much less than UTAH and TCU just in certain areas on the field) and better coaching. Not all the time dont get me wrong but be blown out twice.

Don't Spit in our Faces Bonco | 4:06 p.m. Nov. 11, 2009

Should we get excited they know how to tie their shoes in pretty bows too? BCS points for that.

(Please don't call me a ute troll. I'm another disappointed and frustrated BYU Fan.)

Urgency | 4:08 p.m. Nov. 11, 2009

I'd like to see BYU win out and I think they will. BYU played with a sense of urgency against FSU and TCU, but was just out matched and out smarted. TCU will win out as well with BCS win under their belt. FSU has sputtered, but their line and quarterback were just that much better. Go TCU, I'm glad I have tickets to the BYU UTAH game, it will be for second place and another trip to the Las Vegas Bowl...

Re: Urgency | 4:41 p.m. Nov. 11, 2009

The cougs were no more physically out matched against FSU and TCU, as they were against OU. The problem is that they were completely outcoached on the defensive side of the ball. We moved the ball fairly well in losses against FSU and even TCU to a certain extent.

My belief is that almost every team we play will be "faster" than BYU and more athletic. Those are the facts. The reality is that defensively, we were outcoached, and offensively Anae has no creativity...except against WYO where we mixed things up a bit. We should pound UNM this week...

Take some revenge on that Lambert gal!!!

The Truth | 5:02 p.m. Nov. 11, 2009

Oh, they have a sense of urgency! Okay then. We're all set! BYU is a good team that can't compete with speedy teams. They will beat New Mexico easily (unless that girl soccer player plays) and they should beat Utah this year. They will the hope for a bowl team that is slow. Maybe they should lose to utah to avoid the Pac-10 fourth or fifth place team and hope for a slower team in another bowl and that is...the truth

Defeatists are losers | 5:06 p.m. Nov. 11, 2009

Life's too tough. We're not good enough. Never will be. Let's quit. Is this what you expected to hear from BYU? Is there anything they could say that would get defeatist fans to realize that just because BYU lost to the best team in the country, TCU, they aren't all that bad. So they lost to Florida State also. Big deal. The win against Oklahoma more than makes up for that anomaly. Quit pitying yourselves.

Or else, at least give us some examples of the drivel you expected to hear from a team with a defeatist attitude like you:

Instead of griping about the good attitude BYU players have chosen to take after their previous best effort failed, your post should sound more like this:

Since we lost, might as well pack it in the rest of the season. Let's just go through the motions, not practice hard at all. Sprinting to the finish is pointless. The BCS is the best system ever and dictates how good we can become and there's nothing left for us. Every good team in the nation will be rewarded with bowl games they wanted, but not us.

Note to Ute fans | 5:22 p.m. Nov. 11, 2009

Especially Goodbye, Maxi:

First of all when we beat you this year we will be 3 and 1 vs. Utah in the last 4 years. Also Goodby Maxi doesn't remember 4 and 18. Also this is a rebuilding year for BYU. We had to replace our entire oline except for one guy, the best WR in MW history, etc. Utah and TCU were ranked higher than BYU coming into the season.

Lastly, what is the definition of pathetic? Utah fans that read and post on articles about BYU. I have never read nor will I ever read on article about Utah let alone post a comment on it. All Ute fans that read and post comments on articles about BYU are pathetic human beings and make me laugh!!

Myths & Clarifications | 5:30 p.m. Nov. 11, 2009

Check your facts Cougar fans.

Check the recruiting rankings over the past 5 years and BYU is consistently ranked in the top 3 of the MWC. Given that, your level of talent should not be less than the rest of the conference. So quit bemoaning what a tough time you have getting recruits to Provo since, based on recruiting rankings, you are consistently at the top of the MWC.

So, with the senior leadership we heard about yesterday we are finally beginning to practice hard and with intensity. What, did Max & the crew expect a coronation this year? Did they really think they could just waltz through practices but perform in the games?

Would have been nice to see what the Cougars would have done if they had practiced with intensity all year rather than just the sprint at the end (which, by the way, I would suspect the players on the other teams are likely clued into as well).

Finally, seems the worst thing to happen to the Cougars is to win big early in the season. Seems to engender complacency amongs the boys in blue. Just sayin'.

This is PATHETIC!!!! | 5:47 p.m. Nov. 11, 2009

So NOW Bronco decides to "practice with a sense of urgency"? Hmmm, wonder why Bronco didn't put that in place at the Florida State and TCU games? So wait until you get blown out and embarrassed twice and are OUT of the national spot light and then decide to step it up and practice harder. Good grief this is pathetic. BYU needs a new coach!!!! The difference between Utah , TCU and BYU is the head coach. Both TCU and Utah KNOW when to practice with a sense of urgency - BEFORE you play your biggest games of the year NOT AFTER!!!!!!!

Keep on practicing... | 5:58 p.m. Nov. 11, 2009

...one day your team will be as good as TCU or Utah.

Good lucks, Bronco!!!

BYU football team | 6:02 p.m. Nov. 11, 2009

looking up...TCU and Utah
looking down...UNLV, Wyoming, UNM...yeah!!!!

AK Cougar | 6:04 p.m. Nov. 11, 2009

I am in agreement with Defeatist are losers above. BYU's non-fans that read and post all over these BYU articles are hilarious.

Glad to know that the BYU team is practicing with intesity. That is likely to spill over onto game day.

Go Cougars. BYU 55 - UNM 0

Chinese Fortune Teller... | 6:10 p.m. Nov. 11, 2009

I went to China Town, LA last week.
A good Chinese Fortune Teller predicted that BYU will not make BCS for the next decade (2010-2019).
The closest that they will get to a BCS game is...in Nov 2010, Cougars with a record of 11-0 come to play a team somewhere up north. But, Cougars will have many troubles...and will lose the game 28-24 and blows a chance to make BCS.

I am sad to report this to my little brothers...

SoCalUtahFan

Spudman | 7:22 p.m. Nov. 11, 2009

Have you seen the video clips on the Coug recruits?
I think we will see much athleticism and speed. Watch out Uties.

Dear Cougar Nation: | 8:43 p.m. Nov. 11, 2009

We are having good practices now and we are having fun playing football.

And we mean it this time.

No, really.... we mean it this time.

Signed,
The Cougars.

Boise BYU fan | 8:59 p.m. Nov. 11, 2009

I have been enjoying BYU football ever since I was stationed overseas in the 80s and I will continue to do so for a long time to come. Go Cougs!!! Why all the trash talk? It makes no sense to me and what does it accomplish? Absolutely nothing. I'm glad the cougs are practicing hard and I hope they win out. I also hope TCU beats the pants off of everyone else they play this year. Also, lets get Boise State into the Mtn. West. That would be a great rivalry for all MWC teams.

To all Frustrated fans | 9:26 p.m. Nov. 11, 2009

Just go away and stay away. It is first and foremost a game. You're ridiculous expectations do very little to help the team or your own sanity. Find a hobby that will allow you to find fulfillment in your life, so you don't feel the need to obsess about the performance of BYU's football team (yes I'm also talking to you Utah fans that can't get enough of BYU football). If winning every game is so important to you, transfer your allegiance to the Harlem Globetrotters. I enjoy following the different sports at BYU, but don't feel that their performance changes my life one way or the other and find it odd that people would become worked up about something so trivial as sports. I do know that the constant grousing, finger pointing, and smack talk from fans who somehow feel that their teams performance is a direct indication of their masculinity, or intelligence make sports less enjoyable for everybody else.

Anonymous | 10:27 p.m. Nov. 11, 2009

I wish the fans would cut Bronco some slack. He's a great coach, and I'm glad he's at BYU.

Part of the reason that expectations are so high around here is that in Bronco's 2nd & 3rd seasons, he ran the table in the MWC. Bronco's biggest problem is that he seems to have plateaued while Utah and TCU have caught up and passed BYU lately (thought I am predicting a BYU win against Utah).

If you look at his overall body of work, he's doing remarkably well. And, considering the fact that he's a young coach, and this is his first head coaching job, I only expect him to get better.

Also, don't forget BYU fans, that the next recruiting class coming in is the best Bronco has been able to get in his time here at BYU.

I'm very grateful that he's our coach!

BYU is second only to TCU | 11:35 p.m. Nov. 11, 2009

TCU is something to watch, but if I wanted the Cougars to model their game after the Utes than I would wish that the Cougars had to have a second half comeback to win games at Wyoming and Colorado State instead of handily winning each of those games.

The Utes will wake up to their own sense of urgency on Saturday. It won't even be a game. And then they'll be talking about regrouping. I'm glad the Cougs are recognizing their weaknesses quick enough to do something about them. Utah hasn't shown me anything my Cougs couldn't have done this season. Tout TCU, but Utah? Save your breath until they've done something this year!

RE: Note to Ute Fans | 12:50 a.m. Nov. 12, 2009

Since you don't read or comment on Utah articles you then you would be unaware how many BYU fans post there. And since Utah fans posting on BYU articles are pathetic human beings, I guess that would also go for Cougar fans and their postings.

Anonymous | 5:03 a.m. Nov. 12, 2009

cougs baby!!

Richard | 6:18 a.m. Nov. 12, 2009

It is fun to read all your comments. Our enthusiasm for sports must give God a chuckle or two but I suspect He does not smile when He sees us turn to name calling. Sports are great for personal develpment of the athletes and fun for spectators. If we, as spectators, let the outcome of friendly contests turn to anger, derision, criticism, or other prideful behaviors, perhaps we have crossed a line, from fun to something else. Enjoy the game, be a loyal supporter of wherever your loyalties lie without degrading others who have loyalties somewhere else. Sports are great! Let's don't ruin it.

Cuts Bronco some slack? | 6:52 a.m. Nov. 12, 2009

after humiliated defeats to FSU (.500) and TCU, all he offers:
1) no changes, we will stay the course--ie win against lower teams (UNLV, Wyo, UNM), lose to higher teams (Utah, TCU, AFA)
2) defense is not slow at all--ie, it is just the opponent offense that is too quick
3) ...we are practicing with a sense of urgency...

Cut Bronco some slack? Rather cut him loose.

PRACTICE?!@! | 8:00 a.m. Nov. 12, 2009

DON'T TELL US ABOUT IT. SHOW US IN THE NEXT THREE GAMES! LOSE TO UTAH AND THE SEASON IS ANOTHER FLOP!

Hall's Last Chance | 9:38 a.m. Nov. 12, 2009

Not only are these Hall's last four games but his last chance to solidify his place as a top BYU QB. The fact that he will leave with great stats and the all-time wins mark does not make him one of the all-time greats if he cannot play great against AFA, Utah and in his last bowl game. BYU's identity the past 10 years has been to beat who we are supposed to and lose to teams with top talent. After OU I thought this may be the season to change that but we fell right back into role against FSU and TCU.

Hall will leave BYU with a few "yeah but's" no matter what but he can do a great deal for his legacy if he plays great against AFA, Utah and in the bowl game. Of course he will play well this Saturday. He always has against lesser teams. But will he step up against top teams? That is the question he has four games left to answer.

stone cold sober | 9:38 a.m. Nov. 12, 2009

RE: Boise BYU fan

There are imposters on these posts (translation=Utes) as well as BYU "fans." It's hard to tell the difference sometimes.

Well | 9:46 a.m. Nov. 12, 2009

if the choice is between Bronco and the guy before him. what is his name anyway? I can't remember.
I'd choose Bronco.

Sean | 10:23 a.m. Nov. 12, 2009

Cut Bronco loose, Are you stupid.
When was the last time BYU had 3
consecutive 10 win seasons? Bronco
has done things that no other BYU
coach has done, 5 bowl games in 5
years. It might be true that we need
a little more urgency on game day but
I applaud Bronco for the steps he has
taken to getting BYU back to a great
football team. They aren't there yet,
but 10 wins seasons are a sign that they
are getting closer

re:To all Frustrated fans | 10:57 a.m. Nov. 12, 2009

Remember one thing here - getting blown out at home repeatedly will wreck havoc with any football program especially when you clearly aren't ready to play. Fans expect alot from Bronco and he simply isn't earning his 500K salary. His pathetic attitude that winning is #4 on the priority list is ... just that ... PATHETIC! Winning is #1 otherwise why have a football program? These young men can learn all the other things on their missions but a football program should be ALL ABOUT WINNING. Bronco needs to change his thinking or be shown the door like Crowton.

RE: BYU Football Team 6:02 | 11:44 a.m. Nov. 12, 2009

"looking up...TCU and Utah"

If I recall, BYU has won 2 of the last 3. Utah wins once, and all of a sudden they are all that, huh? One win in a row doesn't put you on top, sorry Eweties. If you win the next one, then you have room to talk having won the last 2 out of 3. You still have an uphill battle to win on the 28th. But until then, you're still little brother with the bigger ego.

And actually relating to the article, that's great that the team is finally figuring out how to play with urgency and heart in practice. Lets see it on the field and prove it! Hopefully the coaching staff figures out how to START the season with it next year. BYU football was always fun to watch in years past because they were exciting and energetic, even with some of their losses. But recently, it's been strict ball management with plays designed to get 3 yards here, 4 yards there and run the clock out. It's become boring and frustrating, even with continual 10-win seasons. Please, put the heart back into it coach!

All About Winning | 12:01 p.m. Nov. 12, 2009

I disagree that football is all about winning. Among many other things, it's more about entertainment in competitive play and watching your team play well. The problem is when you get blown out, you aren't playing very competitively, and it just isn't fun to watch, but rather embarrasing. It's ok for the team to lose, but at least put up a fight doing it and give the other team a run for their money! Take for example the Oklahoma game. I was in Dallas watching the team lose until the last 5 minutes of the game, but it was FUN to watch because they stayed in the game and kept it competitive (obviously more fun when they pulled off the win after the missed field goal, but the point is it was fun up to that time as well). Every Saturday, half the teams in the country have to lose. Is it too much to ask of the coaching staff as a Cougar fan to put up a competitive game every week!? That's really what we want.

Cutting Bronco | 1:44 p.m. Nov. 12, 2009

gotta laugh at the Ute trolls constantly calling for BYU to get rid of Bronco or bench Hall

it just shows that they're shaking in their boots at what's in store for them on November 28th and they're doing their feeble desperate best to try to make it not happen

after all of the smack Utah fans have dished out over the past two seasons, it's going to be so fun to see them gorging on that heaping helping of humble pie being served up by the Frogs and Cougs in the next three weeks

which is precisely why some Utah fans keep saying "this is Utah's rebuilding season"

it's the excuse they've carried in their back pocket since the loss to Oregon to explain away the inevitable losses to TCU and BYU

Couer d Alene Cougar | 5:05 p.m. Nov. 12, 2009

If the Ute trolls keep calling for Bronco's firing then after the utes loooose to TCU and their coach has a worse win loss record then BYU's Bronco will they call for hs firing???... NO because they only want Bronco fired so it will be easier for them. Remeber when your enemies try to give you "advice" ... it may not be in your best interest to follow that advice.

Max the symbol | 8:12 p.m. Nov. 12, 2009

To me he is the symbol of a BIG DISAPOINTING season. What might have been if BYU could have played with FSU and TCU. Dreams that are long gone.

Re; Max | 8:35 p.m. Nov. 12, 2009

Max Hall a disappointment? What's your QB rating? What's that you say, never took a snap in a college uniform? So much for your opinion about Max Hall, whose shoes you are not qualified to polish!

Barry Switzer | 8:57 p.m. Nov. 12, 2009

"During their season, every football team will typically have one or two exceptionally well played games, one or two very poorly played games and the rest will be average team performances". That's why the "best" team doesn't always win any particular game and upsets happen! True for Oklahoma, TCU,Utes or BYU!

thecatcher777 | 10:10 p.m. Nov. 12, 2009

This is the first comments section I have read since I wrote them off 3 yrs ago for same uneducated, uncouth, negative spew of unjustified HATRED. I like reading the positive posts so here is one to think about when you bad mouth an individual Cougar or Coach. BYU's future rests in Bronco's recruiting effort which with the missionary program takes a little longer to get that talent on the field. BYU will be athletic enough in the next couple years with a continual influx of athletic type each year. Bronco is able to get 10 win seasons with what he was left, now stand back and watch what he can do with his recruits. I see this as the beginning of a BYU dynasty. A coach that can get great performances out of so called less athletic will have more attention focus on him because of the performances of his Athletic Recruits Because he makes them believe (positive thinking) they will become one of College Footballs premier teams. I just don't know how long we will be blessed with Bronco as coach. Go Cougars!!!!

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